On March 17, 2025, ESPN made a shocking announcement. Artie Kempner, the veteran NASCAR lead director of FOX Sports, was hired to oversee Monday Night Football. Yes, you heard correctly. The person who has been making decisions for your Sunday races is now focusing on football. The racing community is talking about this change, and with good cause. With more than 30 years at FOX, directing NFL games and NASCAR events, including 10 Super Bowls and the historic 2008 Giants-Patriots upset, Kempner is more than simply a behind-the-scenes figure. Since FOX acquired the NFL rights in 1994, Kempner has been the master of NASCAR. He bounces on an exercise ball in the production truck and handles 14 cameras with ease.
He previously said to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, “I hope we do our job really well, so the viewer goes, ‘That was pretty cool.’?” However, ESPN is now pursuing him, and their focus is on making their big Super Bowl debut in 2027. “We want to put our best foot forward in what could be the biggest moment in the history of ESPN by the time Feb. 14, 2027 rolls around,” stated Burke Magnus, president of content for the network. Magnus told The Athletic that they believe he can “improve our game presentation.” If anyone can manage that difficult task, it’s the twelve-time Emmy winner who has made split-second calls seem simple.
In December, Magnus happened to meet Kempner at the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame as his Fox contract was coming to an end. He traded in the high-speed mayhem of NASCAR for the gridiron grind of football after sparks flew. In a single blow, NASCAR fans are devastated as FOX loses both its No. 2 NFL director and its fall guy. They may not see Kempner on film, but he’s a household name to them. All of the burnouts and picture finishes are his fault. ESPN prepares for the Super Bowl well. Even though Evrim Ağacı presented it as “getting ready for their debut by hiring Artie Kempner,” Fox is left reeling.
Those shoes are filled by whom? What impact will this have on NASCAR broadcasts? Supporters are making connections; some are excited about Kempner’s next phase, while others are moving on from the sport that elevated him to the top.
Supporters see a bright side to FOX’s personnel transition
One fan said, “So this is how it feels to win the Daytona 500,” with a sarcastic tone. “Now that Artie is gone, I’m just wondering who will be able to pull off those big moments.” Since 2001, Kempner has directed every Daytona 500 for FOX, using his skill with 14 cameras to turn pandemonium into memorable television.
Consider the 2021 finale, where Michael McDowell’s unexpected victory was expertly staged while debris exploded behind him. For this fan, losing that vision is like receiving a gut punch; it’s as if the excitement of winning has vanished. Another internet user said, “I hope the new director doesn’t have an obsession with crowdshots panning to the field past the restart zone.” “Artie was skilled at maintaining attention on the cars.” This fan is aware of FOX’s tendency to cut away during the most distressing moments. Consider the 2023 Daytona 500, where a late restart had spectators nervous, but rather than the pack charging into Turn 1, the telecast hung on a sea of cowboy hats.
Their gold standard was Artie’s tight, 14-camera mayhem, and now they’re preparing for someone who might not be as creative. According to one user, Joy’s vintage charm and Bowyer’s enthusiasm are invaluable, but they require encouragement to view the entire grid. The fan said, “Hopefully he tells Clint Bowyer and Mike Joy that there are other drivers in the field to talk about, not just Brad K.” “Artie’s departure ought to awaken them.” After the 2023 Bristol night race, in which Joy and Bowyer hardly mentioned mid-packers like Erik Jones or newcomers like Ty Gibbs, fans have been venting for years. Yes, Keselowski is a champion, but according to some fan statistics, the booth obsession occasionally consumes 60% of the airtime.
When Kempner swooped in on Daniel Hemric’s late surge at Talladega in 2022, his steady hand in the truck, balancing shots across the field, gave even underdogs a brief moment of attention. This fan is left pleading for a director to encourage the commentators in his absence. One fan speculated, “Either FOX is going to give us the best presentation in years, or they’re going to replace Artie with someone even worse.” “You mean there’s no pressure?” Though it’s tinged with anxiety, there is promise here. Kempner’s concept helped FOX succeed with the 2022 Clash, a ratings hit. This fan is hoping for a new spark and fears a complete failure. Both the NASCAR and football worlds are being rocked by Kempner’s move. The loss of one is the gain of another, and the reactions prove it’s personal either way.
