NBC hires Krista Voda as NASCAR host

NBC continues to roll towards next summer, when they finally begin their long-term deal with NASCAR. The deal is particularly big for NBC Sports Network, as it kind of gives them 12 months a year of at least somewhat marquee sports programming if you add in NHL, EPL, Tour de France and the Olympics. NBCSN has been on the air with a NASCAR show for many months now, but we’re still starting to see talent announcements roll in.

The network announced Wednesday that Krista Voda will be their host for NASCAR on NBC. She will top both NBC’s coverage of the Sprint Cup but also the XFINITY Series (which is the new name for the Nationwide Series). She’ll also make appearances on their daily show, NASCAR America, and serve in some other capacities for NBC Sports.

“This role is a dream opportunity for me and I’m honored to be a part of NBC’s return to NASCAR,” Voda said in a press release. “We say it often, but it’s true: NASCAR is more than a sport, it’s a community. I’ve been blessed, for many years, to stand alongside colleagues who I also consider dear friends. I’m looking forward to this new chapter and the chance to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for storytelling.”

Voda has covered NASCAR for the past 14 years for Fox Sports, hosting the Camping World Truck Series and serving as a Sprint Cup pit reporter. She’s hosted the network’s coverage of the Daytona Duels and the All-Star Race, and has co-hosted every NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. She’s also worked on MLB, BCS, Kentucky Derby, NCAA Tournaments and the PGA Championship.

I’m no NASCAR expert, but I appreciate how NBC Sports has gotten more diverse in the past few years. Now, all three of their tentpole properties (NASCAR, NHL, EPL) will have at least a part-time female host, with two of them having a full-time one. Given Voda’s experience, this should prove to be a solid move.