What does it take to change the way millions of fans experience NASCAR? Artie Kempner has been the answer for more than thirty years. Kempner, the creative force behind FOX Sports’ NASCAR programming, has left a legacy that goes beyond cameras and graphics to include advancing the sport to new heights. Even though his name isn’t on the track, his impact has been felt everywhere.

A moment that would shape Kempner’s style of racing broadcasting happened in 2001, during the first season of FOX’s NASCAR coverage. The camera focused on a driver getting ready for the Daytona 500 as the green flag was raised. Under Kempner’s direction, the production team offered viewers a close-up picture of the cockpit rather than just the vehicles lining up. And now, he is running his final few laps before his next big move.

Artie Kempner bids farewell to NASCAR

This year, FOX is celebrating its 25th season of covering NASCAR. It is a big milestone for the media company, but for Kempner, it was the final goodbye. Ahead of the Jack Link’s 500 race at Talladega, Kempner joined the crew of Chris Myers, Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray, and Clint Bowyer for his final broadcast.

Bob Pockrass shared on X, saying, “FOX Sports director Artie Kempner honored at drivers meeting. This is his last race as director for FOX. He has worked at FOX for 31 years and was part of the original FOX production team for NASCAR in 2001.”

Artie Kempner started working for FOX Sports in 1994, when the network was just being started. He took charge and directed two Super Bowls, including when Buck-Aikman broadcast the New York Giants’ upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in February 2008.

By spearheading technologies like in-car cameras, real-time team communications, and the high-speed aerial “Fly-Cam,” Kempner contributed to making the sport’s speed and intensity exciting and approachable for spectators. By bringing spectators closer to the action and establishing new benchmarks for motorsports broadcasting, these developments transformed coverage.

It was hard to ignore Kempner’s significant influence on the sport as he oversaw his last NASCAR race for FOX Sports in 2025. The NASCAR community paid their respects to him on his last day of work, with drivers, crew members, and other broadcasters all recognizing his efforts. In a fitting homage to a man whose efforts helped make NASCAR the worldwide spectacle it is today, NASCAR officials and drivers paused at the Talladega drivers’ meeting to commemorate his three-decade career.

Unlike the driver, Artie isn’t looking to slow down after his stint at NASCAR. In fact, he will be calling the shots in covering America’s mega sport with ESPN.

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ESPN is banking on Kempner’s expertise

This wasn’t a planned move by ESPN to snatch Kempner from the FOX camp. Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, met with him at the Sports Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. This was the first meeting between Kempner and Magnus; little did they know, this casual meet would lead to a mega corporate shake-up.

“As I was leaving, he introduced himself to me, and we got to talking a little bit, and I came to understand he was going to be available in the coming months. There are only 12 people on earth who have directed Super Bowls, and he’s one of them.” Magnus said this to Athletic.

Kempner will be the one calling the shots for “Monday Night Football,” replacing Derek Mobley. This will also mean that ESPN’s first Super Bowl coverage will be in safe and trusted hands. Although this is a big win for ESPN, it can be seen as a loss for FOX, who weren’t able to retain the production maestro.