Well, the weekend is officially a nightmare for both NASCAR and the TV networks. RaceDay on SPEED showed us that the rain is continuing to fall, even as Fox is about to take the air for the scheduled live coverage of the Cup race.
It should be interesting to see how long Fox decides to remain on-scene live, and if they choose to use last week's Daytona 500 as filler programming.
Chris Myers hosts the coverage from the Hollywood Hotel, with Jeff Hammond alongside. In the booth, Mike Joy will handle the play-by-play with analysts Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds. Down on pit road Fox has some reporters playing injured today. Krista Voda and Matt Yocum have both been under the weather, they will be joined by Steve Byrnes and Dick Berggren on the telecast.
After the long fill from ESPN yesterday, and the two hour RaceDay program today, it will be tough for Fox to find a whole lot to talk about. Even after the track was dry earlier this week, some "weepers" caused water to leak from cracks in the track for several hours. The high-speed nature of this track will not allow cars to operate at speed unless the track is completely dry.
It should be fun to watch this veteran TV crew from Fox deal with the issues associated with the weather and scheduling. Hopefully, things will work out for both Fox and ESPN2. That network will show the Nationwide Series race when the Sprint Cup event has concluded.
This story will serve to host your comments about the Sprint Cup coverage from Fontana on Fox. To add your opinion, just click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the simple instructions. The rules for posting are on the right side of the main page.
Thanks again for taking the time to stop by The Daly Planet.
459 comments:
1 – 200 of 459 Newer› Newest»Well there is one thing you can never count on and that is the weather. Sun's out as Raceday goes off the air.
With track drying going on Fox will stay on the air for the duration I'm sure.
I think they will do "rain fill" as y'all call it, the entire time. John Roberts on RaceDay was talking about how much fun it was listening to the drivers (I think he was talking about last night, not Nascar Live the other day, but maybe both) so they will probably do the same thing. Try to make everything happy and fun so we'll stick around. I'll try but it is rainy here too so probably more sleeping time than rain fill time -have to save energy for a late race if they have it!
I hope they give us an estimate on how long it will take for the track to dry; my husband said probably no way it will be only 2 hrs from when it stopped raining because of the amount of rain over a length of time. Maybe 2 1/2 - 3 hrs. He's just predicting so we'll see.
I can't believe they made "Let's Go Racing Boys" into a song. Who got paid to do that? Or did DW write it himself? :-)
"I Kid Because I Care"...please it doesn't need to be said every time you are on the air...30 seconds into this broadcast and Meyers has already said it once
John Darby on Raceday said roughly 2 hrs for track drying which is pretty standard for tracks this size.
That just about coincides with Fox's scheduled pre-race show. Not sure you would call it rain fill in that case unless of course it begins to rain again.
It helps the sun is out which can aid in track drying. The race is schedule to take green at 4:15 PM ET, I think maybe an hour or 1.5 hour delayed start. Not to bad compared to what we thought earlier.
I believe the race was supposed to start at 4:15 ET, with ceremonies at 4, so any rain delay coverage past 4 PM doesn't coincide and wasn't supposed to be included with the prerace show, which was supposed to be 30 minutes long.
Sounds like the race will start 90 minutes late at approx 5:30 ET according to what Darby is saying.
The race coverage was supposed to end at 8. I'm curious to know if there is another rain delay how FOX would feel about pre-empting its primetime lineup, such as Simpsons/King of the Hill. It's primetime "sweeps" ratings measurement until the end of the month. Maybe they'll delay those shows and show them after the race if race goes long.
Fox's primetime lineup is all re-runs as the Academy Awards are on ABC.
I imagine Fox would love Nascar to go head to head with the Academy Awards rather than re-runs of the Simpsons, etc.
um, if zztop is LIVE it is raining again...a lot.
Umbrellas are out and cameras are wet and you can see the rain
I think zztop is taped but is being used as filler waiting for the track to dry
Its not. It was taped about an hour ago. I saw the concert during RaceDay.
Looks like rain is moving back in. Doesn't look like they'll race today. :( At least NASCAR tried.
YAY! Thank you...glad to hear it was taped. ;)
I missed it on raceday...hmmm
I think if I have to hear DW say "kyle busch can run 3 wide by himself' again this week, I will vomit. It was funny first time, after 50 times it's just annoying.
Anonymous said...
Fox's primetime lineup is all re-runs as the Academy Awards are on ABC.
I imagine Fox would love Nascar to go head to head with the Academy Awards rather than re-runs of the Simpsons, etc.
February 24, 2008 4:08 PM
Thanks! I completely forgot about the Academy Awards when I was looking at the Fox lineup. I bet the awards are glad for the rain not messing up their outside red carpet event, too.
Aw Granny, lighten up. That line is an instant classic. We'll be hearing for years just like boogity, boogity, boogity. :)
I loved Mike "shows" on the weekends in southern CA. That was something our family did for many years. Thanks, Mike for calling us the epicenter of car culture.
We do love our cars.
The saga of Carl's mother continues.....sigh....rain delay or not, I still have to ask, WHY????
I am SO OVER this "name the gopher cam" bit. Please dry the track so we can race already!
Look at those dark clouds behind JPM and Byrnes!!??
Ewwww, I just noticed the starting lineup crawl at the top of the screen. Scrolling red LEDs are hard to read no matter where they are, much less on this kind of thing at the top of the screen! Can't see it.
Isn't there something easier to read?
Glad to see JPM didn't bite on the "spanish name for gopher" bit!
The asking drivers to name the gopher cam is falling flat! I wish they would stop.
My friend is from Argentina and also did not know the translation for gopher.
It's surprising that Fox hasn't used one shot of the track dryers on the track this whole time.
From the blimp shot just shown there are vehicles on the track. Maybe they think everyone saw way to much of that already this weekend.
I think the Gopher cam is SO ANNOYING, too. How about STUFFIT or SHOVE-IT! :-0
Notice how Kurt B said he remembered it from an Indy track on Thursday Night Thunder or something...lol.
It ain't new fox. Sigh.
and the I kid because I Care...I had totally FORGOTTEN how much CM says that? Can we get rid of him, please....he adds nothing to the broadcast.
Also I think the Kyle B thing about 'he can drive three wide by himself' is a classic..and lets remember, it is a rain delay so we are going to hear a lot of repeats about a lot of things.
I think DW is doing great this year but already am tired of the cheer leading for Kyle. Course, am not a fan of the Busch brothers so I could be biased >:-)
In case anybody wants to know, I found "ardilla terrestre" for gopher in Spanish.
So I guess he's a real Dilly.
hahaha "Stupid Cam"
Ok...I am ready to turn the station with the ENDLESS GOPHER CAM.
Most fans do not like it so FOX is shoving it down our throats. Just like 'their version of the end of a race.'
Wow...compared to ESPN's three hour rain delay, this show is painful. Never thought I would say that...but I just call it like I see it.
JD, so far rain coverage is good. Mark is great w/Krista. Lets see how far it goes. Chris just has to go. Sorry. DW and Jefr are very good w/ this.
Lou
Kingston, NY
Heard enough about the Keebler Elf (kyle B) outta DW last night during the truck race to last me all season .
Naming the Gofer cam??
Yikes....
why does everyone hate the gopher so much?
radar looks better and it is not raining...track should be dry soon.
JD
Remember your column on Chris M that got a lot of flack? Well, I am sorry to say that this rain delay is proving that a little of CM goes a very long way.
Between that and the Gopher Cam talk, I am clicking off to take a break from this coverage. ENUFF Gopher cam and enough CM.
The other boys could handle this show on their own (LM, MJ, etc)
P.S. WHAT ORIGINALLY happened to Harvicks dog??
Good answer JJ. They are boring us with the question. The rest of the show is fun.
I like Chris and think he's funny.
They must have instructions that they'll be fired if they don't ask about the cam!
From the stupid theme song to the endless gopher cam nonsense, I'd rather hear fingernails against a chalk board. This rain delay coverage is just horrible.
It's amazing how they can go 15 or 20 minutes in between commercial breaks for todays pre-race "rain show"..... but once the race begins we'll only see 6 laps of racing and 3 minutes of commercials.
Enough of the Gopher name !!!
Never thought I'd say this and there is a long way to go but ESPN did a much better job last night than Fox is doing today.
Chris Meyers has one speed for this type of delay and we've seen it before. Hollywood Hammond schtick is tedious. Makes you kind of like Brad and Rusty but we will have to wait until late Summer.
Looks like the torch may have been passed.
It is a major difference between last night's ESPN rain delay coverage and what we're seeing here from Fox today.
ESPN wins it hands down. Based on last year I've shocked myself by saying that.
You have to admit that by the third day of rain delays and filler, I'm not sure any of us are going to be happy. I just hope we get both races in cause even I can't take much more.
Please FOX help us get through this rain delay. Take notes from yesterday. I do not want to name a certain host. He just has got to go. We all jumped on ESPN last year. And they adjusted.
Lou
Kingston, NY
Gotta admit the guy wandering around in a robe and PJ's and Larry Mac's idea for the gophercam name was pretty damn good
The poster Geez posted on the RaceDay thread that the jet dryers went out around 3:15 Eastern.
At 5:15 Eastern, Chris Myers said we would be racing "within the hour". So if it is 6:15 before they get started (wouldn't shock me) the track will have taken three hours to dry.
I FF'ed the DVR coverage on recorder just now, skipping a lot of it. Gopher cam was ridiculous and I'm glad drivers like Montoya treated it like the dumb question it was. That was a FF as soon as they mentioned it.
On the other hand, other parts have been good. I did like knowing Montoya went to the movies yesterday and saw "Jumper", since we did that Friday. Wish we would have been at the movies and saw Juan Pablo Montoya sitting by us.
And Kurt Busch was really funny in the studio, plus he quoted Dave Chapelle. Kurt Busch is really likeable when he's not being unlikeable.
And Jeff Gordon playing "Guitar Hero" (video game) while his wife and child are gone is plain old hilarious. Guitar Hero is addicitive, even when your fingertips get numb, just like he said. Jeff your fingertips are valuable you have to moderate your GH playing, heh.
So other than Gopher Cam and not being WAY more specific about how track drying is going along (until a few minutes ago), I liked the coverage. Of course, if I didn't have the FF option, I probably would be saying something different.
Maybe the best line so far, courtesy of Mike Joy:
"This is the NASCAR Sprint Cup series rule book, and no you cannot have one"
NASCAR protects its rulebook like it has national security implications.
At this point, the Cup race won't finish by 9p.m. Eastern....so what does ESPN2 do? Will they just keep running other programming until it's go time for them?
Go figure, Matt does not ask Kyle B about the gopher cam, and Kyle wanted to be asked!
Unbelievable!
Thanks Kyle the best LOL moment of the day just when I was about to snap
JD, I think blogger is having a problem. I keep getting an error from blogger saying, "We're sorry, but we were unable to complete your request. please contact blogger with this error code" Anyone else see that?
back to the broadcast. It is sunny now and it looks like we will see a race soon. I don't have a big issues with close or the gopher. And the interview with kyle b. was funny.
I can't believe that after all these years I've actually seen what is supposed to be THE RULE BOOK. I'm surprised Mike's not in for a whuppin' for just flashing the cover on TV!
Anonymous said...
I don't have a big issues with close or the gopher. And the interview with kyle b. was funny.
February 24, 2008 5:44 PM
I meant with CHRIS or the gopher.
Anyword from NASCAR on the status of the Nationwide Race?
Since I live on the east coast I hope they postpone it until tomorrow so I don't have to stay up all night to watch.
JD, got to admit, although not a Kyle B fan. It was good coverage
Lou
Kingston, NY
also had blogger error took multiple attempts to refresh page but seems better now
blogger says everything is fine now, sorry for the problems.
Seems like KB is growing up.
JD
"Between that and the Gopher Cam talk, I am clicking off to take a break from this coverage. ENUFF Gopher cam and enough CM."
Rain delay has been great here, we got to watch the last three episodes of Project Runway so we know what's going on for the finale next week.
We've clicked on race coverage for about 20 minutes total since 3:30; but want to keep some enthusiasm for the race if it ever gets started so not watching much.
Radar shows some rain in LA area; looks like its moving north and not east so the Fontana area should be OK, unless another band comes through.
They're supposed to do pre-race ceremonies starting at 6p.m. Eastern....which would give us a green flag at around 6:15 eastern. Takes about 3 1/2 hours to run a 500-mile race at California....so probably looking at a 10:15 p.m. Eastern time green flag for the Nationwide series, by the time they introduce drivers and get the cars on the grid.
from NASCAR.com: race to start around 3PM PST.
I heard if the race is over by 7 PST they might start the Nationwide race at 8 PST.
okay, the bit w/the 3 yrs old was terrific "demmy hamlin" LOL!!
It definitely looks like we will get both races in...
Just checked ESPN.Com and they said they are shooting for a 6:30 PM ET green flag. Still no word on Nationwide Race.
Took 3+ hours to dry the track. If for some reason another light shower comes through, its all over.
Lets hope no more rain.
If the Nationwide race does run I hope ESPN2 replays it during the day tomorrow for those of us who don't have DVR and cannot stay up to watch it.
JD could you check in about a NAtionwide replay on ESPN?
All the post-race TV stuff is on hold until the Cup race gets halfway. Hearing they may start under yellow if needed.
JD
I think the shot of Mike Joy tying Larry Mc's tie vividly explains the high degree of chemistry in the FOX booth. You only ask and you only do that for a real friend.
John Darby HAD to know this track would take more than two hours to dry with the circumstances (heavy rain), so why did he tell them (and the viewers) on RaceDay that it would be two hours?
Be honest, NASCAR!
anonymous @ 3:40 pm, your husband was right about the track drying time.
looks like a good crowd came out even in the earlier rain.
Clint Bowyer needs to lose the chewing gum.
You mean they are going to actually race? Hmm...been looking for info on Harvick's dog injury but can't find it.
I tried to get back here earlier and got some blogger error as well...this happens with Blogger sometimes...time of year many sites are upgrading/tinkering behind the scenes. :-)
In case I forget, provided we get the race in, SOMEBODY remind us all to turn on MRN for the "END OF THE RACE."
No sense getting aggravated when we KNOW how the race will end...ONE car, flag man, crew members/family, yada, yada.
Off to get a snack.
they are shooting for a 3:15 PST green flag.
Where'd the genius' at California Speedway (or what ever it's called now) get this girl that butchered the National Anthem? Babies are cryin and dogs are howlin! She should be embarrassed.
Glad the race is finally about to start. I can't take much more of Myers and that Gopher Cam nonsense.
She won a contest.
I just found out the MRN affiliate in San Diego has been dropped. There is now NO NASCAR radio coverage in San Diego. The station is now 24 hour news and talk station.
Engines we got engines. Thank heavens and what was that from Brad Garrett perhaps he is so out of date that he was thinking of Kurt pre 2007 season
I think the dog was born with or developed the condition requiring surgery. Surgery had to cost a fortune which is one of the reasons I like the Harvick's. Down to earth genuine people. Same with the Ryan Newman's... and also Stewart. Priorities in the right place.
Just checked the radar and another batch of rain is over towrds LA moving Southeast. Its gonna be a close call with hitting the speedway.
Funniest line during rain delay has to go to CM referring to Dr Dick :
(you're so old) Your blood type has expired !!
Ever notice that after a long rain delay, the race will have alot of green flag laps.
Lets see what happens.
Oh my Lord. I cannot believe what Brad Garrett just said. It was NOT funny at all. Nothing like the person who says start your engines insulting a driver. Totally inappropriate. You may not be a Busch fan, but you don't go insulting someone because of their looks. Pathetic
This cup race will not end at til least 9:30 ET/6:30 PT you are looking at almost 11PM Eastern for the NNS Race if it runs at all.
but that is still 8 PST. east coast night races start at 8 all the time. why can't it start at 8 Pacific?
There is no reason it can't happen - will be interesting.
Woo Hoo - Blimp UP.
It may have happened (In Nationwide Series) but I cannot remember and quote one instance from last year.
Grab a snack, miss a lot..had tv on mute with cc but saw Mikey's car leak oil already?? WTH>
Anon in San Diego, I FEEL for your loss of MRN..lost many MRN's around here over the years.
Also thanks for the update on Harvicks dog. GOTTA love their loving their dogs. I am a Kathie Lee Gifford "Cat mom" of two black and whites and my room mates 2.
I also thought Brad Garretts comment NOT APPROPRIATE. Like somebody mentioned, was that supposed to be a crack about KURT's ears??? STill not funny...I mean if he and Kurt were friends and sometimes you can get by with that..but that was cringeworthy...and I am not B brothers fan...but that was unfortunate ....Let's stop the celebrities nonsense.
I am shocked MW car has such a critical issue so early. Between he and Jr...they seemed doomed to challenges.
Look at those dark clouds. :(
stupid wiggins clamp
JPM horror story comments...doesn't like them, can't watch them (GOOD FOR YOU) Loved his comment he jumps at cartoons.
No macho man, he. :-)
I don't think I was ever happier to hear BBB out of DW
Rain is a slight possibity in the area for the next two and a half hours, till 6 local time.
clouds are really back off in (looks like) the back stretch
which way are those dark clouds moving????
the clouds in the back stretch are to the east. the storm is moving west to east. should be okay
good coverage so far. weather looks good for both races.
missed a caution
Anonymous said...
missed a caution
February 24, 2008 6:42 PM
So? you can't predict when it will come.
Have they said anything about the Nationwide race?
We did not miss the restart. Got all the info and replay.
Jeff is flying. Hope his engine lasts.
OMG HUGE CRASH!
@&!$^!*&$^!*($^ bad wreck and Jr is involved...mears on roof...CRIMENY.
Hope all are ok...bad fire
Good camera work and EMS
Casey OMG thank God you are getting out of the car
So appreciate the quick report ALL are ok.
WOW..bizarre Hornish crash into Mears
What a bizarre wreck.
Casey Mears wins the award for the first driver to flip over in the new car.
Red Flag means Nationwide race delayed even more. Where's Erik when you need him.
20 laps in 20 minutes = 250 laps in about 4 hrs from 6:30 ET and that would not be good. 11:30 PM ET start for NNS?
ok...not to nitpit but the OVERUSE of the new theme song..and 'happy tempo' after such a wreck annoyed me...but whatever.
I LOVE this DJ commercial...gets me choked up each time. I am such a sucker.
I'm hoping Hammond will be out next to the display COT car trying to figure out what in the world with this car causes the effect that caused Casey's to flip over.
Seems like Jr's spotter said "low" a little late. Maybe it all happended too fast?
Glad Casey's okay. What a shame when his family is here.
Casey was standing still and Sam hit him and flipped the car.
Casey's car did not flip because of air or problems with His car. the 77 simply pushed him over.
And Junior lets out the bomb that will be the story tomorrow in a lot of publications. Interesting that Mike Joy ignored it.
Denny Hamlin said on MRN that the track is still seeping through. Will have to see if Fox covers it.
WOW. Jr upset and never heard him say a negative word about rushing into a race.
Coming from him that is a huge comment. Just hope Casey feels ok
Overheating issue at Michigan and California ??
FYI - you can no longer get a napkin at Michigan from concession stands.
Give a medal to that Nascar official jumping on Hornish's buring car to check on Casey. WOW
ESPN2 has a replay of the NNS race at 4AM tomorrow AM
4:00A-6:00
espn2
NASCAR Nationwide Series Stater Brothers 300, California Speedway, Fontana, CA, Feb 23/08, HD, R
All that speedy dry is NO replacement if the track is seeping....now Denny is making comment.
still no comment from the booth what Jr said.
are you sure these driver comments are not coming from "driver frustrations"?
I agree, the big story should be that they
"rushed the race" as Junior said....yet this was completely ignored.
Well, since this is a TV blog, let's see how long it takes for Fox to address the issue that Denny and Junior raised.
I certainly wish they had interviewed Casey Mears!
I know the 77 pushed the 5 and flipped it, but I just wondering if its too easy to get under the rear bumper to cause that to happen.
And, where are the closeup shots of the weepers?
Perhaps Casey declined 2 crashes in 2 weeks prob not very happy
Oh Geeze, they found Tom Cruise sitting on Johnson's pit box, and now that's all they're going to be showing. What's with them and all this adoration of the Hollywood types? Who gives a darn. I want to see racing and not Tom Cruise and his wife
It just feels like FOX is really "covering for NASCAR" in regards to the conditions in which the race was started.
Of course "The race was rushed" when you get into a crash.
It is always the drivers decesion to start the race. IF they didnt like the track conditions they should have said something under the 8 PACE LAPS!
Reed thought the track was okay.
Ok..usually the guys in the booth will yap at Jr this or that at the drop of a hat. so far this year its been Kyel Busch.
Then Jr makes a comment against NASCAR and not a peep.
Now they have gone to Chris and Jeff..and they are letting the comment go.
I find this very interesting. Any other time they are talking JR at every chance.
i say that as a major Jr fan and I am surprised this is going un mentioned????
Hornish was just along for the ride he says after bent hood blinded him and car would not steer. OUCH
darbar said...
Oh Geeze, they found Tom Cruise sitting on Johnson's pit box, and now that's all they're going to be showing. What's with them and all this adoration of the Hollywood types? Who gives a darn. I want to see racing and not Tom Cruise and his wife
February 24, 2008 7:06 PM
It was freak'in during the Red Flag..get a grip an chill
Casey just said he hit water.
Now we need Darby or Helton to make an appearance in the booth.
Casey said still seepage around the track?!
NASCAR does not check this before dropping the green flag? Why not start under caution until the track dries...that has been done before?
Curious
OF course. Everything is NASCAR's fault.
Anonymous said...
Of course "The race was rushed" when you get into a crash.
It is always the drivers decesion to start the race. IF they didnt like the track conditions they should have said something under the 8 PACE LAPS!
February 24, 2008 7:06 PM
Been to many races started after a weather delay and can tell you in most cases a good number of drivers are yelling on the scanners that they should not start.
NASCAR asks the drivers thumbs up or thumbs down. Obviously none of the drivers were worried at the start of the race.
Now they get into a wreck and its automatically "track wasn't ready". What happended to the old driver who were real men.
PEOPLE I have refrained from talking about the race...but here is my comment. we had 8 pace lap...if the drivers did not like it they should have said something.
now this is TV blog...why are we talking about drivers and the race???
I'm starting to wonder if there'll be anymore racing tonight with everyone talking about the seepage.
Did all the oil dry cover up the gopher cams ??
I HOPE SO !!
Wow! That is going to change things. Nice replay from Fox.
No one said anything while running 8 laps before the race.
I think it woul be terrible for the Fox gang to make a comment until one of them goes down there. Otherwise it's just an opinion based on other o[inions.
I do think a NASCAR official should be on the track and see the condition
agree - may be too dangerous to race.
Fox production finds the footage - we never doubted you - well most of us.
That is way too wet to be racing thru....NASCAR trying to kill someome again?
Somebody, please, tell me what Jr said!!! I had a phone call and missed it. If it's obscene, just a short comment close to what Jr said.
BTW, this race never should have been started. There are too many weepers and that's what caused Casey's crash. If Jr said they rushed the race, he's totally right. Heck, next week is Las Vegas (I'm going), so it's not like they have to go cross country to get to the next race.
Elena DW and Larry Mac get paid big bucks to give opinions.
I can' blame NASCAR on this one. The track was dry when they started but those darn weepers put water out as they began to race.
California has boring racing, and now weepers. I hate this track. It is unfortuante that Junior was in the wreck because we know there will now be conspiracy thoeries this week and fans will be complainging and blameing NASCAR.
What a terrible weekend NASCAR has.
So much for Fox covering for Nascar, guess they were looking for footage. Knaus watching replay on TV commenting "a lot of water on the track". We may not get this race in. I wonder if they would let everyone start over and could the crashed guys go to a backup if it is decided that the race should not have been started.
The FOX video of the Mear's incident will make this an easier decision for NASCAR to finish this on Monday.
How long til we hear from NASCAR officals??
track is looking better. the weepers are going away. the race can start again.
This almost reminds me of "The Winston" back in 2001, when the track got wet going into turn one going into the green flag.
Except since that was a non-points race they allowed the crashed cars to go to backup cars (and Jeff Gordon ended up winning in a backup car).
Damn error when posting again so have to retype -
Danbar said
it's not like they have to go cross country to get to the next race
==================================
Crews and drivers fly back to NC after the race and are at the shop Mon AM. Haulers bring the cars back probably by Tues- swap them with the Vegas cars and drive back west to Vegas.
Now Rusty said his Nationwide team will swap out cars in California and crews will stay ouit west so its kind of mixed
kudos to Fox for showing the seepage!! And I agree w/JD-Jr is very PC about Nascar 98% of the time & he also said on his scanner during the pace laps that ALOT of water was pouring over the track in one & two...did no one listen??
I hear NASCAR can start the Nationwide race as late as 9 PST, midnight eastern.
Opionions not based on fact are not good opinions, as far as I see it. For others, it might be okay.
What are the radio guys saying about this situation?
The weepers were clearly visible during the pace laps, and still there when the race went green. If NASCAR bothered to watch any of the TV coverage, they'd see them too.
Reminds me of one of the first races at Texas.
I deleted myself because I thought I mis heard a comment on JJ's radio that could be mis construed and after I re read it, made not a lick of sense, LOL.
sorry about that
Funny nobody commenting on Jr's original comment about rushing to get the racing started
FOX must be going crazy. ust think about the ratings for this race.
No Insurance race (IMHO)
You have three hours to three and one half hours of cup racing remaining - makes it 11PM ET then one hour but we are no where ready to race.
My opinion - No Nationwide Race.
Funny nobody commenting on Jr's original comment about rushing to get the racing started.
Believe it or not, not everyone is a junior fan. That was his opinion not a fact.
Not all drivers are complaining...mostly only the one involved in the wreak. I think these comments amount to nothing more the frustration. And no opinions should be made based on them.
They are cutting up the track to get these weepers out of here. I think they plan to do what ever it takes to get this race safely under way by tonight.
anon said
This almost reminds me of "The Winston" back in 2001, when the track got wet going into turn one going into the green flag.
=================================
Its kinda the same thing except that was an all-star race, a thunderstorm hit and not weepers and they allowed crews to work on the cars during red flag which you cannot do during points race - buts its very similar besides
Anon
Not to nitpick but I do believe the owner of this site thought Jr's comment somewhat worthy as well.
Has nothing to do with being a "Jr Lover" though clearly you like making hateful comments.
Next
Anonymous said...
Not all drivers are complaining...mostly only the one involved in the wreak. I think these comments amount to nothing more the frustration. And no opinions should be made based on them.
Visual evidence of cars hitting water on the track is FACT...
HOLD IT - If a driver - who is actually out on the track and subject to NASCAR rules - says something like JR and Mears said NASCAR officials should take it seriously and apparently are.
"he also said on his scanner during the pace laps that ALOT of water was pouring over the track in one & two...did no one listen??"
That's what I wanted to say when people are saying that no one said anything about the track. jr did say during the pace laps that he was seeping water. he also said it was slick one or two laps before the green.
I don't know if NASCAR wasn't listening in, if his CC didn't think anything about it, or what. But he did say it.
Tony S. also said on his scanner he was worried about the weeping as they were driving the track.
FOX should have listened in to some driver radios during the pace/caution laps and given us the communications over the air.
I'm not favoring Jr or any drivers, just telling you random chatter from scan all drivers.
The race hear last year was rained out and run on Monday. Fox had 2 races rained out and still ended with a 5.9 rating at the end of their run. -- 6.0 was they highest ratings reached. So we can imagine what it would have been if all 13 races had been run on Sundays. Not many race fans home at 10-12 on Mondays.
Anonymous said...
Getting involved in a wreck caused by weepers is what you have to deal with being a NASCAR driver
This has got to be the winner for the best quote by a "water-head" or short bus rider
People there is no need to complain or bash NASCAR. NASCAR is taking care of it and is repairing the track NOW. who cares who said what. it only matters is NASCAR does nothing. But they are doing everything possible.
Do DVRS count in ratings?
"it only matters is NASCAR does nothing. "
I meant IF not is.
Anonymous said...
Getting involved in a wreck caused by weepers is what you have to deal with being a NASCAR driver
======================
What a STUPID uninformed comment
Weepers have only occurred one other time - Pocono a few years ago. The weepers are dangerous and someone can get seriously hurt.
Now hold on... I remember people complaining about weepers a bunch of times last year...
BUT ENOUGH of this...this is not the point of the blog...
Good thing none of us have tickets to California this weekend. It must be frustrating sitting in the stands this long.
Also gotta feel bad for the track. Imagine the amount of money they are losing this weekend between rain delays, drying the track, fans not showing up.
Buster Auton is one big boy -
Carl's spotter just said over the radio to his crew chief that it's raining.
--KarenB
I am interested to hear any sort of announcement about the Nationwide race. Im gonna tune into ESPN2 at 9:00 PM ET to see if they have a ticker saying anything.
OK folks, let's get back on track please. When the race resumes, we are going to limit the comments to the TV coverage.
This includes the content of what is being said and what you are seeing on your screen.
Everyone gets a chance to express their opinion. Maybe just taking a moment to think about that opinion before posting would help things out a bit today.
Everybody is ready to get this race and the Nationwide race over. ESPN2 is having fun, they have the NHRA in full swing.
JD
Fox wasn't supposed to go off the air until 8p.m. eastern anyway. I wouldn't doubt some sort of decision isn't made as we get a couple of minutes from that on the prospects for the remainder of the evening of going racing.
Maybe this will go down as the longest NASCAR broadcast in history?
"NASCAR is taking care of it and is repairing the track NOW."
Fox coverage of the track conditions is getting better now.
But WHY did no one in the TV media ask details about the track before the race started? They had all day. From ESPN on NASCAR Now, to SPEED's Race Day, to FOX's three hour preshow, no one asked the tough questions that might have shed some light on what has now happened. No one wanted to talk about track conditions after three days of rain at all.
As commenters here have said, couldn't Darby or Helton have stopped by the booth and confirmed that the track conditions were race-ready? It looked wet in parts from the moment they went off pit road.
"Weepers have only occurred one other time - Pocono a few years ago. The weepers are dangerous and someone can get seriously hurt.
February 24, 2008 7:37 PM"
That's incorrect.
"Reminds me of one of the first races at Texas.
February 24, 2008 7:24 PM"
Correct. David Poole said Bill France Jr ripped Bruton Smith for those weepers at Texas in 1998 and threatened to take their only race date from him because of that mess at Texas.
But this is a France-owned track, can't punish them that way.
Longest broadcast I can remember was the 1998 Atlanta race, which ESPN did...was supposed to take the green at 12:30p.m. Eastern and 10:00p.m. eastern they decided to call the race.
Wow, Morgan Shepherd on skates!
Good time to enjoy NHRA and Wind Tunnel this evening
Radar showing rain in the area but drivers back in the car. This is a mess how much more can Fox handle, these guys are going to be speechless soon
Those of you who are in LA or at the track, what is the weather doing? Thanks.
They just said Mike Helton did visit the booth.
Good thing Fox has nothing but reruns on tonight. Otherwise, I'd bet they would have bounced this over to Fx.
According to Carl's spotter, it's been raining in Turn 4.
--Karen B
OK a question I have wanted to ask and maybe Mr Daly knows.
What cable network (if any) does a race move (from FOX television network) to if rained out? Last poster says FX and maybe that is correct but I just don't know.
No rain right now at the track
ITs obvivously a very light shower at the track because the sun is out. Just sprinkles.
Almost 4.5 hours of coverage and they haven't taken the easy way out and started showing " last years race".
tip of the hat to the TV crew. Tough job doing all of this.
Good question. In the past, it was F/X because SPEED was not owned by Fox Cable Networks.
Now, SPEED is the primary option. This would be a tough sell, as every ad has been sold for broadcast TV nationwide, and not cable.
It should be interesting to see how it all plays out. That is the reason I asked about the weather. Good to know great minds think alike.
JD
Allstate good hands too bad the logo covered the reason for the good hands oops
Nice job covering up the Truex replay with the graphic.
Last year rain delays were shown on FOX proper on Monday, at least by my affiliate.
Did they show Mike Helton on camera? If not, why not? Why wouldn't he appear on camera in such a situation?
I'm not in Los Angeles, so their answers will be more accurate, but radar shows rain very close by Ontario. Looks like the bulk of it will miss the area and track if it stays on present course, but you never know. Looks like the last batch for a while.
HAHA! The Allstate Good Hands logo covered up Truex missing Junior during the wreck!
If I remember correctly the Fox Monday rain out specials from last year, they were simulcast on Speed and left to the discretion of local Fox affiliates as to whether to pre-empt the weekday schedule.
If I also recall, the News Corp owned and operateds did take the race.
JD, I believe, as part of the new contract, if the race is moved to Monday, it would air on FOX not SPEED. And all affiliates are required to carry it.
My Fox affiliate showed both races on Fox. One was like 10am and the other was later, maybe noon or 1pm
Ticker on ESPN that is running right now says that the Nationwide race will start 1 hour after the Sprint race finishes, with TV coverage starting at 10 PM on ESPN2. I doubt that will happen, but that's what ESPN is saying for now.
someone said
If I also recall, the News Corp owned and operateds did take the race.
==========================
Not in New York City - and its obliviously O&O by News Corp.
spotter=sprinkles
So Fox is going to lose their entire East Coast airing of prime time programming.
It should be interesting to see if the Nationwide race is carried by ESPN2 at 12:30 or 1AM Eastern Time.
I have an old fashioned tv and all these driver graphics are covering the LOWER THIRD of my screen? when they are up
In car cams same way...is this something new to make GIANT graphics??
depending where the car is at, it's covering the car.
Ok..it's when they show driver stats it takes up so much room but Mercy!
My room mate commented the graphic that covered Truex car earlier...i was getting my dinner on a plate and missed that mis cue.
JD-
Great minds again. What does the contract with Disney say about live coverage of Nationwide races at extremely peculiar hours?
I remember when ESPN did live coverage of F1 races in Japan at 2 AM ET, but that was like Bob Varsha and an analyst using images fed in from a Japanese TV station.
This would require a totally different level of attention, and lots of overtime in Bristol.
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