The NASCAR on Fox gang continues their coverage of the Sprint Cup Series from Las Vegas, NV on Sunday at 3:30PM.
Chris Myers, Jeff Hammond and Darrell Waltrip kick-off the coverage from the Hollywood Hotel. The green flag is not scheduled until almost 4:30PM, so there should be a significant amount of pre-race activity.
Mike Joy anchors the Fox coverage, with Waltrip and Larry McReynolds alongside in the announce booth. On pit road Matt Yocum, Steve Byrnes, Dick Berggren and Krista Voda will be the reporters. This is a very solid broadcast crew.
Look for Fox to detail the on-going situation with the high winds, and the resulting issues with the COT and problems with grip. During the pit stops, look for Fox to decide to use a video effect that shows four cars or three. With the four car effect, there is no opportunity to see the pit road and the race off.
ESPN worked hard to eliminate their over-use of the bumper cams, and this will be the challenge for Fox on this big track. It is easy to use technology for the sake of using it. It is much harder to stay within the on-going story of the race and keep focused on relaying that "reality" to the fans.
One of the hottest topics on the Internet is the introduction of the Gopher Cam. These multiple track-level cameras are interesting to use on the first couple of laps after a caution, or when the field is bunched-up and running in one big pack.
Cutting the Gopher Cam into the action as the cars are involved in racing has proven to be a tough challenge. The quick perspective change does not really allow for TV viewers to see anything but one car zooming by. While the camera is stationary like a typical "speed shot," the low angle does not offer the same ability to "see the field." As for the Gopher Cam naming contest, you can offer your own comment.
Fox has been conflicted at the finish of the past Cup races. Simply seeing the winner cross the start-finish line and then zooming the same camera into the flagman is ridiculous. Fans of all the drivers want to see their car racing to the line. The fundamental truth is that the race is not over when the winner crosses the line.
It should be an interesting telecast without the hype of Daytona or the weather issues of California. We would like your comments on the NASCAR on Fox presentation of the Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas.
To add your opinion, simply click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the easy instructions. The rules for posting are on the right side of the main page. Thank you once again for stopping by The Daly Planet. Enjoy the race.
354 comments:
1 – 200 of 354 Newer› Newest»And so it begins: DIGGER THE GOPHER!
So we know the name now...I can finally eat again. ;)
Enough already, in the first 5 minutes. the cam has a name. DIGGER.
Lou
Kingston, NY
woo...the gopher cam is now Digger!
I actually like the camera angle. I don't mind the name as long as they don't use it with every shot from Digger.
Let's hope Digger does not become BIGGER than the race!!??
And, let's all be prepared right now, turn on your radio to catch the END OF THE RACE because we sure as hello will NOT see the cars cross the finish line like we have on ESPN. Even if cars were way behind the leader, ESPN has KEPT the camera on the finish for a few seconds TRYING to bring the cars to the fans.
And some of us appreciate it.
Must say, FOX was not on the air 30 seconds and CM said "I kid because I care".
P.S. Too much talk about Digger will have folks reaching for their jiggers for shots of an adult beverage. ;-)
"Let's hope Digger does not become BIGGER than the race!!??"
I don't hate digger, but I agree.
"because we sure as hello will NOT see the cars cross the finish line"
Also, I don't want to put the director down before the race even starts. FOX has not had a Cup race finish under green since Daytona. I will give them a chance to see if we see some cars finish and not bring them down before the race even starts.
They should have mentioned up front in that first segment that Kasey Kahne is sick and has a driver on standby in case he can't start or run the entire race. You know, news?
Heard Kasey is really sick. It will also be interesting to see if Reutimann needs a relief driver.
the pre-race is not even over yet... there is still a lot of news that the show can cover. calm down
I think Digger is a cute name as well but that is beside the point. I remember Digger Barnes on "Dallas", lol.
Cool seeing the jets fly. BEAUTIFUL blue skies behind the Hollywood Hotel!!
am just posting what FOX has become infamous for. Not putting down all the guys on the network. The broadcast guys TO have fun and I enjoy the commentating from the booth.
And it's nice to see good weather for the broadcast!! Yay. Just hope the winds calm down and are not a big issue.
Anonymous said...
They should have mentioned up front in that first segment that Kasey Kahne is sick and has a driver on standby in case he can't start or run the entire race. You know, news?
March 2, 2008 3:45 PM
That "News, is almost 24 hours old"
I'm getting really tired of Fox making up names for everything. Coopetition, the Presidential Pardon (what they used to call the Lucky Dog), Overdrive, The Oval Office, Claim whatever that they call Cup drivers that run in the Nationwide Series, and now Digger the animated gopher on the ridiculous gopher cam.
Enough is enough already. The Lucky Dog worked when Wally Dallenbach invented it on NBC and Fox has been trying way too hard to create their own term for EVERYTHING ever sense and it's getting really really really old.
What's next? A fancy name for drivers that stay out under caution to lead a lap? A new name for debris cautions? A new name for speeding on pit road?... I better stop now before I give Fox any more ideas.
Oh, did I mention yet that Fox better show ALL the cars finish at the end of the race today? THE RACE DOES NOT END UNTIL EVERY CAR FINISHES THEIR FINAL LAP!
60 minutes of Chris Myers.....
stricklinfan82 said...
Oh, did I mention yet that Fox better show ALL the cars finish at the end of the race today?
March 2, 2008 3:50 PM
Are you serious? Now you are getting ridiculous. THAT HAS NEVER HAPPEND. That would take up an eternity in TV time.
ESPN did not do that and yet you praise them, and you want FOX to show all 43 or else they fail?
"Debris in de road way cautions"
Too long a name but yea, I know what you mean.
This is when I miss the old races I view on tape or CLASSIC TNT/ESPN...the show was just about (gasp!!) the racin' !!
:-)
Hey the sun came out here finally !! YAY. and it's near 60! Shazaam.
"Debris in de road way cautions"
Too long a name but yea, I know what you mean.
This is when I miss the old races I view on tape or CLASSIC TNT/ESPN...the show was just about (gasp!!) the racin' !!
:-)
Hey the sun came out here finally !! YAY. and it's near 60! Shazaam.
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
They should have mentioned up front in that first segment that Kasey Kahne is sick and has a driver on standby in case he can't start or run the entire race. You know, news?
March 2, 2008 3:45 PM
That "News, is almost 24 hours old"
March 2, 2008 3:48 PM
You guys must not realize that not everybody watches NASCAR and NASCAR news 24/7. There are still devoted fans who tune in ONLY when the Cup race is scheduled to begin every single week. They have other things -errands, basketball and hockey games with kids, etc to attend to the rest of the weekend.
It's ridiculous to expect the majority of fans to know that Kasey is sick and it should have been mentioned at the top of the show.
Please - join the real world where not everyone is on the internet 24/7 and knows the latest up to the minute news.
deteriorating questions? Did Kyle mean to use another word?
methinks so. But he is good with the kids.
Please - join the real world where not everyone is on the internet 24/7 and knows the latest up to the minute news.
March 2, 2008 3:56 PM
The uninformed are always the ones who feel they are special and should be catered to!
Isn't that what a prerace show is supposed to be for? To ***preview the race*** and update the "uninformed"? Instead I'm going to be getting Magician Lance Burton and Jeff Hammond at the Bellagio Fountains. Something's not right about that, but if it makes you feel superior that you are one of the "informed", have at it.
NASCAR tried to cater to the "casual fans" last year. It took them all season to discover that they do not exist. We tried to tell them.
Geez is it just me or are these prerace shows getting way too long? I can't take this much of Myers, Hammond and DW. Hey FOX I have a nickname for you! Guys in the Hollywood Hotel = Three Stooges, with apologies to the real Three Stooges!
JD in 2005 I was a casual fan. NASCAR and SPEED/FOX catered to me and now I am not just a casual fan.
Chris really needs to stop with his "kids because he cares" phrase.......... Please, make him quit.......
Oh, did I mention yet that Fox better show ALL the cars finish at the end of the race today? THE RACE DOES NOT END UNTIL EVERY CAR FINISHES THEIR FINAL LAP!
I personally don't care if they show every car (I don't think any race does that), but I want to see if there's the same non-reaction here there was Monday when FOX only focused on Carl Edwards and Jack Roush at the finish. Supposedly it was OK because 1)FOX had a long weekend with the rain delay and deserved a break or 2)the race ended under caution (never mind J Gordon's engine blew up on that lap and we didn't see it). So if FOX does the same thing today, I want to see if excuses get made for them again.
Vince
This pre race is USELESS!
I just realized the race is not scheduled until 4.30.
I am going to pick up limbs in the yard and around the patio. Too nice a day to sit around listening to THIS NONSENSE.
Still no update on the sick drivers.
P.S. Personally, I do nOt think NASCAR needs to HELP the Vegas economy with another race. jmo
Anonymous said...
Chris really needs to stop with his "kids because he cares" phrase.......... Please, make him quit.......
March 2, 2008 4:08 PM
What does the have to do with racing coverage?? It does not take away from the racing. I have no problem with it.
"(never mind J Gordon's engine blew up on that lap and we didn't see it). "
Not a single camera caught that so its not FOX's fault. I heard It did not blow up with smoke and all so no one but the driver could tell it died. there was nothing to see.
It only takes a couple of minutes to get a blue name. Makes it easy to post on any Google blog.
Hey JD - great blog and I enjoy it each week. Tip of the hat to ya !
Since I began reading this blog, many have voiced concerns on how the networks cover the finish.
Covering the Finish... In the past few weeks I haven't heard many (if any) ideas on how they want to see the finish covered differently.
There isn't a director alive that will lock down a camera to show EVERY car come across the line.
Anyone watching the race knows where their favorite is running. You know "about" where your favorite will finish, whats the big deal?
You're going to find out 90 seconds or maybe 2 minutes following the checkered flag where your driver finished, thanks to the ticker.
I agree that the pan and zoom to the flagman is old and is mainly done for highlight packages that follow the days event. It doesn't do much for "informational purposes" at the finish.
On the subject of driver / pit crew / spotter communication audio:
If the networks are going to continue using this element.. and I hope they do, its great ......
the guys in the booth need to clam up and let us hear the driver / team audio.
Enjoy the day everyone !
SophiaZ123 said...
deteriorating questions? Did Kyle mean to use another word?
He said interrogating questions. That's what I heard anyway.
Myers comments have long been a source of different reactions. For fans who are looking for more info, his act has worn old. As DW said in a response to this blog earlier this season, Myers put the work in and he is going to remain, like him or not.
JD
I rarely drop by here anymore because of the petty nitpicking comments. This is the pre-race show. There should be some levity along with the info. The driver interviews have been interesting, I liked the Kyle Bush visit to his school, and I like Chris Meyers. I'm fine with Digger. I'm fine with I kid because I care. Lighten up folks.
Over the years, the finish has always been an issue. Yesterday, ESPN framed the end of the race so that viewers could see the lead lap car racing to the line. It only took a small amount of time to watch them finish. The leader was slowing down on the backstretch.
Casual fans only car about the winner, because they do not have a favorite. Hardcore fans are only rooting for one driver, so not to see him finish when he is on the lead lap is frustrating.
JD
I think they're waiting for Mike Joy and Larry Mac to say what's going on with Kasey and Reut.
"Lighten up folks."
I agree too many people have resorted to nitpicking on this site and that is not okay. Can we do something constructive and not destructive here?
It seems everyone has to have a catch phrase. At least Chris Myers doesn't say "I kid because I care" as often as John Madden says "heckuva." kenny
I personally don't care if they show every car (I don't think any race does that), but I want to see if there's the same non-reaction here there was Monday when FOX only focused on Carl Edwards and Jack Roush at the finish. Supposedly it was OK because 1)FOX had a long weekend with the rain delay and deserved a break or 2)the race ended under caution (never mind J Gordon's engine blew up on that lap and we didn't see it). So if FOX does the same thing today, I want to see if excuses get made for them again.
Okay, last week's race ended under yellow so there was no chance to show all the cars racing to the finish line. The race ended on the backstretch. And if you're the same anon that said I'm asking for too much for wanting to see all the cars finish I think you're completely wrong.
If you prefer to see flagmen, mothers, car owners, pit crew members, and cars running on their cool-down lap while the rest of the field is racing to the finish line for positions then that's your personal preference and you're entitled to it. However, I'm not going to listen to the "it's impossible" and "it would take an eternity in TV time" excuses.
You should show as many cars finish as possible. Showing cars racing to the finish line is more important then starting the post-race show 20 seconds early.
If 43 is absolutely impossible then show as many as you can. Right now 2 would be an improvement, and that's a complete joke.
Karen said...
I think they're waiting for Mike Joy and Larry Mac to say what's going on with Kasey and Reut.
March 2, 2008 4:19 PM
Why would they do that though? Why be on the air for nearly an hour and not mention that two drivers, especially Kasey (who finished right behind Jr and Jeff and Tony in the Most Popular Driver contest and actually beat Tony in 2006) may not race or complete the race?
This is as bad as last year's Countdown Show on ABC when they ignored the news.
I'm curious about why they spend so much time pumping Las Vegas itself. Does the LV Visitor's Bureau pay them for running "informercial" segments?
I don't recall them doing this type of stuff at other locations.
-Rich
Have I missed them saying anything about the qualifying effort of Mike Skinner in the 27 car ??
5th fastest - 2 tenths off the pole
If I did miss it, I apologize.
Sure seems like it should get a little publicity.
Hardcore fans are only rooting for one driver, so not to see him finish when he is on the lead lap is frustrating.
Sorry JD, but that statement couldn't be further from the truth. I consider myself a longtime, hard core fan and while I have a few favorite drivers I am first and foremost a RACE fan. If my drivers wreck or have issues that put them out of the race, I still watch.
lets not jump to conclusions now. maybe they are waiting for an official statement from Kasey's crew.
stricklinfan82 said...
"However, I'm not going to listen to the "it's impossible" and "it would take an eternity in TV time" excuses."
That is a valid excuse. after the first car crosses the line, it has been proven by ratings that fans leave in droves. If they show one shot for damn near 1 minute fans would leave faster. (example: See if you can watch one on your driveway and not look at anything else for one whole minute.)
The producer wants to get on to post race to keep as many people as possible. It has already been proven that ratings fall right after the checkered flag and the thinking is fans will leave fast if you hold one shot for so long.
The question is "are they going to race today?" or is the pre-race going to go on forever?
Just start the race, please.
The concept of news is very complicated it seems to me. Last week there was much grumbling because Larry Mac et al did not follow up on the weepers and didn't 'report' the story. Hello...they arn't reporters! Neither are CM Hammond or DW so exactly who should be telling us who's sick, out or going to the back. Where do you draw the line between being true to journalistic integrety and a talented amiture.
Anonymous said...
"Lighten up folks."
I agree too many people have resorted to nitpicking on this site and that is not okay. Can we do something constructive and not destructive here?
March 2, 2008 4:21 PM
Stick around 99% of this blog is all negative...I find it crazy that all these "Fans" spew the negatives but seemed to sit on their as# for hours to watch what they complain about.
Finally someone nails it. Driver Fan vs Race Fan.
I am so tired of Chris Meyers' shtick, and his repeated use of trite expressions, it adds nothing to the Fox pre-race show and broadcast.
His jokes about Dick Bergren's age are disrespectful to a respected journalist.
I am thankful when Chris comes on during the race, it provides an
opportunity to channel surf, as there is bound to be something
more interesting than what he adds to the broadcast.
JD, I don't have a problem with this but why was this pre-race show longer? isn't it normally 30 minutes?
The attacks on Chris are unwarranted. He has worked hard on the NASCAR broadcast for 7 Years. Also, a joke is a joke and nothing more. Don't try to make something bad out of it. Chris and Dick has know each other for years.
The "digger" really does give a neat view of the cars while a slow speeds"
Wow everyone's all worked up and the race hasn't even started yet. I just got home (rushed foolishly thinking that the prerace on Fox would be about 30-45 minutes, that will teach me to not check for green flag time) so haven't seen any of the prerace festivities. They are DVR so I obviously need to watch Wendy's segment on RaceDay and the video segments on FOx and that's about it. OK lets get this race started
Larry Mac just said SUNOCO FUEL start counting everyone
It has already been proven that ratings fall right after the checkered flag and the thinking is fans will leave fast if you hold one shot for so long.
Yeah, I'm sure fans of the 42 drivers that didn't win that have been watching a broadcast for 4 hours have no interest in seeing where their driver finishes and turn off the TV the second the winner takes the checkered flag........ Riiiiiiight.
ESPN showed yesterday it's not impossible and not "an eternity in TV time" to show every car finish so that excuse doesn't hold water. ESPN does it, so I want Fox to, plain and simple.
I'm not a die-hard fan of a particular driver, I am a race fan as well. To me I want to see EVERY race on the track. If I'm given a choice between cars racing for position to the line and a celebrating pit crew I want to see the cars that are racing.
Dunno why folks come here kvetching about the length of the pre-race show. Tis easy to find when the green rag flies on Jayski...leave the box off till then.
Tom in Bristol
The length of that pre-race show was ridiculous
"ESPN showed yesterday it's not impossible and not "an eternity in TV time" to show every car finish so that excuse doesn't hold water. ESPN does it, so I want Fox to, plain and simple."
I'm am not trying to argue, this is a good discussion, but here is what I don't get. ESPN did not show all 43 they showed about 25 and did not spend 45 seconds doing it as you have wanted. So, why wont you be satisfied with FOX showing about 25 cars and spending less than 45 seconds covering it.
Phathead said...
The length of that pre-race show was ridiculous.
Amen to that, brother.
SUNOCO fuel number two
Karen said...
Phathead said...
The length of that pre-race show was ridiculous.
Amen to that, brother.
March 2, 2008 4:53 PM
Let's see the start time of the race has been set for what...6-months, You turn the TV on 15 minutes before green flag and you miss the pre-race....not too hard to noodle through is it ?????
Anonymous said...
SUNOCO fuel number two
March 2, 2008 4:56 PM
what?? what do you want them to call it? Chevron fuel?
I really miss the days when coverage would start and the race would start in about 10 or 15 minutes. If you wanted prerace stuff you could turn to ESPN2 and watch NASCAR2Day. I personally don't care about Shrub going to play with little kids or whatever he was doing or watching Hammond play with fountains. Just give me the damned race.
I think u'll be hard pressed to find actual fans who like all the pre race.
And Fox ALMOST missed the green there...
Shakey first 12 laps. I expect better from FOX.
Lets see 2 boxes of video if you're going to show replays during green flag segments.
Missed green flag too ?? come on
How about "fuel" or "gas". With Nascar(r) everything is sponsored. Doesn't it get old to you?
I'm am not trying to argue, this is a good discussion, but here is what I don't get. ESPN did not show all 43 they showed about 25 and did not spend 45 seconds doing it as you have wanted. So, why wont you be satisfied with FOX showing about 25 cars and spending less than 45 seconds covering it.
I thought they showed all the cars that were on the track at the finish of the race (there were a lot of DNF's). With the green-white-checkered finish all of the cars were in the one huge pack that they showed cross the line.
Here's the bottom line, I do want to see every car cross the finish line. If they don't show EVERY car then I want to see as many cars finish as possible. 30 would be better than 20, which would be better than 10, which would be better than 5, which would be a hell of a lot better than ONE.
Gilliand's name is over lapping the position number on the ticker
anon - I'm well aware of when the start time is and that is usually when I tune. However if it were not for the excessive pre-race, the race itself would start earlier in the day (at least in theory).
That and the amount of fluff they provide during the pre-race is rather pathetic. It has little to do with racing and more to do with the egos of the Hollywood Hotel.
Let's get back on-track folks. Happy to have you state your views and likes and dislikes. Just respect the fact that others may feel completely the opposite way.
It's the different viewpoints that make it fun.
JD
Yeah I don't understand the pre-race show length complaints either. If you want to complain about the content I can understand that, but if you think it's too long then why not just turn on the TV for the start of the race? Jayski and NASCAR.com usually have the scheduled green flag time on them.
I personally like the longer pre-race shows and don't understand any argument for less pre-race. A shorter pre-race show isn't going to make the race start any sooner. The green flag time is already set in stone whether the pre-race show is 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 3 hours.
Lets show some love to some "new" names in the top 15 -
Skinner - Riggs - Mayfield.
THEY have fans too I guess !!
Phathead said...
anon - I'm well aware of when the start time is and that is usually when I tune. However if it were not for the excessive pre-race, the race itself would start earlier in the day.
The pre-race has 0 to do with when the race starts. Please!
Maybe I'm being nit-picky but I wish the kerning on the ticker was more standardized. Sometimes, depending on the driver, it looks like a solid string of text on the ticker.
the point about using SUNOCO in front of fuel has to do with who is goading the broadcasters into the sponser plug, NASCAR or SUNOCO to whitt. The issue with water in the fuel at Atlanta. Is the booth more or less likely to follow that 'news' if they are requiered by their network to plug the gas just my opinion.
This is not just a FOX phenomenon, DJ was doing it yesterday during the Nationwide race on ESPN
Phathead said...
anon - I'm well aware of when the start time is and that is usually when I tune. However if it were not for the excessive pre-race, the race itself would start earlier in the day (at least in theory).
Wow,this comment really sums up the thinking of this blog.
ken - I think you just got your wish! FOX guys aren't watching this blog now are they? lol
The TV pre-race show has no bearing on the start of the race.
The tracks pre-race show, blue man group in this case, and all other events are timed to the advertised start time of the event which is printed on the ticket.
Phathead -
Amen brother - Amen
If you have a problem with sponsorship then NASCAR is not the sport for you.
WHAT ??????????????????????????
sombody send Jamie Little to as Hellton why no caution!!!!!!!!!!!
solid coverage of pit stops so far. The race will be interesting today.
if they though a caution right in the middle of green flag pit stops that would throw so many people off. besides there was no debris.
anyone remember a few short years ago when they'd turn the Ticker off during pit stops?
I love split-screening the leader on the track with the pit stops.
We have not seen a replay of the 77 due to green flag stops being underway.
I will remind you that each of you has an OPINION. None of you are wrong!!! Hence the defenition of an opinion.
Everyone should follow JD's advice and get back on track. Literally!
JD. Sounds like you need to set up a pre-race show comment area. There see to be a lot of opinions.
Scott
Sound is cutting off and/or going quiet on my end, anyone else having this problem?
There has always been and always will be an incestuios relationship between the network talent and sponsors. It is part of the deal and we all know it. But, the Arrons lucky dog was so called when arrons put money to that sponsersip now it is just the lucky dog. SUNOCO is not directly sponsering Larry or DJ to make the plug. When Mikey does it we all know why, and DW, and anyone who helps the driver's sponser get his name on tv. That is DRIVER AND TEAM sponsors not NASCAR sponsors. The sanctioning body should not allow their chosen fuel to dictate what an independent broadcast network does
no sound problems with cable.
Its not terribly bad, I usually have to change the channel and change it back.
I've got KQDS-HD on Charter Digital Cable
Fantastic pit stop coverage, and very good point by the other viewer about keeping the scoring crawl on the screen the entire time. I'm very happy that they kept me informed about who was leading on the track at all times, not just when Junior took the lead but when Robby Gordon and Scott Riggs were leading as well. Excellent start to the broadcast.
Great Job FOX during the green flag stops. ALWAYS had the leader in view and stops in another box.
Hard the believe that NO DEBRIS came off of the 77 car.
I smell a debris caution sometime soon now that all pit stops are over.
Tickets are sold a year in advance of the event. The start time of the race is printed on the ticket,therefore, the race will start at that time regardless if the pre-race show is four hours or four minutes.
I hope someone on Fox questions NASCAR about that debris caution. It seems awfully suspicious that a car blew a tire during green flag pit stops but no debris came on the track until the very instant the cycle of stops was completed. If someone in the production truck can identify the debris and check their video to see how long it had been on the track to confirm to discredit my suspicion I would greatly appreciate it.
1/1 on mentioning Lcky Dogs, very good.
The problem with FOX prerace it doesn't designate between the start of prerace and start of race in the TV listings like ESPN and TNT do with their prerace shows. So viewers relying on the TV listing can't tell if the prerace is 15 min., 30 min., or an hour, like today. I think it's valid for TV viewers who don't check the 'net beforehand and rely on their TiVo or cable listings to be upset b/c they weren't expecting an hour long prerace.
The concept of news is very complicated it seems to me. Last week there was much grumbling because Larry Mac et al did not follow up on the weepers and didn't 'report' the story. Hello...they arn't reporters! Neither are CM Hammond or DW so exactly who should be telling us who's sick, out or going to the back.
The pit reporters should be doing this. Easy enough, they are ALL reporters. Or Chris Myers could chip in. When he's not being a jokester (NASCAR), he's actually a very good reporter (for other sports.) If that's too much work (it shouldn't be), then pull Wendy Venturini from SPEED and have her come to the studio to report a roundup of news, as ESPN/ABC did occasionally with Marty Smith on their prerace show.
Okay, then Nascar should be very public about the start time and my local paper should not list the start time at 3:30 when the race starts at 4:50 EST.
The casual fan has tuned out by the start of the race. The veteran fan knows to check Jayski.
I think it was very clear why NASCAR threw the caution when it did. If they did it during Green flag stops that would put some cars at a disadvantage. Is that a bad thing?
NASCAR has been pretty consistent over the years when "debris" might fall on the track DURING green flag stops as it was today.
They normally allow pit stops to cycle thru if the debris isnt deemed a "dangerous situation".
Fair or not, thats how they have normally done it.
Phathead,
This blog is on the laptops in the TV compound and the Media Center. I get a lot of fun email from both the TV and Media folks about the in-progress comments.
It's a small world.
JD
Good job by Fox trying to explain tail end lead lap and most importantly who was where
Anonymous said...
Okay, then Nascar should be very public about the start time and my local paper should not list the start time at 3:30 when the race starts at 4:50 EST.
And did you turn your TV on at Noon to watch the Super Bowl because of your Newpaper????
Please tell me you don't vote in the USA!!
"Speaking of gambling....let's Crank It Up?".....I missed the connection there...explain?
JD - that is rather interesting. Probably one of the few instances we're a fan could have a direct impact on the look of a race
why explain? just relax and enjoy it.
One of the digger cams has gotten dark (rubber) they need to stop using that shot
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the awful camera choices made by the director today that we've come to expect from Fox. Yet again today, we've been forced to watch intense battles on the track from the perspective of in-car cameras. An entire battle for the lead earlier was shown through in-car cameras, and often times, the other car would wind up outside the viewing frame of the camera, and the director would take forever to switch to a more appropriate camera. The same also happened with a battle for 9th place earlier on in the broadcast.
Horrible camera choices was also prevalent earlier when the cameras took a good 10 seconds to catch up with what the booth was talking about. The instant the director hears the booth talking about something, especially a wreck, the director should be on top of it. The other networks get this right, but Fox doesn't.
This Digger cam works MUCH better on a flatter track like this one, then Daytona. The shots are pretty cool.
Each Super Bowl pre-game show (there were several between noon and 6) were listed separately in TV listings.
No need to be rude here, is there?
Referring to Kyle Busch as "Wild Thing" ??
Since he is one of the youngest out there, shouldn't he be referred to as....
"The Wild Child" ??
hmmm.... How about it Mike Joy ??
ok enough! things i'm ALREADY fed up with: that damn "digger the gopher" camera view, with or without the inane cartoon and kyle "wild thing" busch!
give me a freakin' break, guys! stop with the nicknames! bad enough busch re-named himself "rowdy" (note to kyle: one does NOT nickname one's self; one allows other people to do that!) now these guys have to add to it with their own nonsense.
can no one just be professional and rise above the dumbing down of our sport?!? i weep . . .
Ok, suddenly the gopher cam takes up the LAST HALF of my screen? Course, I don't watch it but the lower half of the screen is blank?
waste of GOOD GREEN flag racing wide camer use imo.
Oh, and I have a standard 4:3 tv. Just seems a waste of time and OVER USED.
p.s. I noticed the big delay on camera to spun out cars..the guys in the booth ALERT us immediately but the Director must be out back of the booth taking a smoke.
:-)
I think it was very clear why NASCAR threw the caution when it did. If they did it during Green flag stops that would put some cars at a disadvantage. Is that a bad thing?
That would be a VERY bad thing. Tony Stewart described this last year as "NASCAR playing God". Junior and Kenseth had a pit strategy designed to sacrifice track position to have a fuel advantage and possibly catch a yellow to trap the leaders a lap down. By NASCAR waiting for all the cars to finish pitting to save Edwards and Biffle, they in turn screwed Kenseth and Junior.
If debris cautions are supposed to be used for safety purposes, why was that debris safe when Carl was a lap down but a hazard when he got his lap back?
That is totally wrong of NASCAR to favor certain drivers by the timing of their yellows, if that's how it happened. Maybe Fox is afraid of backlash from NASCAR and that's why they totally avoided the issue?
Gopher Cam comment :
I enjoy it more now that they have drastically reduced the Gopher Animation.
Thanks for listening FOX !!
The sponsor relationship with the announcers is why I specifically posted a question that Mike answered in the off-season about Sunoco.
Says he would recuse himself if it became an issue, which I trust he would.
Phathead,
If you listen to the commentary and read the comments here, it is sometimes pretty funny.
We get lots of issues across and also serve to rep the things that might not be coming across real well.
Some of our Anon posts that have answers to issues are from the TV compound.
JD
And did you turn your TV on at Noon to watch the Super Bowl because of your Newpaper????
Please tell me you don't vote in the USA!!
March 2, 2008 5:39 PM
Yes, I do vote, and I agree with above there is not need to be rude. Whether you like it or not, people rely on newspaper and onscreen listings as the guide to turn on the start of the race, especially when it says race and not preshow.
"p.s. I noticed the big delay on camera to spun out cars..the guys in the booth ALERT us immediately but the Director must be out back of the booth taking a smoke."
Sophia, that comment is rude and uncalled for. the director was waiting for a camera to get the wreak in camera. That was not the directors fault.
Good point, without the animation it becomes just another speed shot and works just fine.
There is not a camera for every car on the track. It takes time for the camera folks to react and find the trouble if it is not near the action they are covering.They then have to tell the director in the truck, and have the director take the shot.....quite an excercise in communication.
These are the best camera people in the business. And by the way, the shoot for all 3 networks every weekend.
My bad about the debris caution and green flag stops. I forgot if I ever knew that they do that but it makes sense. Maybe I'm not the only one who doesn't know and if it is 'policy' then it would help if the booth would remind us of this as much as they do the whole how do you get the lucky dog.
stricklinfan82, The debris does not pose a significant threat but still should be removed soon. So why not wait and not throw so many people off during green flag stops?
Don't know if FOX listened to us from last week but it's lots less annoying to hear the INSTRUMENTAL version of the new theme song.
Last week the repeating lyrics each time they went to break was totally irritating..instrumental, an improvement, Fox.
".....quite an excercise in communication.
These are the best camera people in the business. And by the way, the shoot for all 3 networks every weekend."
I agree. People should understand what goes on in the both before making such rash comments.
JD - that is really really interesting. Funny to think something you created just over a year ago could have an effect such as that. Obviously its a huge positive for the sport.
I stepped away with the scanner. has the booth been keeping track of or mentioning the cars who are getting the black flag with white cross -meaning their scorecard was pulled - the 16, the 19?
Lots of penalties today.
tell you what, these cars are going to be dynamite on TV from Darlington.
so who does this interview? And, did they just flash all the names of the suspects up so we could get their names right when we took a shot?
hope Tony's ok
JD why is the post at 5:49 with all the bad language allowed to stay? Hope you just overlooked it.
stricklinfan82, The debris does not pose a significant threat but still should be removed soon. So why not wait and not throw so many people off during green flag stops?
My point is the timing of every single yellow flag benefits some drivers and hurts others because everyone is on vastly diferent pit strategies. If NASCAR is to make judgments on when the track is safe or isn't safe they should be made independently and without paying attention to who's leading or who's a lap down.
To the naked eye it would appear to be the same for everyone to wait for that cycle to complete, but it's not. Every yellow flag benefits some strategies and hurts others. In this case Earnhardt Jr. and Kenseth were hurt by it because of their earlier sacrifice of track position to gain a fuel advantage in hopes of catching said caution flag in the middle of green flag stops that never happened.
"cars who are getting the black flag with white cross"
Doesn't that mean disqualified for the rest of the race? I did not think that has happened.
Anon 5.49
LIGHTEN UP! I was joking...
JD, I think this place needs to lighten up! I was complimenting about the guys in the booth IMMEDIATELy being aware of trouble on the track.
bad crash for Tony...slow to get out. Two days in a row...bad weekend for him...hope he is ok.
a respectful suggestion to the director: please do not take the camera off a car until the driver has climbed out and we know he's ok. we all remember how benign that daytona wreck looked. thanks.
If there really have been scorecards pulled (the black flag with the cross) that's huge news.
"cars who are getting the black flag with white cross"
Doesn't that mean disqualified for the rest of the race? I did not think that has happened.
NASCAR only gives a team a certain number of laps to acknowledge the black flag. When the number of laps passes without a driver coming to pit road they receive that flag which means you are no longer being scored until you come to your pit stall. It does not mean you are being disqualified.
Red, there's always a chance the driver could be really hurt. That is the reason they may cut away.
Wow, did anyone notice that Fox actually blurred out the Dodge (I think) logo on the wall in that Hammond SAFER segment
WOW! Tony needing assistance....hate to see that but yea, we heard him mention his foot yesterday.
sorry about that 5:49PM post, I was multi-tasking.
JD
Anyone wonder why Fox doesn't use the shot in the flag stand for the finish? Works quite well for restarts
Anon 6:01 I think we are all alittle gunshy about leaving cars because ESPN would never go back if they ever showed us in the first place. We don't want a repeat of Rut from last year I agree, but you can stay on the car at a distance and still be able to tell general condition. I have always been for staying on a driver till he gets out after JD McDuffy's crash at the Genn
TV-related comments please folks, there are a lot of NASCAR blogs that talk about racing. This is a good TV broadcast and a good race.
Mike Joy is especially having a great broadcast. His concern, and the way Fox handled the Tony crash is a good example of their experience.
JD
Joey said...
Wow, did anyone notice that Fox actually blurred out the Dodge (I think) logo on the wall in that Hammond SAFER segment
March 2, 2008 6:03 PM
It should have said Sunoco! would have been OK then.
ri88girl - i'm just telling you what the thought process is.
ri88girl,
I did that race. Very glad those days of poor safety at the tracks are almost totally over.
JD
Anon 6:08PM,
Just drop me an email at editor@thedalyplanet.tv when you get a chance. Let's keep this comment section for TV comments.
Again, sorry about the profanity post. No need for that stuff.
JD
JD, how many races did you actually do? please share with the class as to why you are such a tv expert.
Why can't Fox fix their scoring? They showed Carl down a lap.
Anon, just drop me an email and I will send you the link to a webpage of my bio. Thanks.
JD has shared his experience many times and a writer (last name Gladden) wrote an article on him. He has the experience.
Good job on covering Tony by the guys.
Mike Joy has progressed into one of the classiest guy's involved with the sport. He brings excitement when there really is none, he seems as if he's just an every day guy doing what he loves.
I'm glad they're interviewing Tony and that he's okay but I still think they should split screen the interview and replays with the live racing. We could still hear him just fine if he was in a little box in a corner of the screen.
Whoever suggested finishing camera at the green flag stand...sounds great to ME!!!!
:-)
Nice follow-up with Tony. That was a good job all the way around.
Hey Erik, how do you like all the good ESPN articles this season? You happy with Bestwick?
JD
Fox showing over a minute of just the in-car camera shots of only the drivers is not much different than cutting away for a few seconds for a short interview. The end result is the same.
Live Leaderboard has Travis Kvapil as the fastest car out there. He just passed Busch, Hamlin, Kahne, Vickers, and all the lapped cars to be the first car one lap down. I hope he gets on TV, it would certainly help in their sponsorship hunt.
I like the "Crank it Up" on pit road idea.
I like that new pit-out camera angle both networks are using this week. The shot from the side is better than the traditional head-on wide shot in my opinion.
I vote yes on the flagstandcam for the checkers. And yes on pit road Crankitup.
Wow, that Crank-it-Up was lots of fun. I hope they try that again.
PIT OUT camera could stand to be a bit tighter shot.
Great transition from Robby Gordons crash - to pit reporters - to "Crank It Up" on pit road.
Tough coordination but they pulled it off great
AB is the bomb. He was last year, and again this year.
JD, I only wish you'd level the same degree of criticism against Fox for their multitude of issues they've had so far. (No replays of accidents, missed restarts, annoying theme song, not showing finishes, not following up, etc.)
I fully admit I am biased, but it seems you are treated them with kid gloves so far. Though, again, it just may be my take on things.
Erik,
Have you read the comments about the ESPN Nationwide races? What do you think of DJ and Bestwick?
JD
Erik, I think AB has changed the whole ESPN package. It should be interesting when they get to the Sprint Cup portion of the deal.
GREAT audio today from driver / spotter / crew !!
Hardly any walking over the audio.
I have always been a firm believer that if you let the fans / viewers go "behind the scenes" and listen in on the drivers and crews, you'll keep those viewers alot longer..... but we NEED to hear them and today we are hearing the audio alot better.
While on that subject - lets give a call to the AUDIO PEOPLE on the broadcast. Great Job !!
Poor Patrick..he wants to do well in this series..You can feel the disappointment in his voice. :( quick replay of that
He needs more 'xperience. SHould've maybe driven the other levels more.
Wish we had recorded audio of Ryan Newmans SPOTTER on that turn 2 accident.
is spotter audio recorded ??
I still don't like the Allstate commercials, but at least this bunch isn't skin crawlingly creepy
DJ is doing an outstanding job. Its tough to know how well a driver will do in that type of setting until you give them a shot. Sometimes they turn out well, othertimes, they'll turn out to be a bust.
It helps greatly to surround them with talent as well.
I've never understood why Bestwick doesn't get the credit he deserves. He has his own unique style which works beautifully with the races.
I have a big problem with the pre race show being almost 1 1/2 hours and being lumped with the race telecast on the schedule. It frustrating they will not list the pre race show separately. This is obviously done on purpose to lure people to the channel longer. I think it probably backfires for a lot of the casual fans Fox is after. I know that if I am a causal fan of a sport I will not wait over an hour for the event to start when the schedule says it should already be on. The evolution of extremely long pre-race shows being listed as the race is blatant false advertising IMHO that I would guess actually may have a negative effect on the number of casual viewers.
If you dig deep enough on certain websites you'll be able to find the GREEN FLAG scheduled start time.
If it bothers you so much, start digging - DIGGER !!
I guess no one is racing anyone cause we got a video clip
Is it bad that on that Matchbox Twenty commercial I can name where everyone of those sound clips came from?
I don't mind the clip I actually like it I have a problem with the placement
As soon as Darrell said that the COT doesn't have the effect on spinning out the inside car (the dreaded aero-push) like the old cars do, we had two cars spin in the exact same manner as with the car of yesterday.
Will they discuss this?
"If it bothers you so much,"
**************
I'll tell you what bothers me- the assumption of many posters that everyone has a laptop or PC lying around at their disposal at all times to check all race information on a website. Some people just aren't that lucky, despite your own situation. If you're lucky in that way, count your blessings.
Did they miss another black flag with white cross again? This time it was Hornish. They said they would park him if it happened again.
Does FOX just not cover the command booth when they are not under caution?
I sure hope Cuba Gooding Jr. got a LOT of money for those undie ads.
RE: Ken. You are kidding right? Watching a sporting event on tv should not require research on the internet to determine the start time. I guarantee the casual fans NASCAR covets will not go to the internet to do research on when the race starts. They will change channels.
Like somebody mentioned earlier ESPN was great during the original run with NASCAR. From around 1996-2000 they had RPM Today for people interested in pre race content. None of the trickery of listing a race start time over an hour before it actually starts.
Please someone tell Jeff Hammond it is Fran-Kee-Tee. NOT Fran-Chee-tee.
that is a bad mistake!
Is it me or is there a LOT of promotion going on during this race?
And MISSED opportunities for split screen? Just an observation.
I railed at ESPN last year for such thing and well, figured, fair is fair to comment if FOX is doing it.
;-0
Smooth MOVE SCHRADER! Heard he was putting the bike on the hauler for home. CERTAINLY hope he is on TWIN!!
Hey FOX 3D is back! I like that graphic. Especially how they used it that time.
I believe NASCAR Now said this morning that green flag would be 4:46pm et. They actually took the green at 4:48pm et.
anyone know if those gopher cams are permanent fixtures in the track or are they removed and the holes plugged once fox leaves?
anon 6:53 - its a nice graphic but I do a lot of sim racing and there are far more realistic graphics and such to do that with.
Where are you all hearing about the BLACK flags? radio? Internet?
Franchitti even seemed to CAREFULLY announce his own name on the pre race show today. Guess Hammond wasn't listening..but yea, he should know the name by now.
FRANK KEE TEE, Jeff!!
;p)
Don't feel bad I can place all those clips too and I do like it it just makes Brian France's whole back to basics pop to mind. Think I'm just a tad cynical
I'd still like to see Travis Kvapil and that unsponsored #28 car to get some TV time. He's just cracked the top 15 after getting his lap back earlier.
Where are you all hearing about the BLACK flags?
--Scanner
How come on the one yellow flag pit stop about 10 minutes ago, one whole window on the 4-split was taken up by a camera of Dale Jr., who did not pit? IMO, that's inexcusable. Either find someone else to follow, or just use the (much better) three-split.
We arent seeing much video proof on camera of DEBRIS on the track.
This became a big issue in 2007.
If there is debris....lets see it.
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