Mark Burnett and Roma Downey to make TV drama based on the racing world

Power couple Mark Burnett (left) and Roma Downey (middle) have teamed up with NASCAR executive Zane Stoddard (right) to create a television show based on the racing world. (NASCAR)

Television bigwigs Mark Burnett and Roma Downey already have several things on their plate, what with Burnett heading MGM Television as its newest president and his wife Downey helping him in the company as its third in command.

Now, they are planning to coordinate with auto-racing sports company NASCAR to develop a scripted television drama that would focus on the racing world.

According to the Las Vegas Sun, the power couple spoke to NASCAR executives and race car drivers last week to discuss what stories they would pursue in the drama and select their desired backdrops for the sports franchise.

"We have wanted to develop an original, scripted drama inside our sport for some time but have been waiting to find the right partner," Zane Stoddard, NASCAR vice president of entertainment marketing and content development revealed in the company's website.

"Mark and Roma are two of the biggest, most well-respected names in Hollywood. They share our vision for this project, and we are very excited to collaborate with them on the show," added Stoddard.

Meanwhile, Burnett and Downey said that there is so much potential for creative storytelling involving the race track and its drivers, and they are optimistic that they will be able to produce a great show with NASCAR.

"From the first time we got to attend NASCAR, we fell in love with their racing world. The teams, the drivers, the fans, it's an electric atmosphere and is quintessentially American," said the couple, who will also serve as executive producers for the new show. "This is a dream come true."

With 14 regular season races in 2015, the NASCAR Spring Cup Series broadcasts were able to generate an average of 6.5 million viewers per event. On the other hand, their worldwide programming reaches viewers from 175 different countries and territories, and are broadcast in 25 languages each week.

related articles
Roma Downey to host new faith-based show \'Answered Prayers\'
Roma Downey to host new faith-based show 'Answered Prayers'

Roma Downey to host new faith-based show 'Answered Prayers'

Mark Burnett, Roma Downey tackle challenges of doing faith-based films
Mark Burnett, Roma Downey tackle challenges of doing faith-based films

Mark Burnett, Roma Downey tackle challenges of doing faith-based films

New faith-based show \'Answered Prayers\' premieres, draws praises from Christians
New faith-based show 'Answered Prayers' premieres, draws praises from Christians

New faith-based show 'Answered Prayers' premieres, draws praises from Christians

Mark Burnett-Roma Downey faith-based  football drama \'Woodlawn\' set for release
Mark Burnett-Roma Downey faith-based football drama 'Woodlawn' set for release

Mark Burnett-Roma Downey faith-based football drama 'Woodlawn' set for release

Actress-producer Roma Downey reveals secret to true contentment and happiness
Actress-producer Roma Downey reveals secret to true contentment and happiness

Actress-producer Roma Downey reveals secret to true contentment and happiness

News
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul
Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even afraid when the world seems to spin out of control. But as believers in Christ, we are not left to face these storms alone.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.