On January 25, 2006, it was announced that Rusty would cover auto racing events for ESPN and ABC. Despite Rusty's lack of open-wheel racing experience, his assignments began with the IndyCar Series and included the Indianapolis 500 (in a perhaps forgivable lapse, he described a thrilling battle on the last lap as "The most exciting Daytona 500 ever!"). He joined the NASCAR broadcasting team for both networks when they started coverage of the sport in 2007.^[6] He signed a six year deal with ESPN in 2006. Rusty also returned to commentate for the 2007 Indy 500. He also co-hosts the syndicated program, NASCAR Angels with Shannon Wiseman.