Sunday, March 16, 2008

In-Progress At Bristol, TN: Sprint Cup Race on Fox Sports


The weather is clearing, and the NASCAR on Fox gang is ready for live coverage of the day race from Bristol, TN.

Chris Myers will host the pre-race coverage from the Hollywood Hotel with Jeff Hammond and Darrell Waltrip alongside. Waltrip will then move up into the booth with Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds.

Down on pit road will be Krista Voda, Matt Yocum, Steve Byrnes and Dick Berggren. This is the most experienced pit road team in NASCAR TV.

Issues for fans to look for include the integration of the "Digger" cam into the broadcast. Also, this is a fast track and getting caught in commercial during a restart, especially after a "quickie yellow," is a real possibility.

Look for Fox to continue to use the dreaded "quad split" that shows four video boxes during pit stops. The positive and negative issues associated with this effect have been debated here for weeks.

Bristol is also very loud, and it is tough for the pit reporters to hear once the race is underway. The NASCAR on Fox Pit Producer is a multiple Emmy Award winner, and watching the integration between the pits and the booth announcers should be interesting.

Finally, the finish of this race last season was a disaster. The Fox Director chose to show only the winning car, despite the fact that a gaggle of top names in the sport were right behind him and crashing into each other coming to the stripe. Watching a tired Fox team decide how to cover the finish of this race after more than four hours of being on the air live should be something to pay attention to as a fan and TV viewer.

Please feel free to add the elements that you feel viewers should be watching for, and what you would like to see changed or improved. Feedback from your comments has been very effective in helping to motivate changes in the TV coverage of the sport.

To add your TV-related comment, please click on the COMMENTS button below and then follow the easy instructions. The rules for posting are on the right side of the main page, and the comments section will be moderated during this discussion.

Thanks again for stopping by The Daly Planet, please email editor@thedalyplanet.tv if you need to pass along any information or ask any questions.

280 comments:

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Anonymous said...

Hey guys as a member of the TV compound I am tired and ready for an off weekend. The Fox guys have been hard at work since the Super Bowl and the rest of the compound as been working since Speedweeks. We are just ready after all the back and forth across the country and weather delays to get one weekend off and rest.

Newracefan said...

The excitement comes from 3 guys in the booth, we really only have 2. Not to mention DW can elevate the excitement all on his own. It's still a good race

bevo said...

tripp-

"muddy" sound, gopher jumping down, just using me imagination :)

stricklinfan82 said...

anon in the TV compound,

Thanks for all of the hard work you guys have done all year long. I hope you all have a great holiday and enjoy the weekend off!

By the way, can you please make sure you show the top 35 in owner's points graphic after the race and make sure someone interviews DJ if at all possible? :)

Thanks guys!

Tripp said...

anon @4:52... I bet you all are pretty beat. Enjoy the week off and we'll look forward to more of your good stuff in a fortnight.

Newracefan said...

Strick your a riot

Tripp said...

bevo... ahhhhh, you had me.

Wouldn't be surprised that with all the rain that the gopher cams ARE mounted in mud.

Anonymous said...

With 40 to go - the #26 is 40 laps behind the #5...so he is going to finish 43rd...he will need HELP!!

bevo said...

If yall wanted an exciting race today you should have watched the F1 this morning. Cars crashing all over the place, pit crew guys run over, stupid driver tricks.

Also catch the drag races tonight, Cruz Pedregon blew up big time. He's fine, throttle stuck at the end of his run.

stricklinfan82 said...

With 40 to go - the #26 is 40 laps behind the #5...so he is going to finish 43rd...he will need HELP!!

Yep, McMurray needs Hornish to finish 31st or worse or have the 55, 44, 96, or 70 fall out very very soon or he's in the danger zone. It's gonna be tight.

Unknown said...

25 laps left - 6 minutes - lets burn 2 on commercials? What is wrong FOX?

BillWebz

stricklinfan82 said...

48 on pit road. Flat tire.

Anonymous said...

WHY COMMERCIAL WITH 25 TO GO! THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

anonymous said...
Hey guys as a member of the TV compound I am tired and ready for an off weekend.

see, guys, the men & women in the tv compound really are human, too! they've been bustin' butt at a notoriously tough track all day and i think they're doing a great job! sure, those of sitting at home watching them work can complain about what we have the luxury to ponder and question. but bottom line is they're doing a terrific job.

(and no complaints about these commercial runs right now -- they make uninterrupted end-of-race coverage possible.)

to anon and tv guy and all the rest: many thanks from this fan!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

stricklinfan82 said...
48 on pit road. Flat tire.

March 16, 2008 5:03 PM

????????????

stricklinfan82 said...

I saw the 48 pull onto pit road watching Hotpass. Tony Stewart's spotter shouted to watch the 48, he's got a flat tire.

I can't believe Fox completely missed it!

Anonymous said...

DW has no business being in the booth with his condition. Very unprofessional.

Anonymous said...

THIS IS GONNA BE A GREAT FINISH!!

Anonymous said...

DW has no business being in the booth with his condition. Very unprofessional.

Gotta disagree. This happend before with Buddy Baker on CBS.

Newracefan said...

Took right sides only and is now 2 laps down. Was losing air according to Chad he'll finish somewhere in the top 20 but that't it

Anonymous said...

OMG what a race!

stricklinfan82 said...

Fox production truck,

You might wanna keep a camera on the 20 car after the race, there might be some fireworks after this one!

Anonymous said...

If FOX stays on. Wewill get an extended post race. My TV says they are on the air until 6:00 PM

Unknown said...

New name for the GWC, Overdrive???? Gopher Cam, OverDrive, Lucky Dog? WHY?

BillWebz

Anonymous said...

they called it overdrive last year too. Nothing new.

stricklinfan82 said...

Carl Edwards blew up or something on the restart too, just like Hamlin. Fox sure missed a lot these last few laps when you consider the 48's green flag stop that was also ignored.

Unknown said...

Didnt hear it last year - must have been too into the race last year to notice the comments of the announcers. Todays race and broadcast was so horrible I noticed the inane things.

BillWebz

Anonymous said...

Carl Edwards blew up or something on the restart too, just like Hamlin. Fox sure missed a lot these last few laps when you consider the 48's green flag stop that was also ignored.

Actually FOX mentioned it as it happend.

Anonymous said...

I know he's done it before, but was there no mention of Jeff Burton's "Polish victory lap"?

By my count, it's 15 years since we lost Alan Kulwicki before this spring race at Bristol.

Anonymous said...

That should make for an interesting Tony Stewart live on Sirius Monday night, with Harvick doing that thing where they're going to wax Tony's back. LOL

Anonymous said...

What time do the press conferences start on ESPNEWS?

bevo said...

They decided not to talk to Stewart on HotPass, they've got a camera following him

stricklinfan82 said...

Actually FOX mentioned it as it happend.

I must've missed that, my fault then. Thanks for the correction!

Ken-Michigan said...

Career win # 20 for Burton

Newracefan said...

Jimmie also had issue too but it didn't change his position any. Must be something with the pickup and the extreme banking but since I can't even change my own oil don't hold me to it

Ken-Michigan said...

Stewart - Kyle Busch

2 interviews i wanna hear

stricklinfan82 said...

Isn't Kevin Harvick hosting Tony Stewart's radio show tomorrow as they do "Opeation Wax Smoke"? I wish I had Sirius cause that will be VERY interesting, LOL.

Tripp said...

Been a while since I've seen the polish victory lap. I too am surprised that Fox didn't mention it.

Nice old-school move by Burton.

Newracefan said...

Sure give us the moster moment and cover it up with the grapic. This isn't the first time that has happened

Newracefan said...

Burton always does the polish victory lap

Anonymous said...

COME ON BYRNES!!!!
You have to tell Tony that Harvick said he lost it!!!

Thats TERRIBLE REPORTING!!!

Anonymous said...

Stupid question by Burns. What an idiot.

Anonymous said...

Tony would have have ripped the head off a ABC?ESPN reporter for asking that question

Anonymous said...

COME ON BYRNES!!!!
You have to tell Tony that Harvick said he lost it!!!

Thats TERRIBLE REPORTING!!!


Tony was not in the mood to talk. It would have been the wrong time to say something like that.

Ken-Michigan said...

Steve Byrnes might have been on tape with Tony Stewart - therefore, Byrnes never knew what Harvick said

Anonymous said...

Ken-Michigan said...
Steve Byrnes might have been on tape with Tony Stewart - therefore, Byrnes never knew what Harvick said

March 16, 2008 5:29 PM

That would be the case!!!

Anonymous said...

Ken - you are right, I think Tony's interview was taped before the Harvick interview. We saw it on Hotpass.

Tripp said...

Nice recap from the hotel.

Haus14 said...

my kind of race...just over three hours and done.

Tripp said...

They need to hit the Kahne story. Came back from a lap down (I think) and worked all the way up to 7th. Not a peep about Kasey during the last fifth of the race

Daly Planet Editor said...

There is now a new post up that will allow fans and readers to post their views and thoughts about the programs and ESPNEWS coverage after the Cup race is over.

There is a big line-up on SPEED, and live coverage on ESPNEWS that began this year.

Let's see how it works!

JD

Sophia said...

OMG!! Bowyer reminded us tomorrow is when HARVICK is going to wax Stewart's back...better bring boxing gloves Bowyer said, Yikes.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if DJ wanted to gather himself with the emotion, I'm sure, he is feeling in his last points race.
As for interviewing Tony, I think most reporters, especially Fox's, have learned to back off a possible eruption and live to interview another day. It is a long season and I think if you get Tony on your bad side he will not be cooperative for a long time. JMO

Newracefan said...

OK last 15 minutes do the top 35 and perhaps an interview with MWR drivers who are all inside and not to mention DJ but with the run he had he might have left quickly not to mention the emotional aspects

stricklinfan82 said...

I'm sorry but I left the TV for a few minutes. Has Fox told us yet who's in/out of the top 35 or interviewed Dale Jarrett yet?

Tripp said...

"Radio Remix" was a real waste of time. Couldn't understand a thing.

Tripp said...

Not yet

stricklinfan82 said...

I guess I came back at the perfect time.

Thank you very much Fox for finally speaking out against these BS point swaps! I cried out for this earlier this week and Fox definitely delivered. Hopefully we'll see similar comments on the NASCAR Now roundtable tomorrow as well.

Thank you as well for interviewing Dale Jarrett!

Newracefan said...

Now that was perfect. Top 35 DJ Campion provisional point swaps (please don't). Great ending

Sophia said...

Finally a short interview with Dale Jarrett...and what was said at the drivers meeting.

short and sweet with krista.


On another note..>Jamie McMurray..karma is a bear...you arrogantly dismissed on NN the top 35 saying it had never been a problem for you so you never think about it. HA.

Think again in a couple of weeks after what I just heard on Fox!!

Anonymous said...

How nice that Krista got to interview DJ. If I remember right when she started her Nascar broadcasting career on Totally Nascar DJ was her very first interview which took place at his carity golf tournament. Thanks DJ for being a beacon for Nascar respectiblity.

Anonymous said...

SophiaZ123 said...

On another note..>Jamie McMurray..karma is a bear...you arrogantly dismissed on NN the top 35 saying it had never been a problem for you so you never think about it. HA.

---
I hope AB pulls that out for the round table tomorrow. Rusty should have a good time with it.

Anonymous said...

After watching the race about 1/4 in, find listening to DW annoying - just keep him off the air til his voice returns. The race wasn't the crashfest it usually is but a good broadcast from FOX.

Newracefan said...

Listening to DW wasn't annoying but with incar and tv I usually couldn't hear him. I missed his input and wish him a speedy recovery

Anonymous said...

*sigh*

A race without Darrell Waltrip talking.....and talking........and TALKING.....

I forgot how nice it was. :)

GinaV24 said...

OK, well, I guess this is where I should critique the race coverage! In a word, bad. Between DW's raspy voice, the stupid top 10 ticker, and terrible info being provided about what happened to various cars -- the 18, the 48, the 83, I found the coverage to be hard to watch for any length of time. I followed the race more on NASCAR.com even though it was behind the TV coverage at least I could tell where the drivers I was interested in were in the race. I understand why they wanted DW there to give him the car, but afterward, he should have stepped out of the booth. It was annoying (and I could hear that wooshing noise, too). Bristol used to be the must watch race, but honestly, it's been boring for about 3 years now and the new car hasn't done much for the racing at any of the tracks that they've been to so far this year. Nice weather is coming and I can see myself outside on Sundays real soon.

Sophia said...

Anon 60pm


Good point about NN bringing up Jamie's last week comments.

If ESPN was paying attention, they should REPLAY Jamies clip last week, see where he is now and DISCUSS his "i am above such worries" attitude!?

Anonymous said...

@both anons 5:09--and at Sears Point in 2K3 Larry Mac also had laryngitis and it was funny that they had a "Larry Mac impersonator" (not as good as when Steve does Sterling) talk for him! Yes they could have called in "sick" but it shows their dedication and somehow I think DW would have been there today regardless to bid an adios to DJ.

@anon 5:28-yes I agree, you could tell that he was being "nice" by talking for a few seconds but he wanted to get out of there.

@ken-michigan--yes I feel that as well and I know Tony's been interviewed and shown on tape delay before. Gosh 2K2/2K3(?) Tony was taken out they sent my Matt Yumyum to interview him and Tony used a few choice words and that of course was bleeped out.

@anon 5:32--thanks for that! Should read ALL the comments first *giggle*

Big Congratulations to all of RCR for that 1-2-3 finish! Of course my fantasy games would have been happier if different guys were on top! But I'm so happy for them!

Anonymous said...

Good race broadcast, and how do I know, because Stricklin fan got just about all, if not all, of his wishlist. With 43 cars on a half mile track you just can't possibly catch everything going on once the field is spread out and covering the entire track. I found it interesting that late in the race Clint Bowyer said if he could get out in front he could run away. How do you get out of traffic that is all over the track to allow you to run away?

GinaV24 said...

Did we get to see the field cross the finish line at the checkered flag? Probably not since Fox didn't do it last week. I'm sure that the TV guys are tired and ready for a week off and I can appreciate that. However, isn't the best race coverage supposed to be the job? After 8 years, I still don't think I'm getting it as a race fan, but then I guess that my expectations have risen because usually with practice things get better and I just don't see it. Have a good break -- I'm getting ready to take one from racing, too. If I am not seeing what I expect on TV, why should I watch?

Anonymous said...

Did we get to see the field cross the finish line at the checkered flag?

If you can't be bothered to watch (but will still criticize something you didn't even see), how are your comments relevant?

Sophia said...

My room mate and I thought we got a glimpse of 3 maybe 4 cars and then it went to the crew and Kim BURTON cam and Kim was even interviewed alone with the kids???

When is the last time a wife was interviewed separately ON camera?

The coverage was ok but dang, Fox appears to have slipped and frankly I am so over the 'new gopher cam'. between that and the other ZOOM ZOOM shots we felt gypped at the short track seeing a perspective.

The F1 had a LOT of action too on the track and in the pits.

GinaV24 said...

Anon -- that was a rhetorical question oh he who hides behind being anonymous poster -- I was watching the end and I didn't see the field cross the finish line. I watched most of the race today and was bored silly or aggravated most of the time.

Newracefan said...

Soph it was filler time they alloted more time than needed for this race and were running out of things to say. Doc's interview with Kim and the kids was cute

Anonymous said...

Is it just me, or did Fox seem to 'limit' their coverage of the race to the top 10 - 15 cars? Between a ticker that either was totally inaccurate or listing only the top 10 for much of the race, and the stupid in car camera shots of 'passes' (where you can't really see anything, and have to watch a taped replay to actually see the pass) it was as if Fox only covered 30 % of the field. Very little information on cars that were 'coming and going', some that fell way back....not a lot of useful information unless your guy was in the top 10. Have to say I didn't miss DW much.

Anonymous said...

Nice of FOX to go to a long string of commercials to chop 15 laps out of the final 40 laps. Sheesh ...

Anonymous said...

If Bynes' interview isn't live, then FOX announcers should disclose that fact in the throw!!!
"Steve Byrnes caught up with Tony a minute ago" etc.
If it ain't live, they have an obligation to say so

Anonymous said...

"If it ain't live, they have an obligation to say so"

No they don't. Says who? Why worry fans with useless extra information. NASCAR Now is sometimes live and sometimes not. Do they tell you every time? NO!
Because you don't need to know.

Anonymous said...

to anon @ 8:24
"Says who"?
Says any responsible production executive with a sense of ethics, which obviously does not include you!
There is a vast difference between a studio show such as NASCAR NOW that, by design, mixes live and taped elements and the coverage of a "live" sports event. If Byrnes has Tony Stewart, and its not live, then FOX is not only deceiving the viewer by making it appear that they are 'hustling', but they also stand to look foolish in cases just like the one cited......Byrnes looks stupid because he didn't tell Tony that Harvick took the blame for the crash!
If you honestly can't see the importance of the distinction, you'd never make it in live tv

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