Here we go with the big shot-in-the-arm that NASCAR so badly needs this week. It will be up to Allen Bestwick to set the tone for the day when he hosts NASCAR Countdown at 1PM to begin ESPN's live coverage.
Bestwick will be joined by Brad Daugherty and Rusty Wallace in the Infield Pit Center. Wallace has just returned from a very wet race in Montreal where NASCAR used rain tires, windshield wipers and brake lights for the first time. The question is, will ESPN show highlights and what will Wallace say about the rain issues?
Bestwick will have Dave Burns, Mike Massaro, Jamie Little and Shannon Spake as pit reporters for the pre-race show. This hour should be a very diverse mix of the fall-out from both Indy and Montreal mixed with the hype of both Pocono and the upcoming Chase for the Championship.
At 2PM, ESPN will switch to race coverage and that means Dr. Jerry Punch, Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree upstairs in the announce booth. This big track with very repetitive laps should be a true test for Punch and company of how they can handle a very long and sometimes very boring Cup race.
Look for Bestwick and the Infield Studio crew to be used a lot more in this telecast once the race hits the midpoint. Last season, this was the now infamous "shut-up and drive" race that included on-camera celebrity interviews under green and also SportsCenter updates. One big issue was Suzy Kolber and her crew talking about the race on-camera while the cars roared by in the background at full speed.
This season, ESPN has the potential to put on a very good show from the HD pictures to the brand new line-up of announcers. The Pocono race will be the first good test of ESPN's Sprint Cup commitment and may well signal a positive shift in momentum for this TV crew down the stretch.
This post will serve to host your comments about NASCAR Countdown and the coverage of the Sprint Cup Series race on ESPN. To add your TV-related opinion, just click on the COMMENTS button below. The rules for posting are located on the right side of the main page. Thanks for taking the time to join us at The Daly Planet.
Well put the middle section of any pocono race is a test to see if the broadcast crew can keep viewers awake.
ReplyDeleteespecially since Wendy V. just reported rain drops on pit road. this is a huge track to dry.
ReplyDeleteIf you guys get a second, click on the Monte Dutton link above and read his story about the NASCAR traveling press corp.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one.
JD
Well ESPN2 will have "The Incredible Dog Challenge" opposite the race start.
ReplyDeletebevo,
ReplyDeleteThat is for the coveted 18-to-25 dog year's old demographic.
Good one JD!
ReplyDeleteInteresting piece by Dutton btw, kind of ironic he's against tabloid journalism and there's a link for NASCAR Octane with a Maxim babe with a bare midriff right next to it :)
I know he's not responsible for a web page layout - just thought it was funny.
Egad, the scrolling Starting Line-up on the front of the desk is a soft-focus nightmare. I keep rubbing my eyes, thinking that I have something on a contact. Reminds me of the "Puck Tracker" that Fox tried years back to assist newbie hockey fans in keeping track of the puck. It created a fuzzy blue haze around the puck that was, to say the least, annoying.
ReplyDelete-D
I think ESPN is ticked about last week (rightfuly so) The voice for the start of Count down said "debacle" lol ouch
ReplyDeleteWhen nascar.com advertises that the webcast will begin at 1 pm ET ... I think it should start then. It still has not begun streaming the webcast.
ReplyDeleteThe webcast finally starts ... even though it is 16 minutes late.
ReplyDeleteBestwick is just laying it all out on this show. I am amazed.
ReplyDeleteDmo, along with the starting lineup that you mentioned, the top of that big desk is so shiny it's distracting. And why does RW keep on yelling every broadcast he is on.
ReplyDeleteMan, I sure wish I knew who the road course driver's were who told Rusty that the Nationwide cars handles better in the rain than the Grand Am DP car's. Is he nuts?
ReplyDeletegeez,
ReplyDeleteSome of the things he said yesterday during that race just caused silence from the other two in the booth. He sure was slinging it.
AB doesn't have to worry about backlash nobody's defending NASCAR
ReplyDeleteRusty is Chris Matthews jr. No volume control
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletesecond week in a row that the Grand Marshal has a clue about the sport.
ReplyDeleteSorry JD, just meant it as a joke
ReplyDeleteI also noticed that Keifer was so interested in talking about NASCAR that he neglected to discuss his new movie. I respect that :-)
ReplyDeleteThis might be the one time it would be interesting to have him in the booth mid-race. Sounds like he really likes the sport.
ReplyDeletebevo, np
Brad gets the odd statement of the day - Kenseth is like a slow moving tornado.
ReplyDeleteThe starting line-up in the Pit Studio desk didn't look that bad. I mean come on, it is a Daktronics display, not an HD Television.
ReplyDeleteIs the ticker at the bottom smaller?
ReplyDeleteNifty, good heavens Shannon
ReplyDeleteNot sure...
ReplyDeletebevo said...
ReplyDeleteIs the ticker at the bottom smaller?
not small enough!!!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteNewracefan said...
ReplyDeleteNifty, good heavens Shannon
That was funny. car? how bout humvee
Anonymous said...
ReplyDelete"The starting line-up in the Pit Studio desk didn't look that bad. I mean come on, it is a Daktronics display, not an HD Television."
I'm watching the SD feed on a decent Sharp 32" tube. The line-up looks annoyingly fuzzy. I suspect its only there for eye candy; but the focus thing is driving me crazy (but I'm also anal and overly critical, so says my wife)
:-)
-D
I don't want any celebrity in the booth mid-race or at any point of the race, unless they've driven in a NASCAR race before.
ReplyDeleteIt looks narrower to me, but maybe my eyes are just going bad :)
ReplyDeleteHotPass drivers today:
ReplyDeleteBurton
Jr
J Gordon
Stewart
I don't know if anybody has heard this but rusty has won 4 times at pocono
ReplyDeleteenough already
Can't they turn down Rusty and Brad's mike down a little so they do not seem so loud. I feel like I'm being yelled at.
ReplyDeleteOh dear Gawd, Billy Ray Cyrus? Man, I hate the cutesy music video thing.
ReplyDeleteJD,
ReplyDeleteI have a dumb question. What if you're a fan that dosen' have cable? Does NASCAR just not care anymore if the fans miss a few races?
Nice anthem again.
ReplyDeleteI have a question - honestly why is there a competition caution on lap 20? Us oldies don't remember this from Pocono before. We're just wondering
yep, lots of video of crashes -- and country music -- that's Brian France's idea of getting back to basics since the racing itself is so unexciting!
ReplyDeleteBut, on the up side, they had someone who could actually sing the National Anthem well -- that was great.
Still not sure I'm going to tune in for the race. After last week's mess and since Pocono is usually boring as heck, why waste my Sunday?
JD,
ReplyDeleteI have a dumb question. What if you're a fan that dosen' have cable? Does NASCAR just not care anymore if the fans miss a few races?
No. That is why the last 11 races are on network TV. Believe it or not alot more races are shown on network TV compared to just a few years ago. Cable networks have been involved with NASCAR since its been on television.
Jo no practice after qualifying no one knows what they have.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteGreat anthem, that guy can sing. Let's see if JP has enough energy to keep up with the race today.
ReplyDelete"I have a dumb question. What if you're a fan that dosen' have cable? Does NASCAR just not care anymore if the fans miss a few races?"
ReplyDelete--------------
If you log onto nascar.com ... they simucast the race through the internet. Just click on the "It's Crunchtime" icon.
Let's hope this is a good show for the fans, NASCAR needs it.
ReplyDeleteAB - pleas, don't send us to the booth stay with us for the play by play! Another race of Rusty and Doc. Ugh! Thank heaven for scanners
ReplyDeletecommercial on now but Bevo,yes all our tickers on ONE tv are smaller and squattier looking.
ReplyDeleteWe can't figure it out. It's on a 25 inch tv that's about 8 years old...other newer and OLDER tv's show the ticker normal. Weird. It's like the individual tv is interpreting things diffferent..you think the ticker would look the same..we noticed the news tickers on other stations looking the same way.
??
Newracefan said...
ReplyDeleteJo no practice after qualifying no one knows what they have.
August 3, 2008 2:06 PM
Thanks! NRF its been nuts here I forgot Oops
My point was that not all nascar fans have cable. Most of those would presumably also not have internet so NASCAR simulcast is useless, that leaves the radio I agree, I was just pointing out that nascar may be slicing off the nose of some of its core domographic
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon everyone.... Hope we see a great telecast and a great race.
ReplyDeleteCould the ESPN and ESPN@ tickers be different and that's why we think they are smaller it's actually a channel thing?
ReplyDeletethat was ESPN2 not ESPN@ oops
ReplyDeletedid you notice the clear ESPN icon on the lower right?
ReplyDeleteri88,
ReplyDeleteEighty-eight percent of homes have cable in the latest numbers I can find. Frankly, in today's day and age, if they don't have cable, they probably aren't all that interested in television, anyway.
On top of that, 24/36 races are on broadcast TV this year, the same as last year. I don't have the numbers for the FOX/NBC/TNT days, but that has to be high historically for the amount of races on broadcast.
JD,
ReplyDeleteIs that bug new? I know they use it in a lot of other sports. I'm so used to having them on TV now, that I don't notice it from event to event. Thanks.
Kind of looks like a little upgrade to the graphics package.
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC save by Happy.
ReplyDeleteI thought that was a huge wreck.
Ohhh man Blaney just missed that.
ReplyDeleteThe pre-race was pretty good, and the opening lap seemed to have nice wide shots. Hopefully they'll continue that throughout the race.
Actually the current deal goes 13/12/11. One thing I noticed last year was how Disney protects the Arena Football League and the X Games over NASCAR, and we see it here. This is in the mix of 12 consecutive races on cable. F1, IRL, ALMS, and MotoGP all have network races while NASCAR is on the 13 weeks of cable-only coverage.
ReplyDeleteBilly Ray Cyrus is clearly intended as a cross-promotion of Hannah Montana (after all it's his girl who plays the character).
here on TW the one tv I mentioned earlier has the new ticker look.
ReplyDeleteVery bizarre..makes us think we are crazy but it's just the ONE tv. On another note, it is one of the digital tv and has fuzzy graphics from TW compared to the other digital.
But the shorter ticker is a mystery in this house on the LR tv...should be on ALL the tvs.
The tickers are the same. I honestly have no clue what you are seeing.
ReplyDeleteNext year? DJ play by play with AP and Kyle Petty?
ReplyDeletebobby,
ReplyDeleteNASCAR's sponsors mandated the final ten races to be on free over-the-air broadcast TV.
CBS and NBC were not players and Fox had football. ESPN promised NASCAR ABC and took the Nationwide Series as a part of the deal.
JD
RE: Lower ticker and clear ESPN logo.
ReplyDeleteESPN ALWAYS uses that during live sports on ESPN. ESPN2 is a different story.
First time I've gone to MRN this season...the difference between the first lap incident between Harvick and Nemechek was like listening/watching a completely different race. The radio announcers provided a lot of excitement, while Jerry Punch went with the "ho hum" approach to the contact and caution.
ReplyDeleteNot only that, but the radio gave a quick update on the damage to Harvick's car before going to commercial, while ESPN only gave us the view from Casey Mears' car before going to commercial with no update.
There's such a glaring difference in the coverage that it makes it hard to stick with ESPN other than for images. MRN for audio, FoxTrax for current race positions...can't imagine that's a good thing for ESPN.
I should say, they always uses the clear logo, and drop the lower ticker during live sports
ReplyDeleteSophiaZ123, are you sure the ticker difference you are seeing is not because you have an HDTV and just don't know it? I cant see any other reason why it would look in any way different.
ReplyDeleteThat's why former MRN guys are so good when they go to tv - Ken Squire, Mike Joy etc...
ReplyDeleteWell now, competition yellow. Did anyone recall being told about this before the race?
ReplyDeleteESPN, I really don't think we need an in-progress standings update after the Lap 1 caution. All that happened to Harvick was he lost a bunch of spots and restarted from near the back after getting touched by Nemechek.
ReplyDeleteI thought DJ was on the 43 what's he doing pitting the 45?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteOn the radio they mentioned competition caution on Lap 20. I'm not sure about the TV coverage...I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't. Anyone catch the mention on TV?
ReplyDeleteJD - I believe Jeff Gordon mentioned the competition yellow on his interview before the race.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYep they mentioned the competition yellow several times
ReplyDeleteOh brother 2 spins in less then 5 laps.....
ReplyDeleteThis race might have to get a nap break for one of our announcers in the booth.
No mention at all about the comp yellow in pre race on speed of ESPN pre race shows today.
Newracefan,
ReplyDeletethe 45 and the 43 are part of the same team. so i dont think it matters.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletePoor JP - was much more animated talking about the Cubbies playing the Astros than the spin by Kurt Busch.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteanon
ReplyDeleteIT was? I ran to the store during the first 10 mins of ESPN's show. Other then that I was watching.....
I'll take care of the comments, everyone relax. The goal of trolls is to get your attention. Just let them be and they will leave.
ReplyDeleteLet's just have fun.
JD
anyone got the weather radar up? What is the forecast?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWaltrip and Knaus Monday on TWIN.
ReplyDeleteJD,
ReplyDeleteIsolated, pulse thunderstorms around. Nothing imminent at Long Pond. I'll keep the radar up, though, since something could pop up at anytime.
Did anyone notice Brad Daugherty's error in stating that the driver he was picking to win was starting 11th? He picked Vickers but Bobby Labonte started 11th while Vickers started 8th.
ReplyDeleteThe ticker looks decent on the CRT t.v. that I'm currently watching the race on. I checked the HDTV and at the regular ESPN channel, it's fuzzy but when I went to the HD channel, it was sharp. (Too bad my PC is in the spare room and not the living room. This CRT will be replaced with an HD before long, though.)
Mark Martin winning in the 8 would make such great Karmic sense.
ReplyDeleteDJ and Andy really do make up for Doc's shortcumming and I've just about got Rusty out of my ears.
Great save by Harv, it is amazing how a few labs of good racing can chang the whole perspective.
Wendy is covering Burton and she just mentioned the rain developing again
ReplyDeleteHey, Anon 2:07 -- I've been going to races AND paying the prices for tickets for a while now, so I figure I am one of the fans keeping NASCAR alive -- that said, I'd like to see better competition for the money I spend.
ReplyDeleteri88,
ReplyDeleteGoing to be interesting about lap 100. Remember this race last year?
This was the "shut up and drive" race with the music videos and the X games interviews under green.
What a nice change.
JD
bevo,
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a single echo in Monroe County. Not sure where Wendy is getting that.
Really like that wide camera shot looking up the front straightaway; gives you a chance to see the entire field right now.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those times when I miss RaceBuddy. That was a good idea and something fun to play with during the race.
ReplyDeleteJD
Anon 2:50PM,
ReplyDeleteDrop me an email at editor@thedalyplanet.tv when you have a moment. Thanks.
JD
Real nice shot selection the first 20 laps. The wide shots offer us the chance to see our favorite drivers.
ReplyDeleteThat LOW shot INSIDE of turn 3 was awesome. Only used it once so far.... hope they use it again... lets see if they do. It wasnt a "gopher cam"....but looked like it might have been a boom cam down near the guard rail on the exit of Turn 3.
Nice shots so far ESPN...keep it up.
Ahhh Race Buddy, JD you read my mind
ReplyDeleteThat was great coming off pit road. Can't ask for more than that.
ReplyDeleteam19psu-
ReplyDeleteShe was looking at the clouds building up, I think they're more concerned with rain developing than a system moving in.
JD -
You've got to check out HotPass if you miss RaceBuddy
Didn't care for the low shot off of turn 4 following cars into the pits.
ReplyDeletebevo,
ReplyDeleteThat would be free RaceBuddy that I miss.
Newracefan said...
ReplyDeleteI thought DJ was on the 43 what's he doing pitting the 45?
August 3, 2008 2:36 PM
PE switched DJ Copp over to the 45 team. I'm not sure why but it seems to be a permanent move right now.
Come on JD, I know you're just rolling in the bucks from this site :)
ReplyDeleteWhy is the booth throwing it to Rusty? We've got DJ we don't need Rusty
ReplyDeleteGet a shock collar for Rusty every time "I'll tell you what"
ReplyDeletetrivia question-- how many times did Rusty win pocono?
ReplyDeleteMikey is in the garage I wonder if we will ever see or hear about him again today?
ReplyDeleteGot a hint that they are going to try and work the infield folks into the telecast, especially later in the race.
ReplyDeleteMight be a good solution to the problems Punch is having keeping the intensity level high lap-after-lap.
Bevo, my revenue stream stays very consistent = 0.
cRusty puhleeze enough w/CATS!!!!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is sick of you.
Besides we know its monkeys driving.Or chimps?
Someone shut him up!!!
BTW did ya know he won here 4 times sigh
ok..I lied..only the ESPN tickers look smaller on two tv;s now.
ReplyDeletecoulda sworn earlier it was just LR tv and that FOXNEWS mid week had the squattier looking ticker...now looks normal. I give up.
Why are we hearing RUSTY in the booth? sigh
nrf,
ReplyDeleteThe difference in the Toyotas is amazing. Mikey should be interesting on Monday on TWIN.
See? This is what I heard. There were going to be segments of the race where the Infield would call the action. Here we go...
ReplyDeleteinteresting ESPN observation.
ReplyDeletehearing a lot more from AB these days, coming out of commercial, far more interaction with the studio crew then FOX had with the hotel, or TNT with Marc Fein and co., this fact also seems to always be promoted in the ESPN PR posts on jayski, comments?
LOL,. posted that thought at the exact same time JD, :)
ReplyDeleteHey, a Mikey update!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI think TNT knew they had a strong presence with Larry Mac in the infield and ESPN feels the same way about AB. However, you can't really throw it to just AB, hence, we have to deal Cats.
ReplyDeleteThey're doing a good job getting more information from the pit reporters today
ReplyDeleteJD, there's no difference in the Toyotas. The engine change was Nationwide Series only.
ReplyDeleteBill Elliot is in this race?
ReplyDeleteHow about the LeBonte's running nose to tale?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteTim Brewer should have SHOWED US how long it takes to make that adjustment with that Chain on the rear end.
ReplyDeleteHe should have performed that change for us.
Jo, really - Rusty won Pocono 4 times??? Someone get some duct tape and . . . . .
ReplyDeleteJo said...
ReplyDeleteSomeone shut him up!!!
BTW did ya know he won here 4 times sigh
Only 4 seems like a lot more maybe they'll point it some more.
Guys,
ReplyDeleteIf you are new here please read the rules for posting on the right side of the main page.
We appreciate all opinions, but do not tolerate comments about others as if your views are somehow "correct."
We all have opinions, and we would like yours about the TV coverage of the race.
If you have an issue, just drop me an email. Thanks.
JD
just checked anon.
ReplyDeleteNo, NOW HD tv's in the house..all tv's are 10 years old except for a couple that are 8 years and one 4..standard CRT looking tv.
I WILL tell you local affiliates get the HD stationsa and 4.3 confused..I had to call one day as after commercial my cbs affiliate ran off screen for an HOUR..then back to normal.
So if that happens with the news channels (IF they are in HD) that would explain. Sometimes our weather station is in HD )local) and sometimes NOT..and if they get it wrong, the weather map runs off the stage..it is the only lcoal tv that is HD feed..but you usually have to go to another station to watch HD.
No, we would know HD if we had it. I am not THAT tech ignorant. :)
low budget tvs
dustin,
ReplyDeleteI meant between the performance of Gibss and MWR. Sorry if I was not clear. MW having another tough day.
Sorry couldn't see black smoke on my little TV ... giant on screen graphic.
ReplyDeleteAny chance we're hearing more from Rusty today because they're evaluating him for continued employment?
ReplyDeleteMikey started the day 150-pts above 35th place. A 43rd today might put him out. Tomorrow's TWIN might be interesting.
ReplyDeletedmo...exactly.
ReplyDeletebevo, the infield is going to have a bigger profile in these telecasts. Rusty was doing great, has not been the same since his Ryan Newman dust-up. His volume level is off the chart today.
This is a great response to the viewer complaints, a nice full field rundown.
JD
dmo,
ReplyDeleteUnlikely, unless Carpentier, Riggs, etc. win the race.
You still get 39 pts for finishing last.
bevo said...
ReplyDeleteAny chance we're hearing more from Rusty today because they're evaluating him for continued employment?
you know he won 4 times at pocono ;)
I wish they would do a through the field to include at least the top 20 cars, I would prefer more but I'll take 20
ReplyDelete1/4 through the race and I'd say very good job by ESPN so far
ReplyDeleteGreen flag stops are really gonna stretch the field apart.
ReplyDeleteThat takes some doing with those big pit stalls
ReplyDeleteWhoever the pit road reporter (female) that talked about Kyle Busch's pit stop said he was pitting out of sequence. Couldn't be more wrong, and since he was one of the first to pit during the green flag, it really could throw viewers off who don't know every detail of Nascar racing. Another poor job by ESPN.
ReplyDeleteIt is agrevating to see great storylines on the race ticker and not be able to move the cameras to see them on the track! The pictures are really great today.
ReplyDeletewho is supposed to be the 'editor' for the booth and the truck. I am assuming that there is someone telling them who to shoot and who to watch. Am I wrong? is that Doc's job? The dirctor?
It's nice to have a Hollywood type who has a clue instead of "guessing" at names that a PR person gave them or they remember a name they heard in passing (or listening to a certain song ;)). If I had known he'd be all over everything for more than 2 seconds I would have told all my '24' friends.
ReplyDeletebevo--I wonder if he meant it as a way to say to watch out for MattMatt in the end. That the tornado (MattMatt) would slowly build momentum (speed) and then do it's damage (win) in the end :).
@am19--agreed! Even basic cable that gets you for sure ESPN/ESPN2 is $20 pretty much everywhere. Not sure where TNT falls in the basic/expanded basic areas.
JD--bevo's comment about the MRN guys reminded me...yesterday Dr. Jerry mentioned he was a radio guy...was he MRN/PRN or just local radio?
Stupid request on my part, but here goes: when following a car into its pit stall, would it kill them to loosen the shot up so you can see the other cars as the primary car passes? I always look to see who all is in the pits when a wide-shot is taken.
ReplyDeleteri88,
ReplyDeleteThe Producer tells the story and the Director selects the pictures that show the story.
Pit Producer coords the pit reporters and Assoc Director inserts the commercials.
The Producer gets tons of input from everyone from spotters to the talent, all of whom want to "sell" their idea on who to focus the program on at that moment.
Its a very fluid situation...to say the least.
JD
They missed one stat on Mark Martin.
ReplyDeleteWith the laps he has led today....
Mark Martin has now LED over 1,000 MILES in competition at POCONO.
gymmie,
ReplyDeleteThat guys last week, I think he was from "Scrubs" knew his stuff as well. Nice to see.
Not the best green flag pit stop coverage.
ReplyDeleteSplit Screen needed for all green flag stops.
gymmie-
ReplyDeleteI figured that was what he meant but a slow moving tornado is impossible :)
And Dr Punch started with MRN
Get a shock collar for Rusty every time he ...drives his brains out.
ReplyDelete@ri88girl--yup Awesome Bill made it in on time :)...but of course no one seems to want to tell us :(
ReplyDeletebevo,
ReplyDeleteNo, it's very possible :)
That was actually good commentary by Rusty re: brakes.
Thank for the rundown JD this helps me to understand with whom I disagree or should be complaining about.
ReplyDeleteAndy has really added several neat tidbits of crew info today.
I wonder if Rusty does think he might loose his job, maybe if we tell him he's still one of us, he'll calm down and get his legs under him again. He did it once so we know he can
Dmo said...
ReplyDeleteStupid request on my part, but here goes: when following a car into its pit stall, would it kill them to loosen the shot up so you can see the other cars as the primary car passes? I always look to see who all is in the pits when a wide-shot is taken.
August 3, 2008 3:26 PM
Apparently it would kill them to show more than one car during a pit stop. This has been one of my biggest issues with coverage, too.
It's only because of Jayski that fans have the luxury of knowing where the driver's pit stall is.
And the race to the chase takes over. Who cares where they are 12th 13th it's lap 64 of 200. Give it a rest until the end of the race
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying the limited bottom ticker!
ReplyDeleteBrian, thats true. but you only have to worry about the bottom ticker on ESPN2. It is almost never shown during Live sports on ESPN.
ReplyDeletesome 2 tire stops coming and NOBODY set that up from the pits
ReplyDeleteI liked that deal on TNT where they have the graphics on the pit stalls.
ReplyDeleteYes it really is JD! Now if they can have celebrities and other dignitaries who have a clue and people who can sing like former Officer Rodriguez and that nice trooper we used to get all the time here at Pocono and *most* of the Country singers, I'd be in heaven!
ReplyDeletethanks Bevo! A shame to be an MRN guy and not displaying it like Allen, Mike Joy and others :(. I loved the 24/7 show I think it was that showed the MRN guys and how "on top" you have to be because there's no "off to Joe Blow" their voice tells you when it's "your turn" and they have to paint the picture for the radio fans.
I guess that is true about tornadoes...I guess they'd start out strong...
2 yellow flag pit stops today and both times the # 8 crew has LOST the lead for Mark Martin.
ReplyDeleteShould be a wild restart here.
Way off-topic here, but a Tornado may have wind speeds in excess of 200-mph, but its ground speed (the rate it actually moves across land) is typically 30-35mph. It can be a whole lot slower, or whole lot faster.
ReplyDeleteNow, back to your scheduled programming..
Exactly what ESPN and NASCAR needed, some good racing.
ReplyDeleteGood battle going on between Stewart, McMurray and Montoya
ReplyDeleteRobby?
ReplyDeleteExcellent wide shots of the action!
ReplyDeletedmo
ReplyDeleteI was gonna add the tornado comment. Local weathermen often talk about slow moving storms with 60 mph winds or more.
So slow moving tornado here means it was on the ground for more than a few seconds..thus less damage. Slow moving tornadoes wipe out small towns. :(
Great camera work on ESPN so far.
SO LOVE THE LACK of constant ticker.:)
Did Andy just break some news re the shifting?
ReplyDeletedmo-
ReplyDeleteThat's what I meant :) BTW 35 looks real fast when you're trying to get away from one in this area!
Did they forget about the update on Tony Raines and his 26 spot gain or did I miss it checking on my marinade?
ReplyDeleteNice promo for the Trucks on SPEED.
ReplyDeleteUh Oh .... is weather going to be a story ??
ReplyDeleteBetter start checking the radar.
After next break, Bestwick might be checking the Pocono weather radar.
If i'm a crew chief.... I'd be concerned.
JD, I think I always see that truck promo during cup races.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletegymmie -
ReplyDeleteI see Raines in 36th place, started 18th
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteThere is some rain moving toward the track. It is between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton at the moment. Still over an hour away, if I'm doing my math right, but something to keep an eye on.
Newracefan said...
ReplyDeleteAnd the race to the chase takes over. Who cares where they are 12th 13th it's lap 64 of 200. Give it a rest until the end of the race
Obsessing over the Chase is what ESPN does best. They did it all last season once they took over coverage. The rest of the drivers and their fans obviously don't matter one single bit to ESPN. This is a shame, too, because I merely record the races and FF through them. TrackPass Pit Command via the computer is how I watch the races.
But, hey, it's all about ESPN, isn't it? We fans, and our spending dollars, don't matter to them.
What happened to Waltrip..any updates why still in the garage?
ReplyDeleteIf you remember last season, ESPN dogged Junior about making the Chase and then went crazy and talked endlessly about the Chase standings to no end.
ReplyDeleteSo far, the changes have been really good, but they are still trying to work all of the 10 announcers into the show. That is a lot of voices to coordinate.
JD
anon @ 3:55 PM
ReplyDeleteIts positivity like that, that will keep NASCAR on Live television.
Sophia- engine, stayed out to lead a lap then went to the garage never to be seen again. Doc said they would keep us updated haven't heard anything since. Could Mikey really have turned down an interview offer, somehow I doubt it I bet no one even tried.
ReplyDeleteAnon can you shed some light?
Carl said over his radio there were a couple of drops on turn 2. His spotter Jason said the spotters have had a few drops on them too.
ReplyDelete--KarenB
That would be raindrops, of course.
ReplyDeleteCaution is out.
--KarenB
maybe their pit road update was wacky...because they showed that Tony had gained 26 positions and wondered if he even stopped...maybe just waved to his guys or missed it pit stop and had to come back...but they said they were going to update us.
ReplyDeleteOh lord please no rain delay this race is long enough. At least we have AB if it does happen but I don't think I can handle that Childress piece again
ReplyDeleteThey keep showing the clouds on Burton's channel, crew chief keeps checking with the weatherman
ReplyDelete"crew chief keeps checking with the weatherman"
ReplyDeleteDoes NASCAR have one that reports to the teams?
they are still trying to work all of the 10 announcers into the show. That is a lot of voices to coordinate
ReplyDeleteI think they've done a pretty good job doing that today
I thing most of the larger teams have a meteorologist working for them
ReplyDeleteBoy, I need earplugs when RW starts talking.
ReplyDeleteWow, this Rusty and Brad thing is going to be interesting.
ReplyDeleteBevo
ReplyDeleteI disagree...too much Rusty. :(
too many voices...like too many cooks spoil the broth?
Though I do enjoy AB..and Brad is ok. It's a little schizo. :)
Hope rain stays away..I feel like the race should be over in about 30 minutes, lol.
I have enjoyed Dale and Andy today. Asking Rusty questions and the three-way conversations help cover for Punch.
ReplyDeleteSeveral times Punch has seemed to stop talking right in the middle of a sentence and Dale jumps in to cover.
There must be something obvious happening with Punch that Dale can see.
Punch seems to quote Pocono stats when he can't follow the action on the track.
OK, I just have to say that one of the dumbest things they do is to play all the scanner traffic during a green flag restart -- since they are almost ALL saying exactly the same thing! It is such a jumble it sounds stupid to me.
ReplyDeleteok..I said too many cooks spoil the broth..and too many voices.
ReplyDeleteI still DETEST the FULL THROTTLE.
Need to keep it to 4 or 5 radios at a time.
It amazes me that once again the network totally disregards the chance of rain playing a part in the outcome of the race.
ReplyDeletegina, you and i posted same time about full throttle.
ReplyDeletenrf, thanks for the Mikey update !!
I'm a little behind (on call again, doesn't working for a living suck) but I agree this throwing it to Rusty and Brad is just too much. We all love AB so I have no problem with that but the RW and BD full screen lecturing the crews has got to go.
ReplyDeleteWe tried to suggest that they take the top ten last season for that feature but it was not technically possible. The entire field makes no sense. To much spotter chat.
ReplyDeleteKen-Michigan, they heard you lol
ReplyDelete