Manager of Media Relations for ESPN, Andy Hall, gave me a tour of the happenings behind the scenes with ESPN during a racing weekend. I now have such a better appreciation of what I watch from week to week on television.

I always wondered why when watching a race on ABC, such as this weekend, the reporters carried ESPN mics. It's because ESPN produces the sports broadcasting for ABC. Could it be that I am the only person who didn't know that? Maybe.

ESPN employs approximately 250 people during a Cup race. They use from 60 to 70 cameras per weekend. The amount of cameras used depends on the size of the track. They would likely use more cameras at some place like Daytona than they would here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Makes sense to me.

It takes them two days to get all set up and a little less time to pack up and leave.

Here you can see the fire suits for the pit reporters. The reporters don't have to worry about what to wear. All their clothes are pretty much picked out for them. They just reach into their garment bag, get the color that is chosen for the day, put it on and bam. They're all set. I wish I had it that easy...

We went in to the production control room, also known as "organized chaos." I didn't understand exactly what that meant until I went in and spent some time in there.

Listen, I enjoy my share of television but after a very short time in this room, my heart started to speed up. I thought I was going to have an anxiety attack right then and there. I was trying to watch the televsions, listen to what the folks inside the control room were saying while also trying to listen to what was being said on air. These folks must love seeing people, like me, come in for the first time. The look that must have been on my face...

The man pictured above is Neil Goldberg, Sr Motorsports Producer. He must be able to multi-task better than anyone in this world and honestly, he cannot possibly be paid enough money. He gets many different people talking to him all at the same time. Pit reporters, television reporters, graphics folks, you name it. With 70 cameras all over the place, you get the picture.

If the graphics folks have a graphic they think the viewers will like, they are displayed on the screen above first and Goldberg will decide when and if to use them on air. The screen is right in front of him. I was able to listen to a headset while I was in this room. I was so confused and felt dizzy trying to figure out what was being said and to whom that I didn't listen very long. I am very thankful for the experience though.

Here's a video I took while inside to give you a little idea of what I was hearing and seeing:

Next stop: ESPN tech center

There's a sign right on the door before you go in to "take your shoes off." You will see why when you look at the video and picture, the place is immaculate. Seriously.

When I walked in, Tim Brewer and crew were all sitting around the television. They explained things happen real quick in there. If there is a malfunction of something and they want to explain it, they have about 15 seconds to get to where the problem was on the cutaway car or get what is needed off the shelves in order to be live on air.

I learned very quickly how fast things happen. I guess, Clint Bowyer had a brake line fail during final practice. They were telling me to get out, FAST. I didn't ask any questions, I just boogied toward the door. They then shut the door and went live on television.

That ended my tour of what goes on behind the scenes with ESPN. I am simply amazed at how much goes into making it all look perfect and flawless on television. Amazing.

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