NASCAR Cup Series

TNT won't give reason for announcer swap

Published Jun. 30, 2009 1:05 a.m. ET

foxsports

NASCAR fans had a new buddy behind the mic for Sunday's Lenox Industrial Tools 301. Regular play-by-play announcer Bill Weber was replaced in the TNT booth by Ralph Sheheen.

TNT gave no explanation, but released a statement saying: "Bill Weber will not be part of TNT's NASCAR coverage of the Cup Series from New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. As this is a private issue, it's the policy of the company not to discuss personal matters involving our employees."

The statement did not specify if the change was for only this race. The cable network, which broadcasts six Cup races each season, has only the events the next two weeks at Daytona and Chicago remaining in 2009.

Thatsracin.com and the Charlotte Observer reported that according to witnesses, Weber became involved in a loud, public confrontation during the weekend at his hotel in Manchester, N.H. He was at the track on Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.