Speedvision officials have received over 40,000 e-mails and petition signatures against turning the cable TV channel into a NASCAR-only station, and apparently the message has been getting through.

There has not yet been an announcement regarding the fate of motorcycle racing on the channel, and officials acknowledge that NASCAR programming may take up to 50 percent of Speedvision air time next year. But, the officials are quick to point out, that still leaves a lot of air time to be filled, air time that currently includes shows covering lawnmower races, historic airplanes and boat maintenance, for example.

The channel has just done a deal to cover CART car races and is committed to continuing Formula One car coverage, and Formula One announcer Bob Varsha made the point during today’s coverage of Formula One qualifying from Hungary that Speedvision will continue F-1 coverage next year.

On the other hand, Formula USA representatives seeking a Speedvision TV deal have been rebuffed on the basis that the channel has plenty of road racing already.

It is unknown whether increased NASCAR coverage on Speedvision will impact coverage of AMA and World Championship motorcycle road racing in the future.

Stay tuned.