The buzz on the street and in the Sirius Satellite Radio forum is that John Kernan is leaving his job hosting The Driver's Seat and relocating to Chicago, IL.
The Driver's Seat is produced by PRN, and aired on Sirius. Kernan is moving for family reasons, and he is going to be unable to do the show from his new home-base in Chicago.
This does make Kernan available for some additional weekend TV duties beyond his limited NHRA commitments. It certainly would be interesting to see Kernan sitting in the Infield Studio at Daytona for the first Nationwide Series race. That would get a big fan reaction.
Kernan has been a steady voice in the sport for a long time, and seems to have the type of personality that lends itself to simply "directing traffic" as a host and letting the other guests and announcers shine. That certainly is rare these days.
Kernan's departure from PRN and Sirius brings another interesting scenario to mind. If Kernan moves to the Infield Studio for the Nationwide races, will that mean Suzy Kolber will be doing the "top end" interviews for the NHRA coverage?
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20 comments:
What a Christmas gift that would be from ESPN to make John K the infield host! What is Bob Jenkins doing these days? May they could get him for a job in the booth?
It reads to me like he needs to stay in Chicago for family reasons?? Why do you think he will be able to travel 36 plus weeks a year!!??
Anon,
He is moving to Chicago to be with his other half, who has been transferred there. The problem is only that PRN cannot do his part of The Driver's Seat from Chicago.
Traveling on weekends for TV did not seem to be an issue as he is going to do it for the NHRA circuit. But, I am sure he appreciates your concern.
JD
Hey John,
Got a little note that said you might be reading this. If you get a chance, drop me an email and let me know what your plans are for the 2008 season.
Lot's of folks would like to know!
JD
Thanks for clearing that up, JD. Like I said, JK was my absolute favorite host on Sirius Nascar. Dave Moody is far too insulting to many of the callers and he and his cohorts would make fun of many who took the time to call in, but John K was always gracious and let the fans have their voice, without insulting them, even if he disagreed with their position. I'm really going to miss him and I hope he finds a position somewhere else in Nascar broadcasting. He's far too talented to be sitting in Chicago and not involved in Nascar
I hope to see him back in NASCAR in whatever way works for his schedule. He's a pro, and I've always appreciated the way he gets us the information we want to hear.
Haven't watched NHRA alot but did notice JK and that along with all the positives I have read about him on this blog tell me it would be great to see him at Daytona and beyond.
I would love to see JK doing the Nationwide broadcasts.
Chicago needs some good racing coverage; what's there is pretty poor. Sure would be great if JK could get involved.
I've missed John since Rpm2Nite, as I can't afford Sat radio. He would be a plus to any racing broadcast....would *love* to see him back on TV.
JD check your email to the editor. i sent you something, didn't know your personal email address.
btw, thanks to everyone for their kind comments.
john kernan
http://www.siriusbackstage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103412
John,
Thanks for taking the time to drop us a line. It is good to know your personal life is going great.
Chicago is a great city, but I really like it...in the summer!
We will make sure to keep the Daly Planet readers updated on your whereabouts and what you ultimately decide to do on the TV side in 2008.
Thanks again and Happy Holidays!
It would be nice to see John replace Rusty in the ABC/ESPN booth when NASCAR switches coverage to the ABC network for the final 10 races.
I like Rusty Wallace, but I don't think he is doing a good job in the announcers position. John Kernan has always been great on the radio when I am away from the TV
Mr. Editor -
Thanks for the hustle to keep us up on broadcasters movement ...it would be great to have JK back in the saddle, if you will, on the stock care side.
Walter
just to update everybody. right now i'm scheduled to do 10 nhra races for espn. i should find out the first of the year if i will do the whole season.
i really love covering the nhra as it reminds me of the way things were in nascar some years ago and i've known most of he competitors for a long while and have built up some really good professional relationships.
thanks again for the kind comments and your concern.
john k
John,
I started watching the NHRA broadcasts because you were working the events. I have come to really enjoy NHRA, actually more so than NASCAR! I really miss you and Buddy Baker on Sirius, but I am glad that things seem to be good for you personally. It meant a lot to me when you read my e-mail to Buddy on the air back in the Spring. I have carried that with me. Good luck, God Bless, and have a wonderful Christmas!
PS. As another poster noted, your show was the best and the reason I listened to the NASCAR channel. You know how to deal fairly and nicely with people!
John Kernan will be missed on the "driver's seat". He had a great sense of humor and was always so terrific with Buddy Baker and everyone else. It won't be the same on Sirius. He deserves another shot at doing big time interviewing or something where his personality comes out.
I am also sad that my favorite Sirius show will not be back this year. John and Buddy always treated people with respect and as one post said before, Dave Moody is too abrasive with callers and his crew often make jokes to each other while callers are trying to make a point. John was the utmost professional out of the 3 daily NASCAR shows on Sirius. Best of luck to you John. We sure will miss being in "The Driver's Seat".
I guess "The Driver's Seat" could not survive without John Kernan. Too bad that they did not attempt to keep a quality show...the NASCAR channel on Sirius has lost this listener.
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