Sunday, June 1, 2008

In-Progress At Dover: Final Sprint Cup Race On Fox


Sunday afternoon will signal the end of another season of NASCAR on Fox. TNT will step-in for the next six races and then the ESPN/ABC bunch will finish out the season.

It will be Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond in the Hollywood Hotel leading-off the live coverage at 1:30PM Eastern Time for Fox. They will be joined on the pre-race show by Darrell Waltrip.

As the race coverage begins, Waltrip will move upstairs and become part of the veteran broadcast team of Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds. Down on pit road will be Krista Voda, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Dick Berggren.

The challenge of making the COT car work at Dover will no doubt be one storyline throughout the event. Tires, fuel and strategy should also play a role. Once again Kyle Busch had a spectacular Nationwide Series race underway on Saturday, only to be involved in a late race accident and walk away angry...again.

Waltrip is having quite a time with Busch this season and has even been forced to defend his continual comments about the young driver on-the-air. Waltrip makes no apologies, and says he is going to continue to look at Busch as everything that is right about the Sprint Cup Series this season.

In this final race, it should be interesting to see how the Director uses the Digger cam and also how he "cuts around" the bridge over the track. The goal at Dover is to have the TV viewers see an entire lap and never realize there is a big bridge right over-top of the track itself.

Finally, this is another track where danger is present both on the racing surface and pit road. Several incidents in the Nationwide Series race showed just how quickly things happen at Dover.

Fox is also going to have to continually look for two-wide racing on the track because accidents at Dover tend to happen during side-by-side racing. Restarts with lapped cars are almost always an issue.

This post will serve to host your comments about the NASCAR on Fox final race from Dover. To add your opinion, just click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the easy instructions. Thanks for taking the time to join us at The Daly Planet.

174 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mike Joy says " We don't wanna go"
in reference to the last Fox race of the season.
The sentiment is not shared by this fan.
What do you suppose are the odds that Mr Kempner and company will show cars cross the finish line instead of the zoom to checkered flag and other cutaways.I'm betting 95% we won't see it

Anonymous said...

^^^Same here.

Also, I cannot stand that song NASCAR Love played in the beginning of the telecasts.

It is way too corny.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Anon 12:43PM,

Just don't jump to the conclusion that the on-air announcers agree with the way the finish is shown.

The Producer and Director make that call, not the announcers.

With Bill Weber on the way, I would gladly let Joy put out his beach chair for one more day.

JD

Anonymous said...

I Love that song...I will miss Fox..cant wait for ESPN...I wait before the critique of TNT

PammH said...

Can't agree w/you more JD! But the Vile Kyle lovefest, even from Mike...just HAS to go! I think w/KP in the booth for TNT, we may get a more balanced look at the racing.

Sophia said...

I shall miss the always Classy Mike Joy and the informative Larry Mac.

the DIRECTOR can't leave soon enough...we beg, we plead, we compliment when given ONE GOOD finish to an end of a race..and he goes back to jacking us a round. I hope the other stations at LEAST learn to show the finish from a WIDE SHOT.

NOT IN CAR CAM.

NOT a bumper cam.

Not a gopher/ground cam.

Not a long sideways shot.

so far, ESPN NW director has the best shot of the finish. I hope they remember that.

ALONG with the lack of bells and whistles.

Anonymous said...

I seem to remember several recent races where the much of the final lap after the checker was shown on FOX.

JD even remarked as much.

Shame on people who wine just to hear themselves. A wide shot makes it very difficult to ID the cars especially on a small track. A graphic would be better.

bevo said...

Wasn't that a special segment?
/sarcasm

Anonymous said...

Leave NASCAR coverage on FOX. I feel like I'm missing out on half of the race season when coverage moves to TNT and ESPN/ABC. I'm already preparing for the upcoming boredom. Fox is dialed in on this sport AS WELL as it's fanbase, leave the coverage to the ENTERTAINING PROFESSIONALS.

Erik said...

Good-bye Fox, and good riddence! From the most annoying and overplayed theme song in all of sport, to the never ending, shameless self promotion by DW, to their ability to upset both NASCAR and baseball fans simultaneously, and their inability to show the finish of the race. As you exit the stage today, don't let the screen door hit you where the good Lord split you!

Anonymous said...

WHY was there a Canadian band singing the National Anthem of the United States??

This is the 2nd time this year THAT band has sang the US National Anthem ...


I'm sorry, but if the race is IN the USA ... The track better hire Americans to sing the National Anthem ...

Daly Planet Editor said...

Certainly a little diversity of opinion here today.

Sophia said...

Ok...Finish line camera work that STINKS and DW's love fest..it still made me a little sad to hear these boys say good bye.

Guess I am more sentimental the older I get.

Also sweet those little girls saying the start your engines deal...I take it they have autism.


sentimentalsoph

Daly Planet Editor said...

Well, this is going to change the rest of the race.

Sophia said...

Man, I HATE to see Tony and Jr and the others in that mess. CRAP.

Can't they get rid of that bridge? apparently the spotters can't see but CUP DRIVER DENNY should know better (sarcasm)

Hope everybody is ok...Smoke's luck is getting to be like Jrs last season.

:(

Sophia said...

ok..after the boys comment, I can't wait for "I'm a cup driver and better than the NW" Denny to 'splain himself.

;-0

Anonymous said...

daly planet editor said...
Well, this is going to change the rest of the race.

ok, so everyone who thinks fox covers the #88 far too much? let's see how the rest of the race goes. i say dw won't be able to get out of his own way, falling all over the #18. freaking #11 driver! c'mon, coach: sit that boy down for a talk tomorrow, please!
yeah, i'm an unhappy camper right now. i'm putting myself in a time out for a bit. will catch up with everyone later.

Sophia said...

HOLY TOLEDO!!! ELEVEN DRIVERS.

Great googly moogly.

Not what I was lookin' for...nor anybody else I know. Changes the race for sure.

:(

bevo said...

Interesting the change in Hamlin this season with the new teammate...

bevo said...

If he was on the brakes I sure would hate to see him with the throttle wide open :)

Daly Planet Editor said...

Berggren did a good job asking the right questions.

bevo said...

Good job getting the drivers involved in the wreck

Anonymous said...

FOX still has failed to mention the Red Flag is out. Don't tell me they are pulling an NBC and telling the annoucners not to mention it so they don't lose viewers.

Sophia said...

It did take a while to mention the red flag...wonder why.

Sorry I am NOT BUYING Denny hit the brakes and the car would not slow down...until I hear otherwise...

If ONLY another driver would've had car damage.

Sophia said...

CRIPES! I like Happy but POOR TIME for interview...show us the cars back on the track.

At least it was split screen but sheesh

Sophia said...

ok...I just figured out Stewart was being SARCASTIC...i thought he was good humored and calm if he really thought that was his fault....I'm a little slow today

Anonymous said...

I like Fox's coverage ... At least with Fox, they don't go throwing the races to channels that the majority of the populace don't have ...

Plus, they're polished and more down to earth ...

Disney's coverage is horrible ... Maybe they should sell the coverage back to Fox ...

bevo said...

I'm confused now, the booth says that Raines intentionally brought out the yellow like Hamlin did at Richmond. But they were the ones who said it was ridiculous to think that Hamlin did that at the time.

Anonymous said...

Say what you will but I'm dreading the very minute that Bill Weber invades my flat screen.

Sophia said...

bevo

glad your memory is better than mine...I forgot these guys said that about Denny's caution.

Still, though DW said something like Denny should have slowed a bit more for today's crash, I was fixing some black beans and rice and missed his follow up comment. Do they guys in the booth BUY Denny's slowing down story...I do not.

I also read elsewhere that Sadler blamed Gilliland for the wreck and others thought Sadler could've handled his spin more...I still am shocked at how many wrecked.

kiteman11 said...

I agree about the dread regarding TNT. It get's no worse than Bill weber and Marty Snider. Long summer ahead with the TV volume down and MRN blaring.

Erik said...

That was a useless graphic. Matt was 16th in points at the start of the race, and is currently in 16th.

Vicky D said...

Maybe Hamlin will say he regressed to his Nationwide driving skills and that's why he plowed into those cars. He'll blame it on poor Brad Keselowski eventually.

Sophia said...

VickyD

Denny drove more like an ARCA driver maybe?

I love it when arrogant sound bites come back to bite folks in the arse.

Like Jammie Mac never had to worry about the top 35 he shrugged in one ESPN interview..then he had to QUALIFY ONCE to get in a race and he could'nt sleep for two weeks (on a bi week)

Wow. I am surprised Harvick is allowed to drive like that with all the NASCAR COT rules but happy to see it...I hate the splitter and thought it had to be ON the car. :)

But be cool if he did well.

Vicky D said...

I wish the broadcasters (Tim maybe) would explain to us what parts the racecars have to have on them to continue after a wreck. It seems like Kevin doesn't have a lot of parts in the rear of his car either.

Anonymous said...

Finally, the last DW Store mention.

Daly Planet Editor said...

ken,

Don't speak too soon!

Sophia said...

Ya think there will be Fox Catalogs next with DIGGER STUFF ala other kids stuff...like Barbie dolls or Cabbage patch dolls... Digger Malibu house/condo and even a Digger convertible, lol

(rolls eyes) :-)

Vicky D said...

Sophia - and a Digger girlfriend.

Anonymous said...

I think all the car has to have on it is the wing and four tires/wheel ...



You'd be surprised at just how big of a demand that Fox has had for the Digger souvenirs ... It surprised them quite a bit ...

Daly Planet Editor said...

At least that is what they are telling us....

Vicky D said...

Maybe they'll be a run on Digger dolls at Christmas! Broadcast crew seems to be going ok and keeping up with stuff on the track. I wish the live leaderboard on nascar.com would be the same.

Anonymous said...

IF I had the money, I'd buy the stuffed Digger ... I think it's cute ...


Digger is the only good thing that News Corp has done this year ... I'm not at all happy with changes over at Fox News Channel ...


Wonder if they'll sell the FNC Bed Bugs ?? ;-) LOL

Sophia said...

Did I explain anybody 'plaining on tv how Harvick is ALLOWED on the track...all these alterations to COT and stuff...I know the wing is a huge deal but I thought the splitter was as well? I know he is having problems with speed.

And for the record, this novice non- mechanic gal hated the splitter from day one and thought it would cause 'issues'. It seems I may be correct.

Anonymous said...

Splitter helps create downforce ...

But, you CAN run without it ... Happens a lot in the Trucks series ...

bevo said...

Wonder what the ratings for this will be now with the Indy race and NHRA starting?

Daly Planet Editor said...

This is the time when you look at the top of the screen and realize things are not even halfway.

Sophia said...

That ALLSTATE deal should NOT be shown at green flag and the stupid GRAPHIC covers a lot of the action.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Boy, those side-by-side ads in the IRL really make a difference.

Erik said...

Why did they need to show the 3D animation? The replay fully covered Menard's car avoiding the wreck fine.

Anonymous said...

Who knows what affect the IRL & NHRA will have on these ratings ??

I would like to see one of the legacies on the front row win the IRL race ...

Anybody but Ganassi ... LOL

Anonymous said...

I'll take Digger, the 3-D and Disney's "aero" graphics over the tv coverage circa 1976 ...

Glenn said...

Sophia
Like anon above, other than tires, being able to meet minimum speed, and the rear wing, other than safety equipment that's about it to be able to return.

Erik said...

I wish Fox will go ahead and use the full 16:9 frame for those side-by-side shots they just did, instead of leaving the sides empty. They are already cropping the image anyway when they do that. Might as well show more of it.

bevo said...

Fantasy fishing???

Sophia said...

Dang! Some of the pop ups during the FOX race are showing shades of TNT.

Time to turn on the Indy race for awhile and put NASCAR on mute on second tv.

:)

until somethin' happens.

Erik said...

Waiting for some debris right about now...

Erik said...

Surprised they haven't mentioned that Kyle passed Carl.

Erik said...

Finally, Mike Joy wakes up and realizes there was a lead change over the course of the pit stops,

bevo said...

JD,

Stupid question here probably but I swear the HD on the IRL race looks more HD, for lack of a better term, than the Cup race on Fox. Is there a difference or is it just maybe color and contrast settings of the cameras?

Daly Planet Editor said...

bevo,

I am pretty sure that both live events are using NEP HD production trucks.

The Indy stuff does look more crisp, but it is a shame that the racing action is poor. IRL cars do not belong on that track.

JD

Vicky D said...

Erik, just about right on cue.

kiteman11 said...

Will someone PLEASE sponsor the 28 car of Kvapil?! I'm glad they are making mention of him. Hopefully, they will follow him through the race.

bevo said...

JD,

Thanks! I've never cared for Indy races at Milwaukee either. I'll be at the race next Saturday night here, now that's some fun racing.

Daly Planet Editor said...

bevo,

I worked the CART series for years on the real road courses, not the street courses. That is really the only place for those cars other than Indy and a couple other big ovals.

Shame to see the right hand turn taken out by Tony George.

Glenn said...

Are the IRL cars at the same track the NCTS was at last week?

Glenn said...

I like the shot of KB after he makes a pass. You can see him wave back to the driver, I will assume to say thanks. I'm not a KB fan but that's pretty cool.

Anonymous said...

IRL is in Milwaukee.

NCTS was in Mansfield,Ohio last week.

bevo said...

Trucks will be in Milwaukee on the 20th of June I believe.

J.J. said...

You'd think that after he fell 12 laps down and had no prayer of winning the race FOR THE 76th TIME IN A ROW, they'd stop talking about Junior.

You'd think.

Is there any scenario in NASCAR where the broadcast will stop being All About Juior?

bevo said...

They're doing a good job covering green flag pit stops, see if they're right about the 24

Daly Planet Editor said...

jj,

You think Fox talks about Junior, just wait another week.

Anonymous said...

Enough Enough already with all this "last race" stuff.

Does this prove how lack luster the racing action is with the New Car ?

bevo said...

Looks like Fox is bored by this race too :)

Anonymous said...

Do we really need to see a shot of every camera operator with less then 25 laps to go? Another boneheaded move by Fox

Daly Planet Editor said...

Would have been a nice thing to do under caution. Just the same as Trackside not leaving enough time to talk to Artie Kempner.

Some things just make you go hmm...

JD

Sophia said...

They are praising all the camera man during GREEN FLAG racing?

ALL WE CARE ABOUT THE MOST is the last lap and finish line.

But we ain't gonna see that today. :(

bevo said...

ken,

Like minds!
Agree, that's what the end of the race is for after the interviews and wrap-up. A bit self-indulgent in my book.

Anonymous said...

This is sad for Nascar. I turned off the race with 30+ to go to watch the end of the IRL race. I say that because I could care less about IRL and only changed the channel because I wanted to watch something more than what everyone complains about...vehicles circling a track with no action. I could go out to the street and watch cars drive around and enjoy everything but that is very boring.

6 cars finish on the lead lap. Way to go Nascar.

bevo said...

I never cared for that kind of stuff on a broadcast. Leave it for the company Christmas party.

Sophia said...

I think I am going to be sick at the end of this race..for more reasons than one....sigh.

:(

Anonymous said...

Fox, your ratings are up primarily because many fans who would have attended races in past years can't afford the added expense our current economy has produced.

bevo said...

By the way you also have drag racing on ESPN2

Sophia said...

I was JUST going to comment about so many cars so many laps down.

THANKS FOR THE IROC COT CAR NASCAR...^%$#@!


ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Vicky D said...

blah blah blah

Glenn said...

Daly Planet Editor said...

You think Fox talks about Junior, just wait another week.

Since this is your playground I'm glad you said that.
I had the thought, just wait till the {all Jr all the time} network(s) take over. I had a different network in mind

Sophia said...

Last lap...get ready to gag


for more reasons than one.

Sophia said...

Make me vomit.

Can TNT camera work finish BE ANY WORSE THAN THIS???????????????

Anonymous said...

Good coverage all season by FOX. and a good race today with good coverage. We even got an individual shot of most of the lead lap cars crossing the finish line!

Sophia said...

Big wreck at Indy...crap Marco and others...

Daly Planet Editor said...

If fox had finished the other races like that one, they certainly would have gotten a lot more fans to like them.

Sophia said...

well that was a scary IRL wreck....sheesh

Anonymous said...

IRL has trumped Nascar for two weeks in a row. Wreck with 3 laps left in an IRL race and Briscoe might beat Indy500 winner Dixon but now there is a bunch of suspense.

I never watched this until last weekend, but this is what Nascar has turned me towards.

ANY other racing but one where 6 cars finish on a lead lap out of 43.

Give Fox a break for the camera showing...there was nothing else to show. I'd rather watch FOxtrax than the actual coverage for what happens.

Anonymous said...

There's no reason to follow a leader who has a 5 second-plus lead for the last 25 laps of the race. There had to been some racing going on in the back of the pack they could show us.

Anonymous said...

I CANT believe all you people!! This is not a place to talk about NASCAR competition. But if you want to go there, sure, we will do that. let me tell you people somethin'!! back in the "glory days" of NASCAR, we had one car lap the field 3 times and win! and you folks cheered for it. Now that kyle does the same, YOU COMPLAIN!! You should be ashamed of your selves. Why does everyone like to hate kyle?

Anonymous said...

Sophia what is your problem? There was only 6 cars on the lead lap and FOX showed them all crooss the finish line?

Sophia said...

I saw flag man, KB car and one other one and crew...then switched to IRL.

what did NASCAR replay the ending???

I only saw KB and typical bs and changed the channel. oh, well..saw huge action at end of Indy race...glad all are ok Vito ran over marco's car.

Anonymous said...

"NASCAR has the most loyal fans"

pfft yeah right.

Anonymous said...

Sophia if you werent so quick to change the channel you would have seent he finish. Dont complain about the finish if you didnt even see it.

Anonymous said...

A now look what some of you are doing! this is NOT an INDYcar blog. its like you are trying to divert people to that race, interrupting our discussion about NASCAR.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Got to love the fact that people can watch the same thing and come away with such different views.

That might be the thing that keeps us in business!

JD

Anonymous said...

SOPHIA!! I cant believe you!! WATCH THE F'IN RACE BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN!! sheeesh....

We saw an individual shot of most of the cars crossing the line.

Anonymous said...

Fox, your ratings are up primarily because many fans who would have attended races in past years can't afford the added expense our current economy has produced.

That might have something to do with it. But when ratings are up by hundreds of thousdands and millions of viewers, I beg to differ.

Always seem to find a negative in a positive around here dont you.

bevo said...

You know there is this amazing technology, been around 20 or so years, called picture-in-picture :)

Anonymous said...

Ha! Fox had to wait for Dilner and Speed to finish before they could interview Gordon.

Sophia said...

anon

I saw the same baloney and switched races...when i switced back they were showing Mr. gibbs as I gave them a couple seconds..

Still there could've been 10 cars on KB bumper and we would NOT have seen it...just like last week on fox...why so many fox apologist

Wonder if Danica will congratulate Briscoe this week.

Kyle Busch from what I read is not liked by anybody in the garage...so whatever...anon earlier calm down...I remember reading when Ned Jarrett won a race 14 or 11 laps AHEAD...I know it USED to happen but NASCAR "Promised closer side by side with the COT" and did not deliver.

Fans have a right to be disappointed.

Anonymous said...

I've given up complaining about the coverage ... Compared to 1978, the current coverage is amazing ...

It's free (except when on cable, but we're paying for that anyway) ...


The JGR domination is NOT a good thing for this sport ... Same as last year's domination by HMS ...

The COT was supposed to bring parity ... But, that is NOT a reality ...


Fox had to show their people during green flag racing because there were basically NO cautions ... When you take out 1/4th of the field in the first 20 laps, the number of cautions drops dramatically ...

Anonymous said...

Good finish to the season for FOX. So many of you are quick to put FOX under the rug and get ready for TNT. But next week the comments will be "TNT stinks, I want FOX back".

Anonymous said...

Sophia, Let me explain something to you. Are you listening? are you sure? ok here I go.

ALL THE CARS WERE SO SPREAD OUT, that the director had the time to show other things before you saw other cars. I saw an individual shot of all the cars as each one crossed the line.

Sophia said...

Bevo

Don't have pip but earlier was in LR watching two tv's so might have seen BOTH ENDINGS.

but honestly..it's been the same thing all season and I turned the channel tonight and folks flip out. why, because I prematurely channel flipped and flipped BACK at the wrong time.

A group hug at the end of the race..is DW's health ok...he seems to really hate to see this season end...I know he can be annoying but I hope he's ok.

IRL no post race hardly at all...NASCAR least gives us a few minutes when possible...on Fox..

:)

Daly Planet Editor said...

Interesting that they ran five minutes long on this one.

Anonymous said...

That was funny right there...the FOX crew showed the digger animation about 5 times. I bet they did it as a going away present for all of you who complained about a simple animation and camera angle.

Sophia said...

Anon

Forgive me...take a deep breath...calm down. We have seen what I OBVIOUSLY PREMATURELY griped about tonight. 99 per cent of the season.

Find somebody else to pick on and use a real name or anon with a letter or number after it. Hard to tell the nice anons from the mean ones from the in between ones.

:)

Made a poet but my feet don't show it because their Longfellows.;-0

Breathe in, breathe out

Anonymous said...

I LOVED the ending cradits. This season is flying by. Before we know it we will be in Homestead for the final race.

Anonymous said...

Sophia. Maybe the reason for the personal attacks is because you are the one who posts the most outragous comments, almost as bad as Erik.

Anonymous said...

A great season for FOX. So many improvements. We have seen a good amount of cars cross the line in a whole bunch of races. And we have a new ticker now. Cant wait for Speedweeks at Daytona!!

Daly Planet Editor said...

Yep, it certainly was interesting. I kind of wish they had done something for the TV crew during a caution, but if this is the best they can do then what the heck.

Thanks for hanging-in on the Fox portion of the season, please read the article about RaceBuddy and TNT on the site.

We will be updating the TNT information early this week. Free live broadband access for the next six races should be a very big story shortly.

Questions or comments, just drop me an email.

JD

Anonymous said...

Make sure to flip tp ESPNEWS soon!

Sophia said...

Anybody else seeing NASCAR Angels joined in progress? never heard of this show before.

Anonymous said...

John. Did you find it interesting that FOX promoted the race next weekend on TNT multiple times. I dont believe they did that last year.

Anonymous said...

NASCAR Angels is a syndicated NASCAR program. It is on different stations in different parts of the country, similar to syndicated Talkshows.

Anonymous said...

Another thumbs up for the ending credits from me. this part of the season really has flown by. I also like all the behind the scenes stuff in it.

Glenn said...

Daly Planet Editor said...
Got to love the fact that people can watch the same thing and come away with such different views.
That might be the thing that keeps us in business!

JD

Other than being able to sit on my rear, drink my Coke, and watch racing, that's why I keep coming back here. As wierd as it may seem, I SAY THANKS TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATE HERE, it makes me see other views of what racin' is.

Like him or dislike him, DW does have a heart and I think he cares about the job, what he can do for us, and most of all, that he has fun while doing it. I couldn't do any better but I would like his job

Myers didn't have to kid because he cares, I could have went all winter without that.

Gonna miss you FOX

Daly Planet Editor said...

Sophia, you are moving up to Erik status? Wow, that means you have to get a DVR pretty soon. He has all the latest gear!

I don't think they are being mean, just trying to point out that the Director picked out the top five cars because the field was so spread out.

If things were bunched-up, who knows? It gives us something to look forward to next season.

JD

Erik said...

Lets bring on TNT! I can't wait to see how "Race Buddy" works out. If anything, TNT has been the most creative on how they present the races with the Pepsi 400 experiment last year.

I'll be interesting to see how much lag time is there between the TV broadcast and the internet video. I may have to delay it on my DVR to sync it up.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Another thumbs up for the ending credits from me. this part of the season really has flown by. I also like all the behind the scenes stuff in it.

My favorite was when Krista Voda tried to break a bottle of champaign on the war wagon, but it just left a big dent. lol

Thanks FOX for a great season. We will be seeing the majority of you on SPEED Channel (With the excpetion of Mike Joy, Darrell, and a few others)

Anonymous said...

Well, it was a good broadcast (minus the Kyle Busch winning, praise for Kyle, Digger animation,etc).

I give Fox a B.

I bet TNT is going to be worse.

I cannot wait for ESPN/ABC because ever since 2000, I feel optimistic about them. (Mainly because of Dale Jarrett being in the booth and the improved NASCAR Now.)

bevo said...

sophia-

That's why I don't respond to anonymous posts any more. You don't know what they've posted before so you can't follow their logic (or lack thereof). Make up a name or a profile so we can keep track of who we are responding to.

Anonymous said...

You would think since TNT has been involved in NASCAR fo 20+ years they would know how a present a race broadcast by now. We will see how they do next week.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of the new TNT technology, all of you have been worried about a delay. I don't think that is a valid concern as many cable Co's are compressing the video so that adds a delay that is comparable to the Internet delay. also Internet video through certain compression methods is matching the little delay of your regular TV or HDTV. You may be surprised at how close the video will be.

Erik said...

What hurts Fox, just as much as the finish, is not having the drop down scoring as the cars cross the finish line.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Anon 6:16PM,

Easy there sparky. Fox has been miserable this season on the finishes. We have been on that for the past two seasons.

Mr. Kempner refuses to show anyone but the winner for the "emotion" and it took the on-air announcers screaming about the continuing action on the track to help snap him out of it.

This season we only saw two other races where the finishing lead lap cars were seen live. A couple of times we got a replay, but most of the time it was nothing.

It is their choice, but for hardcore fans of one driver, it certainly does stink sometimes.

Sophia has also been here since the beginning and she is welcome to post her opinions.

I am sure the TNT boys will give us some new topics and new personalities to talk about in a week.

JD

Anonymous said...

People should count themselves lucky that the tv coverage of 2008 is a million light years ahead of what it was in 1978 ...

So what if Fox has a Digger cam and promotes the souvenirs ... If people don't like the coverage that the networks provide, then don't watch it ...



ABC didn't show the replay of the Marco / Carpenter / Miera wreck until AFTER the race was over ... Could you imagine the complaints if they did that to a NASCAR race??






JD - Thank you for this blog ... There have been a lot of topics broached and a bit of change made with the networks ... But, I can see why people on both sides of the tv screen have become frustrated ...

Sophia said...

JD

My blond hair with the dark roots is STILL STANDING ON END lol, over the Erik comment!!!

But seriously is DW ok...I know he loves this sport but his demeanor was off the few minutes of Trackside I caught Friday night...I hope his health is ok....He honestly looked weepy tonight...then again...I know the feeling.

JD, you are salesperson for DVR's by any chance? I know the ones for TW have hiccups in them with the new upgrade recently and folks are having to reboot and reset a lot..since I was told it's only 5 dollars more a month (when told last year 15 more a month) I may get one but will wait until they get some more bugs worked out...upgraded the digital box in LRoom but not the box in my room...so afraid to get DVR for here.

But yea I saw Eriks' comment on TNT and synching up DVR...I am still curious how TNT's deal will work FOR FREE and the site not crash?

I am still looking forward to the Daytona 400. THAT was my fave presentation last year..and YES I know it was on TNT.

:-)

Daly Planet Editor said...

Erik,

I agree totally...that just kills the end of the broadcast for me.

Regardless of the video being shown, just to have the real time reveal would be great.

JD

Anonymous said...

Bevo, I dont think you should be bashing the anons. they are an important part of this forum and add a lot of important information. Many of us anon's are involved in TV production, also. To say we have a lack of logic is insulting and I think that comment should be deleted or edited. Please dont insult EVERY anon like that.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Lots of Anons just went by in the NASCAR on Fox credit role....shhhhh.....

Sophia said...

Bevo

I understand your point..some months back a comment was made we regulars "ignore" anons...some appeared nice and I started communicating and then Zowee...so I see your reasoning and it makes sense to me.

Without a name, it's a crap shoot for a drive by posting or a really nice person. Like the majority here. :)

Lesson learned. Thanks Teacher Bevo.

Anonymous said...

So if I post under a name, you will read my comments? lol

Anonymous said...

Exactly JD. All should understand what a great behind the scenes view you are getting here.

Unknown said...

I just don't see how anybody, even the "esteemed" group of posters here could have made this race exciting or interesting. Long green flag runs, no engine problems, no tire problems, no real battles for the lead, etc.
Yes, hardcore fans might get excited about a battle for 27th place, but I'd be willing to bet that most don't.
The scary thing is that Pocono and Michigan are coming up, not exactly known for producing exciting racing.
Anyway, thanks Mike, DW, and Larry. I started watching NASCAR last year and these three guys along with the racing itself are what has made me and my son lifelong fans I'm sure.
Ok TNT, your turn. Bring it on.

P.S. Notice I didn't need to type all caps at certain points in order to emphasize my points?

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
bevo said...

I wasn't "bashing" any anonymous posters, just saying it's impossible to tell them apart. One says something was great, another says it stinks... can you tell me which one said what??? Can you tell if anonymous @1:17pm is the same as anonymous @2:13 pm???

That is the problem. Also I'm sure there are some who post just to be contrary and stir things up.

I realize that production folks post here and that's great. I appreciate their input like RaceGuy (?) did a while back.

Anonymous said...

thanks for keeping count on members number of posts, there Anonymous, math tech. Good to see you know math and nice to know we have thought police out. JD, enough with the nonsense today. Thanks for the great site but even it couldnt help today's race.
TNT next week.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Let me hit you with this little piece of info.

Sunday NASCAR Now on ESPN2 is one hour long. Then, RaceDay is two hours long. Now, there will be ninety minutes of TNT pre-race shows.

Yes friends, 4 and 1/2 hours of live pre-race....for Pocono!!

That just hurts my brain.

Anonymous said...

anon 6:37

You really can't blame Sophia for posting often; it's a dynamic conversation, and you add comments as things develop.

bevo said...

brent musberger-

That handle was used last year :)
I didn't say I wouldn't read anonymous posts, I said I don't respond any more.

Doesn't have anything to do with anything except to keep track of what someone is saying through the day.

bevo said...

4 and 1/2 hours of live pre-race

... and 5 minutes of post-race :)

Anonymous said...

Okay, better? :P

Anonymous said...

Anon at 6:23 said
ABC didn't show the replay of the Marco / Carpenter / Miera wreck until AFTER the race was over ... Could you imagine the complaints if they did that to a NASCAR race??

Well, for one thing, the accident happened with 3 to go, and on a one mile oval (45 second laps under yellow)
They also probably want to be sure Neira ain't dead!
But the replays were STELLAR, particulalrly the on-board!!

And what's we get from Fox??
Proof that their "multi emmy winning" director can show us the top 5 cars finish......when there are 6 cars on the lead lap, seperated by 5 seconds each. My sophmore son could cut that sequence! Lordy. the TNT and ESPN seasons can't start soon enough.
But NASCAR needs to wake up too. This race was PATHETIC from a competition standpoint
Wowsers. Thats real edge of the envelope tv!

Daly Planet Editor said...

Out motto is that "it takes all kinds to make a world" and we prove it right here on a regular basis.

There is a new post up about the Monday TV shows. Benson back on NASCAR Now and Knaus on TWIN.

JD

Anonymous said...

Will Hinder be making their triumpher return to preform their hit "Born To Be Wild"

stricklinfan82 said...

Major thank you to all the behind-the-scenes men and women that sacrifice so much to bring these races to us on Fox.

Yes the finish line philosophy of Fox in 2008 has been very hard to swallow, and the Digger ridiculousness has been a pain to deal with. But I do appreciate the fact that Fox made strides towards the end of their season. The scoring crawl was finally updated to match their competitor in ESPN, the production truck has made improvements on their finish line camera work (even though they still fall short of ESPN's work in that area), and it seemed like they finally got the message and toned way down on the Digger overkill after the infamous Talladega pre-race show.

It's impossible to expect perfection from anyone, even Emmy award winners. They made some mistakes in judgment but it does seem as if they listened and made improvements, which is all you can ask for. There is still some work to do in the off-season in the areas of finish line camera work and Digger cam, but I am fully confident that Fox will work very hard over the next several months and make this years frustrations just a blip on the radar screen once they return at Daytona.

The on-air personalities were superb in my opinion. Thank you very much to Mike Joy, Larry Mac, DW, Chris Myers, Jeff Hammond, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum, Dick Berggren, and Krista Voda for an enjoyable first few months of the season.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Hinder is still on the NASCAR on TNT website, so I do believe we will hear that familiar tune.

Bobby said...

One of the things about seeing the praises of the camera people and their fun nicknames is just how much they mean as a team. Think about it when a driver praises the crewmen after the race.

As much as I have to say it, the Fox crew has emphasised "team" from race teams to their production team. Even the race fans who show up at the track know them well and learn they work all races. There's nothing more prevalent to a fan than to see the same cameraman there early in the morning and then having some fun time to frolic.

One thing that the IRL and ALMS have upcoming is network television exposure NASCAR won't have until the end of the regular season, when the ESPN Broadcast Network takes over at Richmond. The next broadcast network race for the IRL I believe is the ESPN Broadcast Network at Iowa.

And oh, by the way; the IRL races with the Trucks next week for the unique doubleheader.

As for Digger, Fox doesn't have the resources TNT and ESPN have in paying for their races. TNT and ESPN can raise the per-subscriber rate. Fox can't and selling Digger merchandise and other NASCAR on Fox related swag helps pay expenses for the network.

At least it's not FOM TV that runs F1. FOM is a mess since they don't even look for the best race or cut at the worst moment that not even James Allen (on Britain's ITV, the network that gave us Millionaire and Idol; ITV loses F1 after 2008, which the Beeb returns in 2009) can plead with the production truck to show what they need. As much as we talk about the Fox booth, they are often an extra pair of eyes and ears that Artie Kempner trusts for shots they want.

Anonymous said...

jdh417

Fellow Anon's who don't happen to have a Google account, put a handle on your posts so that people can yell at you more precisely.

Sophia, keep posting.

JD, any chance of expanded IRL coverage on your blog? I get the impression you're not entirely pleased with the series, but your open wheel experience would be a plus.

To follow up on one of your comments, IRL races may be hit or miss sometimes, but the cars definitely put on a good show at the Mile today. They belong there.

Just remember, CART and Champ Car both went bankrupt keeping their cars off the ovals.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Anon 8:40PM,

Before the merger and this year's Indy 500, I would have said no way.

Now, after the success we had with our Indy 500 special and the potential line-up of the IRL as a whole for next season, I am considering it.

If Tony can get ten or more new cars on the track for the season, the IRL will suddenly be THE story of 2009 and the reason will be the COT in both Cup and N'wide.

I am also hearing that multiple folks are now chatting about how to come back to the IRL after leaving.

If Tony could lure the guys who left for sports cars, NASCAR and the misplaced souls like PT back into the series, it would be incredible.

Oh yea, the memories of Andrew Craig and Gerry Forsythe are still very fresh in my mind.

JD

Nan S said...

"If Tony could lure the guys who left for sports cars, NASCAR and the misplaced souls like PT back into the series, it would be incredible.
"

I'm sure Tony could lure them, its the sponsors that you need to get back and pony up. If the product remains exciting and if Nascar does lose interest due to the COT and length of races, then we'll see. I remember the pinnacle of CART.

Erik said...

Daly Planet Editor said...
Erik,

I agree totally...


JD,
First Sophia agreed with me a few weeks ago, and now you! Everyone is finally coming around...

Sophia said...

Erik,

I think you have come around this season too, maybe? ;-0

To IRL fans and JD

I hope to GOD a certain Indy racer is going back to IRL. Struggling with sponsors and seat time in NASCAR.

I heard somebody mention his name and hope it's true. Yes todays' IRL might not have been terrific but was NASCAR?

AND you have side by side commercials.

AND the cars already all look alike...just like the COT!! Ha.

AND Indy racing LIVE viewing only takes 2.5 hrs out of your day.

(If JD makes a 'Sophia needs a DVR' comment to that comparison, no chocolate chip cookies or cupcakes for YOU...says the cookie Nazi!! )

I tell you, I am FIRED up against many things in NASCAR this season and Fired up in a good way about IRL....but must confess, I hope they get back a couple of drivers.

And not to kiss up to you JD, I think your blog DOES hold some weight in the tv racing industry and might just be helpful to IRL fans.

It's not like you are recruiting to a religion...plenty of NASCAR fans and IRL deserves some attention and they don't have the huge revenue of NASCAR. But a well kept community to post during IRL would be good (except today when they over lap could be confusing for YOU to keep track of)

Oh, and could you get Robin Miller to do a Q&A if you decide to go that route?

xoxo

Anonymous S
;-)

Anonymous said...

hey newracefan? hoping you've finally plowed thru today's race comments after a long day at the track! missed having you here with us today but then again, i'm still irritated over the lap 16 stupidity and so self-censored for today: believe me, i was not a fun person to be around this afternoon. first, lap 16 then irl with 3 to go.
then again, as many have reminded us: it's just racing. sigh.
catch you on the flip side!

Anonymous said...

I'm a little late to this discussion, and reading the above you all probably don't want to hear this -- but I am going to miss the FOX gang. The NASCAR on Fox shows are entertaining. I look forward to them. They do a good job of making every race seem like a big event. They get a little goofy sometimes, and I won't argue with the choices of the director on the race finish one bit... but the ESPN/ABC crew bores me to absolute tears. I don't think the Dover race was a very good race, but I could get through it with Fox. On ABC I would have been asleep.

Erik said...

I may have missed it, though did Fox review who is in the top 35 drivers points at the end of the race?

Daly Planet Editor said...

Anon 10:04PM,

If you have a minute, go back and read the column about the Saturday Nationwide Series rain delayed race from Dover.

I think you may find it is a totally different ESPN that you will see this season when TNT is done.

JD

Newracefan said...

Hey Red will plow thru tomorrow, actually took the day off to recover. Good thing, made a poor shoe choice and have the blisters to prove it. Had a great time even though it wasn't the most exciting race for the last 50 laps. Just checking in to make sure JD didn't post something I needed to know. Unfortunately ehat he had was a 90 prerace by Bill Weber next week. Oh boy. :)

Anonymous said...

Erik,

They did not update the top 35. I believe they showed the top 20 in points, but nothing more.

Anonymous said...

Sophia -

There are quite a few Indy racers in NASCAR ... Smoke, Jeff & Robby Gordon, John Andretti, Sam Hornish, Dario, Casey, etc ...

But, I presume you mean Dario ... Based on everything that has happened this year, he probably will be back in one of Ganassi's IRL cars next year ...


DW's health is fine ... He just gets choked up at the end of the Fox run every year ... Because he knows that Larry Mac, Hammond, Yocum, Krista & others will still be around the races on a weekly basis & he won't ... He really loves his teammates and the sport ...

In fact, DW loves the sport so much that a couple of years ago he flew to Seattle for a "Back the Track" rally on a rainy Thursday with Hornish, Biffle, Kahne, Mikey, Bestwick, Johnny Rutherford, Al Unser Sr & a guy from the Indianpolis Star newspaper ... Then at like 6 in the morning he flew back to Charlotte for a MRO meeting ... Then he flew back to Seattle for a Seahawks game that Fox was broadcasting ... Not very many broadcasters would do something like that ...

Anonymous said...

@Sophia--NASCAR Angels has been on for like 2 years now. Depending on where you live it's either on ABC or on an Independent channel. I have it on Independent channels, I've never seen it on ABC here. In fact, about a year ago, Rusty was hit by someone who was yacking on their cell phone on his way either to or from a taping of the show.

@JD--that's why I DVR everything :). Sometimes I watch NRD live, but pretty much watch it all through the DVR so it doesn't seem as long. But yes 4 1/2 is a LOT of pre-race regardless of how it's broken up.

Daly Planet Editor said...

There is a new post up about the final NASCAR on Fox telecast from Dover. Thanks.

JD

Daly Planet Editor said...

nrf,

Don't we always have stuff you want to know?

JD

Sophia said...

Anon

Appreciate the update on DW...I understand emotion..the older we get, the more grateful we get and we also do NOT take for granted the future...and so, I understand DW's passion and how the others continue but he does not. Thanks for putting it in perspective.

Yes I am aware many in NASCAR came from OW but I DO miss Dario and felt things were rushed for him..and then the merger was rushed to happen THIS season and I bet many on both sides of the fence were surprised. I do miss rooting for Dario but just wish IRL had more shows to get to KNOW their drivers. I enjoyed Briscoe on WT and his first win...he could NOT stop smiling and that was fun to see.

I have to say, sap that I am, even though he annoyed me with his gushing of certain folks/products, I WILL miss the rest of the year with no DW....and his Boogity never bothered me like it did some people...It's like 7 seconds and it's over. And his enthusiasm is GENUINE!

Thanks again for taking the time to type your response.

Newracefan said...

Ok it's now Monday and I have read thru the posts as I watch the DVR of Dover (I saw the race in person). So far Fox is doing a good job because there wasn't much racing after the last green flag stop. Everything was so mixed up and spread out you needed to look at the post to see if it was for position, unfortunately it usually wasn't; more than likely it was someone getting lapped. I have to figure out how to listen to the 48 scanner and race at the same time like I do at home. FYI for those that have never been to the race you can pick up on the scanner MRN which includes all the conversation between the announcers during commercials, they were so desperate for anything to talk about regarding the race that they were disappointed that one of the cars did not hit the wall late in the race.
That said I will go back next year but Nascar needs to fix the cars because I won't do it forever. Six cars on the lead lap= not good.
I will miss the Fox crew including DW, they love Nascar racing and I appreciate that. For me Mike Joy calling a race = cup racing. I for one am glad they are doing the Prelude. DW's emotion is just who he is and I'm ok with that. I might actually buy a Digger toy for my son (24yo who thinks I'm crazy but always asks how the race was and sometimes even watches) just for giggles.

Newracefan said...

Yes JD you always have something that's why this blog and Jayski for the top 35 was the only surfing I did after we got home. :)