Brad Coleman to serve as ESPN in-race reporter at Gateway

Young driver to give fans an insider’s perspective during the race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 16, 2010) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brad Coleman will put his journalism skills to work in this weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Raceway, serving as the In-Race Reporter on ESPN2’s telecast.

Coleman, 22, will have the chance to interact with ESPN2 anchor Dave Burns, as well as analysts Rusty Wallace and Ricky Craven while piloting the No. 18 SafeWay Driving Centers Toyota. JGR crew chief Jason Ratcliff will be sharing his insight from the pit box as well.

This will be the first time Coleman has served as in-race reporter.

“This is going to be pretty fun,” Coleman said. “I normally only talk to my crew chief and spotter during the race, but to be able to explain to fans what’s going on with my car and the track should help them understand things a little better from a driver’s perspective."

"I am looking forward to the interaction but one thing’s for sure, I won’t pull any punches. And maybe I’ll even throw in a few driving tips.”

Coleman is part owner and spokesperson of SafeWay Driving Centers, one of the largest driving schools in Texas. SafeWay is a drivers education school that helps license and train teen-age and adult drivers.

"My 70 driving instructors are always teaching kids not to drive with distractions, you know, like talking on the cell phone or texting while driving. I am going to use this opportunity to get that message out to teens all across the country."

Race fans can submit a question for Coleman and Ratcliff to be asked on the air during the broadcast. To submit a question, log on to http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/mailbag/_/id/16026

Coleman brings a lot of momentum to Gateway and will be making his fourth start of the Nationwide Series season. He has qualified and raced consistently well, posting an average finish of 8.3 in his first three races, including a pair of sixth-place finishes. So ESPN2 broadcasters and fans should get a bird’s-eye view of the front of the field.

“I hope everyone in America gets a chance to see what it’s like to run in clean air,” Coleman said. “I’d love to be able to take them to Victory Lane.”