Allen Bestwick will kick-off the Saturday afternoon coverage of the Nationwide Series with NASCAR Countdown at 3PM Eastern Time. As with most weeks during the college football season, there is a live game that began at Noon preceding this program. Football usually runs longer than three hours, so viewers should be prepared for this program to be on-the-air later than scheduled.
Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty will join Bestwick in the Infield Pit Studio for a preview of the Nationwide event. There are several good stories to follow, including Rusty's son Steven putting teammate David Stremme in his car to help with set-up problems that were still not sorted out as of late Friday night.
When Countdown is over, it will be Dr. Jerry Punch taking to the air at 3:30PM for coverage of the live race. He will be joined by Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree in the booth. Tim Brewer will be in the Tech Center. Down on pit road will be Jamie Little, Shannon Spake, Mike Massaro and Dave Burns.
This track should feature some of the best racing of the season for this series with a lot of different storylines that should play-out. A very diverse group of drivers is entered in the field, so once again the potential exists for the Nationwide "regulars" to do battle with the Sprint Cup "cross-overs."
This post will serve to host your comments about the ESPN2 coverage of the Nationwide Series race from Kansas. To add your TV-related comment, just click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the easy instructions. The rules for posting are located on the right side of the main page. Thanks for stopping by.
178 comments:
Looks like overtime is a real possibility, just a field goal to tie it up.
Why is there a football game on ESPN CLASSIC????
Where the hello will NASCAR go?
OK so I'm not interested in North Carolina playing football - enough already. ESPN's non coverage stinks as usual
What are they supposed to do?
@sophia--it was the same situation last week. ESPN put football on *all* of their channels so we had no "back up". So like last week we have to wait for them to finish up. Last week IIRC, it was about 15 minutes into the Countdown before it finally came on. I don't watch college football 'cept for the New Years games if USC is in it but apparently they have a new clock that's supposed to shorten up the games but they still average 3 1/2 hours and no the 3 hour window ESPN gives them.
EPSN News has been switching between the game on ESPN2 and ESPN Classic.
Not overbook their tv schedule KNOWING it's going to mess up games and especially NASCAR.
Not rocket science.
Wow, just wow.
3:15PM NASCAR Now on-air.
It was a great game though!!!
Remember, the countdown show is an added benefit, they only are required to start their coverage for the race.
The pre-race show, and even the taped practice session after the race really just end up being disposable overrun buffers.
Not much room when football begins at 12 eastern.
it's gray suit day...
NASCAR knew this would be the case when they signed the deal with ESPN, this time of the year football is king.
erik,
Stop talking to us like you are an ESPN employee. If you want to add your views, add them as your views.
Pre and post-race shows have been with NASCAR since TV coverage began.
They are certainly not disposable and you have absolutely no clue how many millions of advertising dollars are tied-up in the sales of those programs.
Please give us your opinion for the rest of this telecast if you want to continue to post here, got it?
JD
Third time a Nationwide race followed college football. Third time a 3-hour programming block wasn't enough for the game.
Luckily for the second week in a row the ESPN and ESPN2 games weren't swapped and we barely avoided missing the green flag. The ESPN game that also started at noon still has 10 minutes left in regulation at 3:18 so we avoided losing out in the ESPN Russian Roulette this week. At California we lost, at Dover we got lucky with the length of the game ESPN2 "drew". I sure miss the days when these Nationwide races were on TNT.
bevo,
If that is your opinion, then tell us. OK?
I met with NASCAR during the summer and they were livid about this situation.
All of this Nationwide Series TV chaos will be climaxing with the Memphis race here shortly.
Next week there will be a TDP article about what is happening to the Nationwide Series in Memphis where TV is concerned.
If you want a preview, just got to NASCAR.com and check the live TV coverage schedule for Memphis.
Let's hope good weather and good racing let the Nationwide Series put on a good show for the TV audience.
JD
The FB game on ESPN 2 was originally scheduled for much later in the day and was changed I am assuming; for TV reasons. At least Nascar doesn't play those games but ESPN still needs to be more realistic about their windows.
JD,
Like it or not, that is my own analysis of the situation. With football always running long, that wipes out the pre-race show, hence, making it disposable.
I did NOT say they should be disposable, I am just commenting on reality. This is what happened the past couple of weeks ... football runs long, a chunk of the pre-race gets wiped out. Its as simple as that.
I have no idea why you think I'm trying to pretend to be an ESPN employeee. My opinions and analysis are my own.
Erik,
Because you tell us things as fact. You do this all the time. You take a position about ESPN that even creeps the ESPN guys out.
We are tired of your crap and if you want to continue to post here, knock it off.
JD
I could've done without the Kyle Busch smooch ...
Today's storyline will be: How long will it take Kyle Busch to get to the front??
JD, I checked out the TV schedule for Memphis race, there isn't one, this could be ugly, I bet Nascar is PO'd to say the least.
nrf,
I am going to keep my comments on that to myself until next week.
Let's just say ESPN is doing to NASCAR exactly what they just did to the IRL. They want what they want...and nothing more.
JD
JD,
How else to do state an opinion or analysis? If you have an opinion, like Dr. Jerry Punch is lousy at PBP, you obviously would write something indicating as such.
Google Breeder's Cup TV schedule, as well as college football, tie that in with nascar.com's schedule, you will get a good sense as to what is going on for Memphis.
wait are you guys saying there's no tv coverage of memphis?
Did Doc just get confused about who is driving the 33 car today?
"There's the 32 car of Kyle Busch..."
I see Punch does NOT read these comments!
Full screen replays on Lap 2 ??
split screen would be more welcomed for this race fan.
Let the good stuff begin. I'm off to the pool. Read you later.
Erik,
Stop it. You have been here for years as an unofficial ESPN PR rep.
That is why no one pays attention to your comments.
It does not matter what the issue is, you simply speak up for ESPN and not NASCAR or racing.
Just like one poster said, why are you here when you hate racing?
The comment you just posted about the Breeders Cup makes the point.
Why you do this no one has been able to guess. Only you know for sure.
JD
"Transmission problem" for Kevin Lepage, eh?
Not everyday do you see a pit stop covered with an aerial shot from the blimp...
yeah looked awesome!
Anybody with computer scoring see how is parking on this stop? It seems that a lot are staying out for this race who usually park.
that was a nice angle!
Ugh!!
Comcast Seattle/Everett dropped in their own little local commercial before the Deuce actually broke away ...
looked like they had a problem or were pulling a rubber or something there.
The only drivers that are laps down are Lepage, Steven Wallace, Justin Hobgood, and Kenny Hendrick.
The rest look like they are here to stay...
looks like 91 Hobgood is gone?
illpolo,
Quite a change this week. I will work on finding out about that one.
I want to watch but with Jerry Punch, he just CANNOT stop saying the car numbers everytime he talks about a driver because he doesn't know who is in what car.
Stick this guy on pit road where he belongs.
"There's the 2 and the 18..."
That's the best he can do as Bowyer passes Hamlin and he shows he just isn't use to the different cars from N'wide to Sprint.
I kind of like that Wallace kid now. Seems to be growing up.
There are some suspicious names in the field that I'm waiting to see pull off the track. Kertus Davis is now out too.
Some of the other drivers like Jennifer Jo Cobb, Brandon Whitt, Andrew Ranger, and Robert Richardson are maybe sticking it out for the long haul this week.
Anon 4:03PM,
That is why it was so wild to see him yesterday from the Infield Pit Center. He was smooth as silk.
There is a column up on the site about it.
Can't Punch say the driver and not the number every time?
JD, I just got home in time for the beginning of the Nationwide race (glad I missed all the football games), and ESPN is still having a lovefest with Clint Bowyer. They are really pushing him down our throats. I wish they would have a full time Nationwide driver doing the in-car reporter.
3 of the start-and-park usuals DNQ'ed - 90, 84, 0. I would guess the 49, 05, and 31 will follow at some point but I hope I'm wrong. I think the 78 has a sponsor this week and Morgan Shepherd is battling the #52 for 30th in owner's points (and the final qualifying exemption). Just my educated guesses on the subject....
Nice to see ESPN interview a non-points contender when he fell out of the race. Why can't this ever carry over into the Cup broadcasts?
Punch is excessively boring. I'd rather just follow on FoxTrax and watch college football, and that is sad because I like watching the races normally.
I kind of like that Wallace kid now. Seems to be growing up.
What? I hope this is sarcasm. When was the last time he finished a race with an undamaged car?
His personality, he certainly is continuing his driving struggles.
Perfect spot to roll some 1986 video of Bobby Hillin wining at Talledega.
erik,
You didn't notice for the last year and a half that people were accusing you of being an ESPN employee? I wonder what made them think you were...
******
If the Memphis issue isn't sorted out, I hope SPEED picks it up like they at Richmond back in May.
Anon @ 3:49 PM - Shannon didn't know what numbered car Truex drives ... yesterday during qualifying ... And she was standing RIGHT NEXT to the car ... She said Truex "drives the eight car" ...
Sometimes Hornaday does drive the 33 car ... when Harvick & Gale aren't ...
Guess I was a bit late to the party on that last comment. Just tuned over from football. Won't cheat on nascar today ;)
JD, you are correct. Today or yesterday during practice, David Stremme got in the car to give some input on it and Stephen was there with David talking and going over different things in the car. I was really impressed and surprised he looked so mature doing that. He has finally grown up (well til something might happen next week!).
This sure does serve as a great warm-up for Sunday.
DJ is doing the same thing ...
"There's ... battling David Reutimann in the 99" ...
In their defense, with some of the cars (16 / 17 / 32 / 18 / 20), they DO have multiple drivers in the cars throughout the season ... Sometimes, I get confused too (if I'm not watching the ticker) ...
I got curious about the Memphis N'wide race.
Tape delayed until 11PM on that Saturday night? Are they serious?
Yeah it seems to me Steve Wallace is coming into his own, now maybe with just alittle luck. I noticed DJP calling Harvick Hornaday.
cRusty's been practicing Kenseth's name.
But the announcers SHOULD know the drivers in each car, since it's their job and all. You can almost tell Punch is looking down at a list, finding the car number and reading it as he then reads the name.
Now he just mentioned the 33 car up front and the 32 car too. Never mentioned the 33 by name, just by car number. That's bad.
TexasRaceLady said...
I got curious about the Memphis N'wide race.
Tape delayed until 11PM on that Saturday night? Are they serious?
September 27, 2008 4:20 PM
TexasRaceLady, where did you find that? There better be a LIVE broadcast of that race on Speed or somewhere else if that is ESPN's plan.
Dang it Mark :(
Wow, Petree calling the action with Martin wrecking and Punch not having a clue.
Then Punch "...the 5 car into the wall".
Punch: "Watch the 88 and the 99."
Then Petree actually explains everything by using the driver names.
That is crazy to just let him walk like that. You think they would have learned from Dario.
Don't cut away when a driver is sitting down on the track!
Glad to see Mark out & walking ...
I'm surprised that ESPN actually got that camera shot ... after the problems at Dover where they missed several wrecks ...
what just happened? My cable company just broke into the broadcast while punch was in mid sentence for a commercial!!! anyone else notice this?
Rang Mark's bell. Too bad.
Accouncers didn't even sound excited or anything.
Steve L.
I am on COX in San Diego
mine did too. it was wierd.
wth was that?? I know we don't particularly like to hear JP, but to cut away mid-word?? Good grief..
Lets see.....
do we throw to commercial or NOT !!
You'd think they'd never done a race before.
Much as I hate the COT, if Mark had been in one, he probably could have jumped out of it and run to the ambulance.
great replay. The Master Control Operator at ESPN "toned" the local break and the guys at the track could not call it off.
That is rare, as ESPN does not have "hard breaks" like Bill Weber used to mention on the TNT coverage.
Good grief --- cutting off in the middle of a word with an idiotic commercial.
Good to see Mark up and walking.
stricklinfan, I'll email the source to you.
Don't want to clutter the blog.
There are other drivers (big names) that don't always finish the races without damage ...
*coughbowyeredwardsbifflekahnelefflercough"
Shannon thinks there are springs ON the left rear tire ...
ESPN - PLEASE fire Shannon, Jamie and Brad !!!! For the love of Zack & Cody ...
I sure hope we get a professional update from the Infield Medical Center shortly about Mark.
What's "toned" mean JD for the bad commercial timing?
Sophia - "Toned" is an electronic signal sent to the local broadcasters that it's time to go to commercial ...
Seems like Master Control is having issues today with their timing ...
Maybe DR PUNCH can shed some "professional" advice on where / what Mark Martin could be hurting from, after that hit.
sophia,
The Master Control Operator pushes a button on the control panel in Bristol, CT. That sends a tone that you cannot hear at home.
That is what starts the commercial insertion equipment at cable systems all over the US for a one minute commercial. ESPN often runs a promo after this minute because many of the cable systems actually take 62 or 63 seconds to run a one minute break. That is why it looks sloppy sometimes on the air.
If you remember the old days of cable TV on ESPN, viewers used to be able to hear the "bleep bleep" tone over the air that inserted the commercials.
Good question.
ESPN, thanks for the follow-up with Mark!
JD
anon @ 4:41 PM is right. it is used in a lot of national and radio broadcasts to communicate when to go to commercial to a local station or cable/sat operator.
Good job catching Mark at the Care Center.
Glad he's OK.
Good to see Mark ok - bet after hits like that he wishes he stayed retired!
National Television*
I'm sure glad Mark Martin is okay. Again, another great job by ESPN interviewing a non-points contender when he fell out of the race. 2/2 on that front so far today (obviously excluding the start-and-parks). This element needs to be carried over to the Cup broadcast as well. I don't think there has been a single in-race interview with a non-Chaser that fell out of a Cup race since the Chase began.
Thanks for the great explanation JD. I LOVE learning about that stuff.
I just got back from a 3 minute run to a postal box.
Did I mention my NASCAR interest this season is waning? Sigh.
Thank Goodness for this blog. Will be leaving before the end of the race and might put in a tape for kicks and giggles. :)
Look forward to the column on Memphis. OUCH if what I read is true.
OK, I know she is the "cashew girl" and not the "peanut girl."
I still get email about that one.
Oh no, there's cashew girl again. And does Sunoco pay the pit reporters money each time they mention their name?
Punch is being shut down by the other two guys, who clearly know who is in each car and don't have to refer to them by number every time.
I hate full screen replays!
Steve L.
That was an awful play-by-play call by the booth. With Biffle and others close to making contact, they all stumbled to call anything, then all three didn't say anything as they watched like fans waiting for something to happen.
We can see it! You should call it!
You gotta admit the commercial is actually funny. That big brown mole on her face is hysterical.
JD -
Being a former commercial producer, I find that Planters spot hilarious.
It's funny , it gets the viewer to watch and it doesnt seem like the people at Planters are going to pull it.
And..... we're all talking about it.
Good piece of production.
First Bobby Hillin interview in 10 years? Good job ESPN.
And that is the problem with Punch. Jarrett and Petree have to wait or just jump in and call the action, and they don't want to sound bad by overriding the PBP guy or having a stumbling booth, but it's hard to do anything with Punch.
We can see it! You should call it!
Problme is, they can only see what we can see, because they can't or won't look out the window--so they don't know what caused anything until they watch the replay when we see it.
3/3 interviewing non-points contenders when they fall out of the race (excluding start-and-parks). Great job. DO THIS TOMORROW ESPN!!!!
It's funny , it gets the viewer to watch and it doesnt seem like the people at Planters are going to pull it.
And..... we're all talking about it.
A commercial is only "sucessful" if it encourages the viewer to buy the product.
All the talk in the world doesn't increase the bottom line.
Anon 5:06PM,
I think that is the key point for today. Both DJ and Petree now just talk right over-top of Punch at anytime in the broadcast.
The lack of excitement for three and even four wide racing in this broadcast is just criminal.
Three chances to roll video from 1986 of Hillin,Jr winning at Talladega
It didnt happen & I guess it might be because that 1986 Talladega 500 was on CBS-TV.
AB has such excitement in his voice, even just coming back from break. Too bad he can't be upstairs calling the race.
Steve L.
@texasracelady--Memphis on tape delay? I definitely hope they get a dealio w/SPEED to show it LIVE! Or that Mother Nature pulls a Charlotte October 2K2/2K3(?). TNT thought they were being funny and instead of airing the race LIVE they figured the 18 billion replays of Law & Order was more important and were going to tape delay the Busch race. Well, Mother Nature had other ideas and made it rain so they ended up with a double header on Saturday. So they expect us to avoid EVERYTHING including their tickers and watch a race in the middle of the night? I recall when they had the Pick 'em Ups and as we were watching the race late at night on tape delay, they'd have the winner on THEIR ticker!
I'm so glad that Mark is OK!
I do agree about Steven JD. Yes he still has some maturing to do, but he's getting there :). He still needs to work on his communication skills.
Anon at 5:08pm: I was referring to when they said WOW! look at biffle (who really wasn't doing anything special back in 16th) and all of a sudden a logjam of four cars came together and there was a little contact and then almost more contact with everyone moving around for position. A chance for a wreck and the camera had it.
Only the booth guys kinda stuttered, didn't know who should talk or what to say, then just waited to see if there was a wreck.
If that's the best they can "call: this exciting action, they should give up or start over.
Ken I also think cashew girl commercials are funny too at least so much better than that Old Spice commercials. And have they mentioned why Reut is 2 laps down?
"Here's the 1 and the 2"
You are horrible Punch!
In my opinion -
An excellent way to tie-in the current economic situation with this race is the issue of Camping World reportedly sponsoring the truck series next year and the impact on Harvick's team and individual race sponsorships that diverting that money would have.
See this 88 is battling the 32. Blah blah blah. Say the names!
And I'm wondering if Rick Allen & Phil Parsons ever watch these NW races and have to scream at their tvs for someone in the booth to say something!!!! They would be a powerful team for these races I think.
It used to cause frustration; but, now Doc and Shannon just make me sad. They are so terrible.
Rick and Phil would be great! Wish we could make it happen.
Steve L.
Shannon would fit in perfect coaching 9th grade cheerleaders.
She sounds like one !!
Two full field reviews in this race, nice touch.
I've not seen any board anywhere where the posters (overall) support Punch in this role; so what is ESPN doing here?
Intentionally sending the message that, "Hey we don't have to listen to the viewers"?
bevo - Marcus Lemonis (CEO of Camping World) has said that they're exploring their future sponsorship opportunities as they want to do MORE ... They want to find which markets work best for them ...
Camping World has also said (unofficially) that if they were to sponsor the Truck series, they'd continue with Harvick's truck & nationwide teams (even though they are cutting back on the nationwide team) ...
Camping World is giddy over being the sponsor for Hornday & Harvick after winning the championship last year ... and in the hunt this year ...
Google "Affinity Group" ... the parent company of Camping World to see just what they own / operate ...
I think it would help if they were to remove the glass in their window, to let in the race noise, so they would have to talk louder. Maybe it would give the accouncers the feel of being excited.
Steve L.
Ken I agree about Shannon. Adam Alexander or Jack Arute could handle these chores. I hate some of her questions.
Varsha / Hobbs / Matchett.... best announcing trio in motorsports.
They get excited and they are halfway around the world from the race.
I'll never understand ESPN's obsession with focusing the camera on a crew chief or car owner sitting/standing on the pit box doing nothing the second there's a sign of trouble. It serves no purpose.
I'll never understand ESPN's obsession with focusing the camera on a crew chief or car owner sitting/standing on the pit box doing nothing the second there's a sign of trouble. It serves no purpose.
Apparently, they're hoping that...someday..they'll catch the subject "reacting."
And Ken, Varsha, Hobbs & Matchett know more what's going on at a race halfway around world, than JP does right in front of him. But I realize he doesn't look at the window much that could be a big problem.
Morgan Shepherd running 24th, 3 laps down. Joe and Barney on MRN commented about his roller skating at the track this morning.
JD, re football game, the triumph of the lesser evil.
At least Shepherd hasn't parked it yet!
Yet another example of WHY a split screen is needed on EVERY round of green flag pit stops.
Big question, I wonder if KB will talk to the pit reporter? Hmmmmm.
So ESPN loves the split-screen when it involves showing a crew member sitting on his hands but won't use it during green flag pit stops? Opportunity missed there. It sure would have been nice to catch that crash live instead of watching Harvick's pit stop on the entire screen.
Split-screen green flag pit stops were the one bright spot in an otherwise rough year for the Fox production truck. I just wish TNT and ESPN would have followed their lead in that area.
Anyone remember which pit road announcer has KB in this race?
Short and sweet. She's learning.
JD,
The one that got the black bean? :)
At least they havent missed a re-start yet today.
Hey - I found something good to say.
JD - guess Jamie drew the short straw today and is covering KB's team. Short and to the point.
Oh, good, I was afraid Punch wouldn't remember to say the cars will "sail into turn one" this race.
But he did.
I get so tired of "sailing off into the corner" --- please, those are NOT sailboats.
Short and sweet. She's learning.
Too short. She was either intimidated or didn't know what else to ask.
3 times cut to the in-car camera. 3 times miss all the action.
JP's favorite song..."come sail away" by STYX
Coverage would be better if the in-car cameras were saved for replays.
Pretty risky by saying that Bliss's throttle could stick.
They really made it sound like we should "expect" this bad thing to happen.
Risky prediction in my opinion.
Full screen of the 25 pit stop while action on the track, then off to commercial! This is hard to watch!!!
Steve L.
Anonymous said...
Short and sweet. She's learning.
Too short. She was either intimidated or didn't know what else to ask.
What else could she ask except are you all right. He answered her question and he answered it succinctly.
Anonymous said...
Coverage would be better if the in-car cameras were saved for replays.
September 27, 2008 5:58 PM
Amen. That reminded me of Fox's director at Talladega earlier this year. Just relax and stop pressing so many buttons!
I just realized Ambrose is in the top 10 - I don't believe anyone in the booth has mentioned that fact yet. Oh yeah, Ambrose is a full time Nationwide series driver I just remembered that.
Don't give her too much credit ... Plus, she's a big girl & can handle herself if necessary w/o messing up her french tip manicure ... LOL
Jamie did the right thing with Kyle, in my opinion. I was fearing a bad follow-up question would follow. Kyle plainly explained how the wreck happened. No further explanation needed, in my opinion.
Ten laps to go, can you feel the excitement from Punch?
Rick & Phil would be screaming at this point in the race! JP needs an energy drink or something!
Nice to hear them mention Morga Shepherd running 23rd
Weird JP moment - Bowyer grew up watching this track being built and dreamed of racing there.
He was 20 when they broke ground on it and 21 when it opened.
YAY! Mr. Morgan!
@vicky d--I keep wishing Rusty would bring some 5 hour energy over to the Doc! Maybe it'll help him to actually call a race and not have everything sound as if he's talking about the nice weather outside!
Congratulations to Denny :)
Wow, cup guys finish in the top 5 - and 3 of them are chasers. Barely an octave higher for JP calling the cars crossing the finish line. He must have missed his nap today.
Don't forget! Another hour of Punch and company for Sprint Cup practice is next. Can you feel the excitement?
The 60 passes his teammate the 17, who's not racing for points, on the last lap to gain 5 more points. HMMMMM......
I wonder how many pre-scripted winner's 'calls' Dr. Punch has prepared going into each race. Do you suppose he was a Reed Sorenson call prepared for tomorrow.... just in case?
Why do they mention morgan shepard at the end of the race? wouldn't it be better to actually talk about him during the race when people are watching it.
by the time they showed his car (for the first time), he was in 23rd but was also 3 laps down. Not exactly a GREAT run, but it would be more interesting if we could follow his and other drivers progress during the race, not at the end.
Sorry had back to screen, rushed to catch end that was "Morgan" Shepherd
Listen tomorrow for Punch's "pre-written" dialog as the cars come to the green flag for the start of the race.
He normally starts it in about turn 3 coming to the green and it sounds sooooo scripted its sick.
Hard to believe that he has to actually read it word for word.
Listen tomorrow and see if he does it AGAIN .
Just like DJ's scipt for the in-race reporter questions and then the Crew cheif interviews. All too predicted and scripted.
Steve L.
I was so excited I actually fell asleep watching Harvicks battery problems. From what I read I didn't miss much.Lets see how Cup practice goes....
It sounded like AB just plugged the "Sprint Cup NAPPY Hour" up next ... LOL
JP has gotten his IV to help him make the hour!
Happy Hour took place this morning didn't it?
Vicky - I'm pretty sure this is tape delayed from this morning ... LOL
I think it is because my guide doesn't show "live" and AB referenced morning cup practice during the Nationwide race.
I hope so - that or the Earth is turning backwards - look at the shadows lol. And the Sun is high .
I wasn't home this morning or early afternoon so I didn't realize happy hour already has occurred. The guys in the booth sound a little more animated than for the NW race.
If you are looking for racing tonight, World of Outlaws on SPEED at 8PM. That should be fun.
Thanks for all the comments on the race, new column up shortly.
JD
WoO on Speed right after Tradin love & NASCAR PERF. Should be a good night of racing. And best of all no dang #$%^
Unfortunately it's raining in Williams Grove, PA. Tonight on the SPEED at 8 p.m. Eastern will be the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws event from Knoxville Raceway back on June 15. Too bad they don't have cameras there for the late WoO Late Model show tonight.
Hey. At least it's racing.
Jo said...
WoO on Speed right after Tradin love & NASCAR PERF. Should be a good night of racing. And best of all no dang #$%^
Well, crap, I missed TP. Speed not showing it again this weekend.
When I was watching the race before I went to the pool, I had to laugh when JP said that Paul Newman would want the race to go on. Good grief. What he should've mentioned was that Paul was Stanton Barrett's godfather. He missed an opportunity to connect an interesting tidbit about a NW driver.
From what I've been reading and watching on tape, the coverage is no better whether I watch live or not. I may be here for the Cup race tomorrow.
One thing that really bothers me is that dang bumper cam. Why is it when that shot is on, we miss some good racing? Can't the installers forget to put it on the cars?
I found that the race coverage was very much improved. I didn't mentally heave a sigh of relief when AB started talking for the first time.
At least for the first fifty laps Doc did a good job of mentioning the lucky Dog, who was on and off pit road or in the garage. He seamed to make a concirted effort not to pair driver names and numbers and he worked hard at shutting up when it was time to call action and not tell a story. He actually stopped himself mid sentance to let DJ call something on the track. As the race went on he clearly lost focuse, but at least he is trying to address some of the issues we have talked about.
As far as the incident with Mark, I think they handled it extreemly well. They stayed on the car when the net didn't go down, then when Mark sat down, they gave him a break incase he might not want to throw up on national TV; and then they did a great follow up at the infield care and told us good color RE Jr and Mr. H's concerns.
The pit girls tried to keep it tight and with their limited knowlage base just stuck to the facts and stopped with the big wind ups to little bits of info. I wish they would get on the boxes more but they too are at least trying to address some of the problems.
The thing I noticed most was the directing. It was great to not be aware that there was much I was missing, and I realize it is the intrusiveness of the lousy directing that detracts the most from my enjoyment of a race. When the bad pictures make me look to an equally bad booth for help its a chore.
It seames to me that the whole crew does better in the NN races and then on Sunday we are all deeply disappointed by the same old same old. Even Rusty is practicing names and Brad actually discussed some stratagy instead of rah rah NASCAR. Is it possible that this all comes down to who the director is? 'Cuz it can't be the same person Saturday to Sunday.
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