Sunday, November 14, 2010

Live Blogging Sprint Cup Series From Phoenix (2PM ET - ESPN)


This is going to be the last real example of how ESPN chooses to present the Sprint Cup Series races in 2010. The final event in Homestead is always very strange. Lots of network executives are on hand, there are extra TV programs to do and the tone is very different.

This season, despite changes in personnel behind the scenes, ESPN has clung firmly to a philosophy that has been used since the network's Sprint Cup Series coverage began. The pre-race show offers "talking points" that the telecast then follows. Regardless of the actual racing, this pre-race script is followed throughout the live telecast.

The result has been a loss of viewers for several reasons. First, the focus on fewer and fewer drivers as the Chase progresses alienates fans of drivers no longer mentioned. Second, the lack of attention to the stories of non-Chasers who are in the top ten on the track. Finally, the inability of the director to open the cameras wide and show the actual racing for position instead of focusing on drivers selected in advance.

It's not the Chase, the COT or the racing. Those are elements that TV just has to deal with in any motorsports series. Those are the rules. The responsibility of the network covering the race is simply to step back and provide an accurate view of what is going on in the event for the fans watching on TV. It sounds relatively simple.

Allen Bestwick has been a rock for ESPN since 2007. First as a pit reporter, then as a Nationwide Series booth announcer and now as the anchor of the telecasts, Bestwick is often the voice of reason. This weekend, he has Ray Evernham, Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty alongside.

The Infield Pit Studio is rather unique. Used for both Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races, Bestwick and crew are often limited to in-race recaps once the green flag falls. This season, ESPN has added a convoluted SportsCenter post-race show. This format stripped Bestwick of the NASCAR focus and inserted a usually ill-informed Bristol, CT announcer into the NASCAR telecast.

The end result is that many viewers switch to SPEED for the three hours of Sunday night programming that begins at 7PM ET every week. Had ESPN allowed Bestwick to anchor the coverage and throw to Bristol for some highlights of other sports, the results would have been much different.

Marty Reid sounds like a man who needs a break. Handling both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races during this time of the season, Reid has been struggling to keep up with the information that needs to be passed along to TV viewers. Lucky Dogs, restart orders, pit road penalties and even on-track incidents have all been sometimes lost in space.

Reid has often been caught watching the TV monitors in the booth as opposed to the action on the track. Accidents are relayed by Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree, who are once again providing most of the credible content on the telecasts. This duo has quietly cemented themselves as the foundation of the ESPN coverage.

Keep an eye out today on how tight the director chooses to shoot the cameras. Criticism is mounting and ratings are plummeting as fans at home simply don't get to see what is actually happening on the track. As we often say, when the TV coverage does not even relate to what fans hear on the MRN radio coverage, there is a big problem.

Jimmie Johnson is loved by ESPN almost as much as Carl Edwards. Last year, JJ was the focus of the final telecasts and the fan reaction was brutal. ESPN is a network that likes "hyper coverage." That is a seemingly endless focus on only one item. That item last year was the #48 team.

Tim Brewer has become almost a cult figure. Popping-up in the telecast to relate fundamental issues about tires, shocks and even fueling, Brewer's presence is often forced into the telecasts quickly after an incident. This makes Brewer's explanations of what he thinks happened often proven incorrect later when a pit reporter interviews the drivers. Talk about a no win situation.

At the end of this season, ESPN will once again evaluate the entire on-air line-up. Personalities like Ricky Craven and Ray Evernham deserve bigger roles. Meanwhile, those struggling like Reid and Daugherty may find themselves looking over their shoulders.

All of this means that this PIR event is big for many reasons. Like the race teams, a good performance today may mean an extended TV contract for some and a bad performance may mean a change for next season. It's going to be very interesting to watch.

This post will serve to host your comments about the ESPN coverage of the Sprint Cup Series race from Phoenix International Raceway. To add your TV-related comment, just click on the comments button below. This is a family-friendly website, please keep that in mind when posting. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

306 comments:

1 – 200 of 306   Newer›   Newest»
Daly Planet Editor said...

Come on peeps, stop watching football and turn on NASCAR!

OSBORNK said...

They are still obsessed with JJ. Will it never end?

AncientRacer said...

Good day!

Been to church and to Sunday dinner with her mother. Am hoping for some good racing since I have already heard from Momaw about all my various, notable and manifest failings!

Daly Planet Editor said...

Did you read my column? It might be JJ all day. Harvick is like the odd man out.

AncientRacer said...

Oh, yeah, forgot to ask, JD are we really "peeps" or are we "sheeples"

There seems to have been in the blogosphere a distinction drawn between the two. Jus' ax'in.

sbaker17 said...

I can't watch NASCAR Countdown. I wore out my mute button using it on Kenny Wallace while watching Raceday, and I need it for his brother Rusty.

AncientRacer said...

Yes. I read your column. On a roll, you were, I'd say. Could not have written a better conceptual argument.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Twitter is ablaze with requests to turn off Rusty's mic.

Nice start with AJ Fart.

Daly Planet Editor said...

AR, it's the end of the season and Homestead is um.....a TV cluster.

This is the last shot to see and discuss just how ESPN chooses to present this race to the fans around the world.

Sally said...

Harvick is overlooked, and the 9 other drivers trying to finish in the top 10 for the banquet barely exist. This type of coverage may have a lot to do with my total indifference as to who wins the '10 race championship', and to racing in general. Pretty sad when Speed can do a better job covering an F1 race long distance than ESPN can do 'live'.

Lisa Hogan said...

Hello to everyone. :)

No football here. Just racing!

I want Kevin Harvick to win the championship. I like Kevin; but, I really want to see ESPN scramble with the "Where did he come from?"

Wishing everyone a good race!

OSBORNK said...

Yes, I read your column. I guess I was hoping against hope.

Anonymous said...

Happy Race Day Planeteers! Penultimate race (I learned that word from Allen :)).

AJ Fart :( :sigh:

*hugs* AR :(

I'm hoping Current 4 times old crew beats Original 4 times old crew each stop today.

But yes there are only 3 drivers in the race today so if you heard a vicious rumor that there were other drivers out there you heard wrong :(. But miraculously one could emerge outta nowhere and actually win!

Cathy said...

Did I really hear Rusty mispronounce AJ's last name???

AncientRacer said...

@Cathy

Yes. He said that. He also says (regularly) "I seen..."

Hey its onlt the English language or sumpin

Daly Planet Editor said...

Tom Jensen reporting that PIR is going to be repaved and possibly reconfigured for 2011.

Anonymous said...

"Chad is friendly and approachable!"

Debby said...

Does anyone have anything new on the crew swap?? We have heard the same old/same old for the past week. Oh, I forgot, these guys are only focused on the 48 team and the "other" two teams. Get the idiot out of the pre-race show. He and his brother can do their own show!! HAHA!

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

Hi all happy raceday

So I just read JD column ( good one) & turned on the tv & lo & behold - its the 48 team on tv!
So will they mention any other of the chase drivers besides JJ & denny?

Cowboys v Giants is late game today.
Decisions decisions...

AncientRacer said...

@Debby

I've heard only what HMS wants me to hear, but, ya know, if you think about WHAT I have heard it is chilling. Chad, the ever approachable Chad, said: "It's about the building."

Gosh, that statement gives me pause.... "It's about the 'building'".

Hmmmm.

TexasRaceLady said...

I'm sitting out the pre-race hyper-activity. Kenny W gives me a headache, and I've yet to hear sensible talk from Crusty and Brad D.

I have the very unpleasant sensation that I'm only going to see 2, maybe 3, cars on the track today --- if I'm lucky. *sigh*

sbaker17 said...

AncientRacer said...
@Cathy

Yes. He said that. He also says (regularly) "I seen..."

Hey its only the English language or sumpin

If ESPN keeps Rusty for next year (God forbid), the least they can do is send him to Dale Carnegie. Or have him spend some time with Ned Jarrett.

Anonymous said...

Did you see the lady in the 99 shirt filming the Cup Official standing over the 48 I meant the 24 crewmen working on the 48's wheel studs?

Daly Planet Editor said...

That story flew below the radar. Another "fix it and it's fine" deal. Maybe DJ and Andy will have an opinion.

Pre-race is scripted.

Debby said...

@AR - wonder what goes on in "The Building"?...or do we want to know?

Cathy said...

@ AR & sbaker - Give Rusty some credit.. I don't believe he says "I'm tellin you what..." as much as he used to! He makes me cringe... and I think Mr Foyt might have an opinion as well.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Interesting time of the season for a long feature on Joe Gibbs. Just sayin...

Sally said...

OK, I don't want to offend anyone hear, but I find something disturbing about the idea that God helps you win a championship. Just sayin...

AncientRacer said...

JD

'bout time. For me I cannot get enough of the Coach. What a leader IMHO

Ken-Michigan said...

Could be a huge story that they seemed to sweep under the carpet.

The 4-time Champ has illegal wheel studs.

Does Chad have an opinion ?

It was like, "Oh by the way"... 48 failed inspection.

Could we get a comment from NASCAR official?
What wouldve happened if the studs failed POST RACE inspection?

Geez.... all i ask is to cover the race. Cover the event.

AncientRacer said...

@Sally

Good point. Well taken. A leader's motivation/inspiration is irrelevant actually. It is the leadership that results therefrom.

Cathy said...

Brad, the rattlesnake jokes are lame already... Just glad nobody laughed this time.

Anonymous said...

JD, the news Phoenix might be messed up next year angered me. Yet again nothing is wrong, and people try to fix it. The track has a personality, just put on new pavement and leave it alone!

Anonymous said...

Sally

I'm with you on the God comment & sports. SICK of it actually.

I've not watched any tv yet but had on bengals while making sloppy joes. I enjoy Kyle Petty on Twitter but can't do 2 hrs of RDay & all the signs.

On a side note, came across a show NHRA race day..signs and goofy crowds in that show too. Virus of bad producers around.

Today, i've three words.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

Nuttin will change.
Soph

Daly Planet Editor said...

I'll try to get more on the repaving story.

RWar24 said...

I will not watch Countdown until Rusty and Daugherty are not on there. It's amazing the amount of useles crap that comes out of their mouths.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Those boys have been hitting the 5 Hour Energy.

AncientRacer said...

@RWar24

I was unaware that Olbermann ever had CRusty or Brad oon his show. Musta been in "Worst Persons in the World" segment.

Sally said...

Is it just me, or is Brad shouting more than usualy today? Over sell much?

rich said...

I missed the wheel stud issue on the 48. What's up?

AncientRacer said...

@rich

Chad's up. But he is verrry approachable, ya know.

Anonymous said...

My brother & his wife fly from Seattle TWICE a year for the Phoenix races & vacation. LOVES the track.

Can't believe they are messing with it. Might look boring on tv but good in person he says.

Sophia

Sally said...

So now we get a rerun of something they had on earlier? Is there any better arguement for shortening the pre race shows? If you haven't got something noew to contribute, then don't do it!

PammH said...

Sally-I've lost TONS of respect for Joe Gibbs since he hired Kryle. He talks the talk, but doesn't walk the walk, imo. So I wasn't offended by what he said, because I mute him, just like I mute Diva & Kyrle. Wish I could listen to AB & Ray w/out those other boothmonkeys.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Kind of feels like a NASCAR Media Group show on SPEED.

Anonymous said...

whatever they do hope they can find a better spot for the spotters they can't see 3&4 from turn 1 where they stand :(.

AncientRacer said...

@Sally

You wrote:

If you haven't got something noew to contribute, then don't do it!

In my private life have heard that for a goodly number of years, but I keep on tryin' ;0)

Newracefan said...

I love JJ but give it a rest already

Also notice that Denny doesn't use the we and us but I and me unlike the other drivers

Anonymous said...

Normally I don't watch the pre-race, but now I understand why there is no momentum at the beginning of the broadcast.

AncientRacer said...

@PammH

It will be all better if you pause, take a deep breath and, as always, repeat after me, "Kyle Busch will win!"

There. Better already, n'cest pas?

..And in Breaking-Developing News Jaques Debris is widely know to have a ticket to the NASCAR race in Phoenix. He has reliably bee reported as being seen near the entry to turn 3. More later.

Daly Planet Editor said...

So, Rusty wants wrecks, Brad wants fights and Ray wants good pit decisions.

Charlie said...

Jerry Punch stills says summersaults and not back flip. He did this last year.

Daly Planet Editor said...

I twitched when he said it!

Sally said...

@Charlie,
I can forgive his ignorance about gymnastics. I can't forgive other announcers for their ignorance of racing.

GREAT anthem!!!

Allen Bestwick said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Brad Daugherty said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DJ Kopp said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Charlie said...

Do you think that Espn believes that the fans change who their driver is as soon as the chase starts.

They should get out of their broadcast truck and walk among the fans and see if all the fans are wearing 48, 11 and 29s clothing.
I don't think so.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Now I feel better! Tween troll in the house. I wish he learned some new words this season.

Anonymous said...

Closest Chase ever? That's total BS right there. There were 4 guys within 50 pts in 2004 with 2 to go.

Anonymous said...

"This has already become an in your face Chase" - Dr. Jerry Punch

At least someone has rewatched the broadcasts.

Charlie said...

Jamie Little must be a darn good pit reporter to someone. I don't understand why she is even there.

julian24 said...

In case you havent seen it yet, here is the link to Tony Stewart's flip in his sprint car at a ASCS event. I captured this video. This took place at the Southern NM Speedway in Las Cruces, NM.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7d4qpWuGJk

AncientRacer said...

Can you actually believe we have been (including trolls) over 60 comments before the command. 312 laps and we will be in the 500's at this rate!

Anonymous said...

Do you honestly expect anyone other than Jimmie, Denny, and Kevin to get coverage? Those guys are the story like it or not. The vast majority of the audience cares about who wins the championship, not who finish in the middle of the pack.

rich said...

Hey guys, lost my MRN link. Can anyone help?

Daly Planet Editor said...

I thought for sure they would ask him about it. Oh well...

AncientRacer said...

Can you actually believe we have been (including trolls) over 60 comments before the command. 312 laps and we will be in the 500's at this rate!

julian24 said...

I forget to mention, it took place Last Night!!!!

Anonymous said...

Well the script is not going to be about the race but the 29,11,48 progress instead.

Anonymous said...

<3 the trumpet :)

GinaV24 said...

Hi folks, well, I just turned on ESPN and what do I hear, something that sounds like a badly written soap opera. "Will Barbie find out that Ken has been cheating on her?" "Will right, goodness and the American way overcome adversity?"

Gag me with a spoon!

All I want is to see the race and hear a decent PXP, not this nauseating drivel.

If this is going to be the JJ show all day, I probably won't be able to stomach the coverage. Thank heavens for trackpass

Anonymous said...

Anon @ 310 - I expect the leader and the best racing to be covered. I don't think that is a difficult task.

Bill said...

Now that was a bada$$ Chrysler Imperial!

Charlie said...

If you keep posting twice AR we will for sure get to 500. ha ha.

Sally said...

@Anon 3:10,

If so many fans are hanging on the outcome of the 'chase', why are ratings dropping like racks when the chase started?

Ken-Michigan said...

What the booth is missing is a "story teller" doing the play by play.

The play by play guy needs to be able to flashback into his memory and tell a relevant story from years gone by.

He needs to be able to do this right off the top of his head, at a moments notice.

Squire, Joy, Bestwick are a select group of voices that can be that story teller.

This series badly needs ONE or maybe TWO voices for the entire season, and they have to be selected from that group I mentioned.

Have a great race everyone !

GinaV24 said...

Debby, nothing new on the crew swap. All of the various HMS parties talked through their butts and held the company line.

The HMS facebook page was pretty wild with a lot of Gordon fans (myself included) not happy.


And they are off!

Daly Planet Editor said...

Nicely said Ken.

Anonymous said...

The grandstands look great today

GinaV24 said...

And we find the 48 in the pack! I hope that he screws the script up and has an awful day.

Vicky D said...

Great anthem and it looks like ESPN isn't afraid to show the stands either. Let's hope that they don't bore us showing JJ coming up through the field.

Anonymous said...

And the script is in effect.

GinaV24 said...

NASCAR timing and scoring is down according to the 24 scanner

Anonymous said...

hate that for Daddy Brenni :(

GinaV24 said...

I've been reading through the comments. I assume that holier than thou Joe did the invocation? Talk about a walking conflict of interest.

Anonymous said...

New track record - commercial at lap two !!!

Bill said...

Speaking of the JJ show, this is the Kobalt Tools 500, one of the #48's sponsors. What's the Homestead race? The JJ Foundation 400? NASCAR certainly won't want to aggravate the precious sponsors, so they'll probably spot JJ a couple of laps, just in case.

AncientRacer said...

@Charlie

I love myself so much and I KNOW that what I say is so profound and compelling that I long to read my own words again and again. Glad you noticed. ;0)

Charlie said...

I think if Espn tries they could get tighter shots. I can't read the drivers name on the car.

Anonymous said...

In 10 laps we lost complete perspective of the race.

ESPN learned nothing from SPEED

PammH said...

LMAO @ Charlie! They are actually showing some of the racing so far.

Anonymous said...

Would have to believe Brenden Gaughan got that ride due to sponsorship from Daddy's casino for this race.

Daly Planet Editor said...

That's how he rolls.

Anonymous said...

Rich

WPSK FM for the race :)

Anonymous said...

well the focus has been on 48,11 and 29 so far.

Sally said...

The new ESPN bromance is with Denny. JJ and Kyle second and third. No other cars competing, apparently.

Sally said...

An angle that shows up NOTHING!

Anonymous said...

turned on tv to see LOW to the GROUND view of fender above the pavement.

Nice to see camera work still STINKS. And an in car cam

Anonymous said...

Wait for pit stops, the stop watches and commentary on 24 / 48 will go into overdrive.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Wow, the action off the track is getting good.

The UK broadcaster for NASCAR said ESPN wanted too much money for the race today. It's not on TV in the UK.

So, all of a sudden on NASCAR.com there is a live streaming feed of the race! Awesome.

GinaV24 said...

AR, I'll make you a deal. I'll cheer for KyBu, IF you can get him to have a little "boys have at it" with the 48?

All powerful AR -- can you make that happen for me? Please!

GinaV24 said...

hmmmm, stewart must nmot have got the message to let HRH pass at will

Charlie said...

It really is to bad that this is how Espn thinks a race should be covered.
It is even hard to tell what track they are at or how big the track is.

GinaV24 said...

Ugh, da bears are killing the vikings

Anonymous said...

That would be a great story, if KB took one for the Gibbs team and took out JJ.

RWar24 said...

I'm DVRing the start of the race until the Colts game is over. Judging by the comments, I'm not sure it's going to be worth starting from the beginning. UGH! Just once I wish ESPN would pleasantly surprise us.

GinaV24 said...

JD, can we see the live feed here in the US too?

Bill said...

You know, if George Washington decided to use Dodge Challengers in the Revolutionary War, we'd all be speaking with British accents and drinking tea at 4pm. That is one of the dumbest commercials on television.

GinaV24 said...

Anon - ESPN could spin it that it was revenge for Rick not wanting to keep him. Everyone wins

Vicky D said...

That live streaming on nascar.com is pretty good. Except I think they are showing too much of the 3 top chasers we need to see the other guys in this race.

Anonymous said...

Yup I can get the live video from NASCAR so I'll leave that on & put Cowboy on tv when it starts!
NASCAR solved my problem - thanks

Anonymous said...

So far is all about 48,11,and 29. It looks like ESPN are ignoring all the other battles on track.

Ken-Michigan said...

I think they are making a little more effort today covering everyone in the race. I really do.

But after that sudden caution with the 71 on lap 2, it would have been nice to have someone in the garage to ask WHY it happened...get a word from Brendan.

On another positive note, ESPN has done a decent job. the last few weeks, getting all the commercial breaks in so we get to see the last 25-30 laps commercial free.

I appreciate that effort. And it would even be in their best interest to tell us and promote the fact that they will show the final
30 laps commercial free. barring cautions.
(we have to put up with a ton of commercial breaks "during" the race)

Anonymous said...

@Anon - those 3 are the only ones they have scripted in. No mention of Tony moving up 12+ positions, just his wreck last night. Script is solid & must be protected!

Anonymous said...

Charlie

I've said the same thing about the camera work & can't tell the track. Could be Bristol, could be Dega...could be Prague.

Sophia on different laptop
Every time we turn the race on it's same old same old junk camera work.

LOVE MRN! :)

Daly Planet Editor said...

Yes, just go to NASCAR.com and you can stream it online.

GinaV24 said...

Harvick right behind Johnson, c'mon Kevin, make the pass

AncientRacer said...

Marty (actual): "We've been running 41 laps under green here at Phoenix...."

Marty (Truck preferred version)"We've been running 41 laps under green here at Phoenix and now to Tim Brewer in our Pit Studio to explain to us what this means, Tim?"

Tim: "Thanks, Marty, as you can see I am holding a Green Flag. In NASCAR a green flag means...."


Seriously, I actually have not much to complain abut today, but it is early, and, no, I am not disappointed that I have no complaints so far.

Cp43 said...

Longtime fan here rooting for Scruffy to get the historic #5. Enjoying the coverage!

OSBORNK said...

Booth hsd no idea what the 83 did to be in first place.

Anonymous said...

I can't put my finger on it, but things are better today than they were last week

Daly Planet Editor said...

Pretty sure Kasey did something special to gain those spots. Not sure what, just pretty sure.

AncientRacer said...

@Ginav24

You asked abt the 48 (He is soo approachable, Chadley that is), and Team Eminem is on the case. Stay tuned!

Charlie said...

Why did the 83 move up 20 some positions. Who knows. They act surprised. Is it not their job to know what is going on at the track.
2 tires, just fuel, missed pit stall, maybe stayed out.

Sally said...

So we go from the merely obvious to the incredibly obvious!

Sally said...

And Allen has better/more accurate infor than the PXP booth.

Ken-Michigan said...

Talk about a hard way to do play by play....

Where that pit studio is located, Bestwick is doing play by play with his back to the race track. He can't even look out the window !

Yet another reason to leave the pit studio out of it, unless there is red flag.

Cathy said...

Chad looks unhappy with the pit stop - maybe he will switch the teams back.... and then back again if he's still not happy.... Musical pits.

Anonymous said...

Good to know the media on ESPN and Twitter can give us such great insight of the team radio. Well...... only the 48's team radio.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Allen could not see the entire pit road from the infield studio.

Once again, Marty was watching the monitors and had no clue.

GinaV24 said...

apparently the 83 took fuel only. Gee what are pit reporters for?

I do have to say they are doing better than I expected by not making it the JJ show.

AR- sounds good to me. I'll be watching with bated breath for the moment.

GinaV24 said...

wow are we getting an update on the 12? Look at that. Amazing

AncientRacer said...

I would make a snide comment about po' Bwad, but I shall resist the strong temptation to mirthify his misfortune (not).

GinaV24 said...

I'd like it if Marty would stop saying "we can tell you". It's like take a memo


AR- I think we should start referring to Knaus as Snidely. Has a nice ring to it don't you think?

Charlie said...

Zoom out, Zoom out. There is a good enough crowd so you can show the stands.

GinaV24 said...

I'd like that, too, Charlie. Heck just show me the track so I can see the race.

Debby said...

@AR - awww, go ahead and speak "kindly" of BK's demise.

AncientRacer said...

@Ginav/24

Not a bad idea, but didn't Bullwinkle and Rocky with Dudley DoRight get there first? "Snidely Whiplash" and all that?

Must run down to the store for the BGFE, so its middle laps and there is time.

JD as I go for a bit I still cannot find much to carp about. DaYa think they read your column too?

Charlie said...

You need a spoiler to get around this race track.

Good to know. Thanks Tim.

josh said...

so according to tim brewer they can reattach the spoiler with some washers, interesting

Cathy said...

Marty's voice makes my ears bleed.

Daly Planet Editor said...

When the spoiler is busted, you got to fix it. Back to you Marty.

Lou said...

Hi JD,
finally, maybe nascar and networks and websites get the message this site has been looking for during the NFL season. example, watching NY jets and getting ready for NYgiants game on tv w/pic in pic and still get to enjoy the race online. but still using foxsports for current race positions for anyone not in the top ten.

I am one of those nascar fans who has a driver in the top 35 and wish and or hope he got the coverage he deserves.

Anonymous said...

ESPN, can we stop with the unnecessarily long bumpers during green flag racing?

Delenn said...

A big big thank you to whoever at nascar.com put the stream up for us in the UK. Graphics are superb and clear. See Nascar, you can do it!!!!!

Ken-Michigan said...

Hey Marty:

Options instead of "side by side"

1) Wheel to wheel
2) Door to door
3) Door post to door post
4) B pillar to B pillar
5) quarter panel to quarter panel

Come on man.... at least try !

Daly Planet Editor said...

Hiya D!

The NASCAR guys were ripped that the UK had no coverage. They picked it up on Twitter from our messages.

Turner told me they would not be doing this for the rest of the season, so this was a new twist.

I bet lots of lawyers are chatting it up right about now.

Charlie said...

So a water bottle can bring out a caution.

Sally said...

A caution for a water bottle...that has alreday been hit? Yeah, that's dangerous all right.

diane said...

So did Jamie go to the Robby Gordon school of cautions?

Delenn said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Daly Planet Editor said...

Only DJ hinted that Jamie might get a penalty. Marty had no clue...again.

I am really surprised at his lack of fundamental NASCAR knowledge and history.

Delenn said...

Well, if you can pass on the collective thanks of a small but very loyal following. Do you know if it is straight output of the telecast, because the graphics look too sharp to be a straight encode of the TV.
Something else to pass on to them if you could. I would pay for this. Seriously. Throw in Nationwide and Trucks, and I would pay quite a lot for this. Something Nascar understands. $$$$

Anonymous said...

Maybe, just maybe, the A.J. Fart reference will be the final nail in Rusty's broadcast career. PLEASE do not bring him back in 2011.

Delenn said...

Sorry. Double post. Sreaming something at the moment. ;-)

Daly Planet Editor said...

Delenn,

It looks like the ESPN International feed downlinked in Atlanta and streamed online.

Charlie said...

I thought they already knew who was in the chase. Why did Marty say in the top 10 there are 3 chase contenders.

Delenn said...

Yeah. Sponsorship is disappearing from the ticker, so deffo the Intl feed. A touch jerky but very very clear PQ. Very watchable. Sound perfect.

GinaV24 said...

wow, biffle has been chopping harvick off pretty regularly there

BTW, about the caution, Gordon said that there was something on the track. I don't know what he saw - maybe the water bottle.

Delenn said...

Also JD, can you tell Nascar we might need them next week? The current situation with Open Access is dodgy at best, although the guy behind the coverag is trying to sort it out for next week.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Delenn, talking with NASCAR and Turner right now behind the scenes.

oldnewenglander said...

Just curious, but who is the supposed British TV partner?

Daly Planet Editor said...

Reporters at the track are saying it might have made more sense if Jamie threw a McFlurry out of the window.

Charlie said...

and going back, in the mix, side by side and almost in a meat in the sandwich are the 24 and 5.

Daly Planet Editor said...

It's a network called Open Access. Kind of a last resort for ESPN International. No one wanted the product for the price.

sbaker17 said...

Me thinks the director owns a Mazda.
You know: "Zoom, Zoom, Zoom."

GinaV24 said...

OK, the booth has it all wrong about why the 24 was slow on pit road.

Gordon said he got in badly plus the 20 is getting into his pit box in a way that is screwing is up. Gee maybe the booth should check with the pit reporters and get the facts, not speculate aimlessly about the pit crew.

Sally said...

What!? Use the pit reporters to get the actual facts? Surely you jest!

Anonymous said...

Sponsorship $$$ and commercial revenue for NASCAR races will be DOWN DOWN DOWN for 2011.

Bill said...

Being from Richmond, I have known about Denny since before his days in Cup. I remember his first notable accomplishment was getting the pole at this very track.

How cool would it be if your favorite driver stops this ridiculous streak?

Well, I probably just jinxed it.

OSBORNK said...

I also think the income from sponsorship and commercials will take a deep drop next year. Companies are doing budgets for next year now and next month. The BOD of many companies will look at this year's results and adjust their budgets accordingly. They will be looking for better bang for their bucks.

GinaV24 said...

Sbaker -- you are so right.

Sally -- annoys me when there is a resource there and they don't bother to use it.

Delenn said...

Linked laptop to TV. Picture looks pretty good on a 28" widescreen. Nice and stable too. Good job Nascar.

GinaV24 said...

Bill, turn around 3X and spit, that will take the jinx off and put it where it belongs--on the guy you want Hamlin to beat.

Charlie, Marty has obviously been given a list of options to describe the action. And we wonder why the PXP is so wooden. He doesn't understand the sport (or the fans according to an interview some weeks ago).

oldnewenglander said...

Wow, I just found the NASCAR Fans UK facebook group. It appears the UK TV contract involves a bunch of people getting together and buying TV rights and airtime.

From the FB wall:
"What I was also thinking about doing was having a paypal drive, so to prevent any subscriptions next year, people could donate £10, £20 or £50 instead of paying a £10 per month subscription. Even if I have to pay the money back over a couple of years, at least other people have put their hand in their pockets."

Daly Planet Editor said...

Mike Joy and Adam Alexander co-hosting "Wind Tunnnel" tonight on SPEED at 9PM. Bob Varsha is a guest.

Ben Florance said...

nice Seth Rogan appearance...maybe he'll take over for Matrty Reid?

Sally said...

So, if there's a long way to go in the race, why bother us with absolutely useless stats? Maybe cover some other drivers instead with the time?

Sally said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delenn said...

Normal service complaining about lack of wide shots, too many commercials, etc resumed now. ;-)

GinaV24 said...

anyone know what happened to Menard and Ambrose? I can see them getting lapped, but I thought they were running pretty well earlier in the race.

Halfway thru the race.

Sally said...

Since they are in no way relevant to the scropted action, you will never know what happened to them to put them in danger of going a lap down. Enjoy the race.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Man, this is horrible. They have no clue where anyone but the big three and the leaders are.

GinaV24 said...

Nope, JD and they don't seem to care. Unlike those of us watching who'd like to know about the race.

GinaV24 said...

I'm guessing by the tracker that green flag stops are beginning

OSBORNK said...

Why don't we just show the leader running alone? Pitiful!

OSBORNK said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
GinaV24 said...

Wow, that's one way to get extra fuel for the car! LOL

Daly Planet Editor said...

Told Scott Speed is screaming at his crew on the radio like a guy who might not be back in the car anytime soon.

Nothing on TV.

Bill said...

Kasey lost some aero, but I bet he could go 20 more laps with that extra tank of gas!

Sally said...

JD, they only like to play those 'moments' of guys like Jr., Kyle and Harvick. Makes them look like idiots, and that they never sound any differently. Ever hear them replay anything like that from JJ or JG?

Delenn said...

In the UK, we usually get in-car or single camera coverage during your commercial breaks. On the web stream, we are getting an ESPN slide, which makes me want to say - HOW MANY commercials do you have? We honestly don't notice that much, but this is ridiculous.

GinaV24 said...

Scott Speed has been pretty much a non-event for all the hype that was made about him coming to NASCAR. Maybe he should have screamed and yelled sooner.

It would be good if someone was following up with anything at all. apparently they enjoyed the fuel can since they are showing it again

CaseMoney said...

The Gillette 'Young Guns' are getting a little long in the tooth.

Anonymous said...

is there some place online you can listen to the scanners?

GinaV24 said...

Sally, although I've heard Jeff cuss rather vigorously, I don't think I've ever heard him scream at his crew on the radio. Maybe after the race, but never on the radio.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Delenn,

We average a two minute commercial every five minutes. Nice, huh?

Charlie said...

This sure is exciting, eh.

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