It has not been the kind of weekend NASCAR expected so far in Martinsville. The tire Goodyear brought to the track has not "rubbered in" and as we have seen before the only thing coming from the tire is tons of "marbles."
The truck series is going to be watched very carefully for tire wear. The hope is that all the trucks and the heat from the field will allow the track to finally take some rubber. The reality is that the wind is blowing almost 40mph and the temps are still cool. It's not looking very good right now.
The truck field again looks to be dominated by the cross-over Sprint Cup Series drivers in much the same way that they affect the Nationwide Series races. Truck series "regulars" with a shot include Ron Hornaday Jr. and Todd Bodine. Also in the field is Johanna Long, who won the Snowball Derby earlier this season and is persistent on these types of flat short tracks.
SPEED has Krista Voda opening the coverage with The Setup at 1:30PM ET. Ray Dunlap and Hermie Sadler will join her as the pit reporters. Rick Allen, Phil Parsons and Michael Waltrip will call the action once the racing begins.
The good news is that the veteran SPEED production team is handling the coverage. This should result in an interesting TV comparison between the Saturday truck and Sunday Sprint Cup Series telecasts. The SPEED production team is interactive with fans on Twitter, shoots the event with the emphasis on the racing and rarely gets distracted with TV gimmicks and special effects.
This post will serve to host your comments about the SPEED coverage of the Camping World Truck Series race from Martinsville, VA. To add your TV-related comment, just click on the comments button below. Thanks for stopping by.
Hey all, small crowd at the track and small crowd online!
ReplyDeleteI'm here, waiting for RB to load.
ReplyDeleteMost folks watching RaceBuddy!
ReplyDeleteGood that the wind is at the backs of the spotters.
ReplyDeleteHi JD, You have a great site here, I love to read the comments after every race. Now that I have a good computer, I have the race on Race Buddy, while watching it on Speed. I'll have to see if I like it that way, or if it's too confusing.
ReplyDeleteRaceBuddy Truck #1 is Ron Hornaday, Truck #2 is Matt Crafton.
ReplyDeleteTrying to see how soon the R side tires start to blow. They fade after about 12 laps.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little disappointed with a commercial after 7.5 miles of racing.
ReplyDeleteAllen, Parsons and Waltrip are off to a good start.
ReplyDeleteNorm Benning causing a caution, that's not all that common. Sure Lofton ain't happy.
This race has a weird feel to it, especially with the tire issues.
ReplyDeleteI'm watching the race and I am honestly just not seeing a major league difference between this race and the FOX Cup races.
ReplyDeleteI am still seeing bumper cams. I'm still seeing static wall shots as the cars wooosh by. I'm still seeing shots of the leader.
I admit that the on-air personalities are 1000x times more likeable on the air than the FOX booth. But with the sound off, I am basically seeing the same coverage I would if I were watching FOX.
wow! they missed the restart!
ReplyDeleteSpeed misses restart.
ReplyDeleteOh well.
Missed restart. I rest my case.
ReplyDeleteThe grass isn't always greener.....
ReplyDeleteTough on a short track like this. What the Associate Director does is time a lap at caution speed and then try not to get caught on the back end of a break.
ReplyDeleteDid not work out that time.
Not good so far. Commercial overload. Missed a restart and a caution. But at least Mikey isnt being a goofball today.
ReplyDeleteDid Speed miss the first caution because of being in commercial.
ReplyDeleteI know they missed the 2nd one.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNASCAR should help out here to make things more TV friendly.
ReplyDeleteCan't hold a green for TV or radio, Erik.
ReplyDeleteJD,
ReplyDeleteIts all about communication...
Erik
ReplyDeleteWhat are your suggestions for NASCAR to making things more TV friendly
Been there, done that and they made it very clear they weren't going to help TV one bit!
ReplyDeleteThey even yelled at me! *sniff*
Its a little confusing to be riding with Hornaday but the scanner is Jason White...
ReplyDeleteI meant Timothy Peters scanner...
ReplyDeleteI dropped NASCAR.com an email about that one! Hope they get it switched.
ReplyDeleteSome of the chatters on Racebuddy are referencing Nelson Angelo Piquet's "intentionally causing a caution" reference from the 2008 SingTel Grand Prix in reference to this crash. I don't see logic.
ReplyDeleteHeh - I've come to the conclusion that it's difficult to follow the race with the sound muted. Better that than the alternative, though...
ReplyDeleteExactly. Maybe if NASCAR wants ratings to improve, they can take some proactive steps to make the sport more TV friendly.
ReplyDeleteTheir whole attitude needs to change.
A "1 to go" may not be enough on short tracks when NASCAR knows full well TV will be in a commercial break, and a single caution lap doesn't take that long at all.
2nd missed re-start...
ReplyDeleteGrrrrrr...
Missed another restart.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe the networks can realize that short tracks generally have shorter yellow flag periods, and adjust their commercial breaks accordingly...
ReplyDeleteI know we keep talking about SPEED's coverage, but this is one hell of a race, seeing the two cup drivers (Kevin & Kyle) get their behinds passed by truck commoners.
ReplyDeleteMissed restart again.
ReplyDeleteSo 3 out of 4 restarts were not shown on TV.
Those split boxes on a short track are tough to watch sometimes. Racing away from each other. Optical illusion.
ReplyDeleteI think we're finally listening to Hornadays scanner JD...
ReplyDeleteLooks like they are working to get it right.
ReplyDeleteHornaday is one heck of a truck driver...
ReplyDeleteMercy...
Just got home and turned it on. I know I'm not big on commenting on empty seats, but I feel Pink Floyd lyrics coming on when I look: "Is there anybody out there?"
ReplyDeleteThe "Goat" is looking stout in 3rd...
ReplyDeleteIt's just a tough sell right now. Hope some storylines emerge to get the fans back. Pretty vanilla right now in all three series.
ReplyDeleteBMS and Fontana ratings were ugly.
I'm watching what is now called "Race Buddy" and what is so cool is that they have directed a camera during the caution to watch a guy sitting under his wind blow canopy and stayed on him for the entire caution. Very refreshing.
ReplyDeleteBut, when did they change the name from Truck Buddy to Race Buddy? Did Turner and Speed cave in and actually work something out for the fans?
I gotta think by how the attendance looks that the ticket buyers of tomorrow's race will be subsidizing the purse for today's race.
ReplyDeleteWe were originally told it would be TruckBuddy and sponsored by Ford Trucks. That never happened.
ReplyDeleteNASCAR.com is just using the old software and calling this RaceBuddy.
No answer on what happened with the sponsorship.
Starting to rain in Martinsville! Come on man!
ReplyDeleteReally, that is so interesting JD.
ReplyDeleteFord has cut their Budget with racing and it shows on Fox as there have been cuts in commercials.
Speed has way to few viewers to get Ford's money and they may have choose to not waste it on NASCAR.com.
Ford pulled their deal with Turner's race coverage a few years ago.
It was not a happy parting.
As I watched a fascinatring presentation on "Just For Men" something happened. I wondered what. Took them awhile to tell me what. FDinally, Mary, said, "lets see that again. uh, well, lets see it."
ReplyDeleteRight.
Speed ain't on top of the pile today it seems -- or am I being "too picky and critical."
Oh, time for another commercial....
BTW: Gray hair doesn't hurt ya. Trust me. I know.
We got to get to the bottom of that one. TV is soft-selling that wreck.
ReplyDeleteJeffry E, ouch!
ReplyDeleteJD, is the other 'in-truck' Joanna long?
I'm diggin the 'Goat' leading the race!
ReplyDeleteThats a nice shade of green grass along the crub in the turns.
ReplyDeletewhy doesn't speed ask someone what happened, it obvious that Busher took Jeff out
ReplyDeleteCrafton and Hornaday last time I looked. Johanna is hanging in there.
ReplyDeleteI think Beuscher turned Earnhardt at full speed on the straight and crashed himself in the process.
We need to hear from those boys.
The grass at the track is painted.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the small crowd as I sit here in the warm in Virginia. It has been wet, cold and windy around the state for the last few days. It would take a real diehard or fool to be sitting and freezing in the stands today.
ReplyDeleteNo interviews from any driver involved in that red flag.
ReplyDeleteBoth Earnhardt and Beuscher are out of the infield medical center.
Ricky's looking stout today...
ReplyDeleteKyles not loosing him...
I love the fact that they showed the Norfolk Southern train going past the track. This reminded me of Bob Jenkins walking on them in the intro of the 1991 Goody's 500 then throwing it over to Jerry Punch who went over to John Kernan pulling a joke about Ned & Benny, who were poking fun with Harry Gant. That was one of the best ESPN intros of all time, nearly 20 years ago.
ReplyDeleteAck, soft sell. That guy should be hot under the collar....nothing.
ReplyDeleteAdam, good flashback!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh...
ReplyDeleteHe just spun him out!
Crap...
Bob,Benny & Ned, best both ever...
ReplyDeleteWith a younger Docter Punch in the pits...
Good stuff...
Due to a recent downturn in household income, I've had to downgrade my satellite service (among other things) and SPEED is not offered in the package I have. If it wasn't for Race Buddy, I'd have no buddy at all.
ReplyDeleteOne thing though - I DO NOT miss Mikey's constant jabbering
The booth seems to trying to make up an altercation to spice things up. I guess it's hard to get a lot of enthusiasm with the lack of passion of the drivers and a very vanilla presentation by Speed.
ReplyDeleteMissed restart again.
ReplyDeleteRestarts have become a cronic problem.
ReplyDeleteShould always spell check before hitting 'publish'...
ReplyDeleteDoctor...(docter? mercy)
Now what is the record for cautions at Martinsville? We're up to 9 and 74 laps to go.
ReplyDeleteYAY KYLE BUSCH! Wait a friggin' minute...ain't you supposed to be in...screw it, and nevermind.
ReplyDeleteRuined the truck races too, right off the bat.
I just don't give a damn anymore. Going back to sleep sounds like an option. Not worth my time aside from being tv noise.
Look at all that rubber in the corners and the concrete still white.
ReplyDelete'the lack of passion of the drivers'...
ReplyDeleteI strongly disagree with that sentence...
And I have a feeling about everyone in the field today would be "wtf"ing that comment...
The lack of passion I was referring to is in the interviews. They play nice and don't want to offend anyone. they have passion racing but they sure don't show it when a mike is shoved intheir face.
ReplyDeleteI like Dillon and Charmichael, but...Go, Max, Go!!!
ReplyDeleteNice to see Ricky battle back up to 3rd...
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, sorry, it was a busy Sat, but finally sat down to come and watch the end of the race with all of you.
ReplyDeletegotta read through and see what was happening.
Slander, I'm with you!
ReplyDeleteMax would be a GREAT victory lane interview!!
Papis in p2. Reminds me of something I heard him say in the garage couple of years ago.
ReplyDeletePOLITICALLY INCORRECT WARNING:
Q: (from someone) "Max, You win today, what we gonna get?"
A: "Meataballs for all! I maske them ! Beeg Party!"
Max always has the best interviews.
ReplyDeleteMichael appears to be as accurate as his brother.
ReplyDelete@JD, Goodyear has really screwed the pooch a couple times this season, its ridiculous...
ReplyDeleteBilly, wait until tomorrow. They were talking about possible multiple competition cautions.
ReplyDeleteWow, Ricky nice job!
ReplyDeleteI thought he was going to spin out...
JD, i just read the column -- so have there been tire problems in the race, too?
ReplyDeletewow, nice spin by Bodine without hitting anyone!
Happy Race Day everyone <3
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame they yelled at you about it :(
@JD, yeah I heard and read about it this morning...
ReplyDeleteGoodyear better get it together, its no fun watching races with out the track rubber-ed up... So hard to pass...
I'm here, just watching the race on DVR delay. I have plenty of comments to make once the race ends.
ReplyDeletePoor Onion second spin this race. Like him alot. Wonder why Tootsie Pops will not sponsor him. Because its Mars?
ReplyDelete@Ginav24 Glasd you're here. Out of town this week but owe you something. Will get it to you tonite
Gina, they brought the wrong compound. Just like Indy, no rubber into the track, it just peels off the tires into marbles.
ReplyDeleteTrack is white like it just rained. Has taken no rubber on Fri or Sat.
So does that mean there will be a one groove track tomorrow with all the rubber at the top?
ReplyDeleteHow can Goodyear keep bringing a bad tire? IMO this is why NASCAR should reinstate testing. They should do tire tests at ALL the tracks they race on - open for all the teams - and bring a damn tire that allows for a decent race.
We were supposed to be in Martinsvile this weekend but because of a family illness we didn't go. I've frozen my butt off in the stands sitting through more than one race on an overcast and drizzly day because I really enjoy the racing at M'ville.
OK, i have to mute the tv now. 30 laps of Mikey is all I can stand.
ReplyDeleteAncient, NP, any help will be gratefully accepted. Hope your travel was easy -- sometimes it's more pain than pleasure any more!
ReplyDeleteJD, hard to believe goodyear can keep doing this and NASCAR just accepts it. Gee, the race won't be any good because the tires don't work and the fans who paid money for tickets are simply screwed.
I still remember how angry Pemberton was after the Indy race when the fans were upset -- he acted like it was THEIR fault, instead of Goodyear's or Nascar's. Sorry, these decisions are solely on the shoulders of the sanctioning body. It shouldn't continue to happen.
15 Laps to go.
ReplyDeleteGoodyear doesn't have to provide a better tire because they have no competition. They sell the tires and if the tires are lousy, they sell more of them.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely wish there was a decent movie or something on this here cable tv that I could watch.
ReplyDeleteSpeed, as is customary, has some pretty good coverage. Kinda wish they had the bigger races.
But, with that said...watching Busch and Harvick smite people left and right...suffice to say that I don't especially care, and when I get done posting this, I'll watch something else.
I've had enough. And, frankly, I quit. Y'all have fun.
Anon, it's just not working. Something has to change.
ReplyDeleteOsbornK, yep, you're right, NASCAR doesn't want to get into the whole tire war thing like years ago with Firestone and Goodyear but competition is a good thing in business - IMO
ReplyDeleteI just read the article on foxsports about the tire and of course, Darby is blabbing the usual junk about "too soon to tell" when all the drivers are talking about how bad the tires are. Easy when you arent't the one driving the car in the race or sitting in the stands expecting to see a competitive race not a bunch of competition cautions.
Nice job by Sauter! Yay!
ReplyDeleteNow if we could get Justin Allgaier or Reed Sorenson to do a little big of that on the NNS side....
ReplyDeletegeeze, quit sucking up to kyle
ReplyDeleteWell, ya'll know how I feel -- KyBu was robbed. Sauter obviously cheated. :)
ReplyDeleteCoverage I saw, JD, was not that hot. I am sooo tired of Mikey, and not explaining what happened with that wreck was p*** poor. Camera work was not bad, though. Too tight, too much and Marty seemed lost in space on the PxP more than I'd like as if someone was not telling him what shot was airing.
Splendid finish for my homey, Johanna. Good goin' girl!
Lord, It's hard to be humble especially when the 18 can only lose to someone who did not play fair... :)
Join us tomorrow for the Cup race. 9AM starts TV with NASCAR Now on ESPN2 and NASCAR Performance on SPEED.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Ancient, good job with that post, man! Glad that Johanna had a good run today.
ReplyDeletenot one of Speed's better broadcasts.
I probably won't be here until later tomorrow. got a family commitment in the early afternoon. Fox probably won't show me much and will spend a lot of time making excuses for Goodyear, so tuning in for the last 50 laps will probably be enough.
This my first post of the day. I watched the whole,weird race.The booth was just awful today. Mikey said Harvick had no chance. I normally like Rick Allen, but he too was out of it. When Harvick and Kyle were struggling,the booth completely over did the talk that second tier drivers were ahead of them. The tire problems really messed up the race and I fear that the more powerful Cup cars will really struggle Sunday. I was pleased for Ricky Carmichael running up front. Crazy day....
ReplyDeletePlenty of ups and downs in today's race and broadcast. The racing was intense all 250 laps. The tire issue was a disappointment. I was thrilled to see a truck regular win.
ReplyDeleteAs for the broadcast, the shots began wide and tightened up. Double video boxes were used & it destroyed all perspective. Commercials are difficult at Martinsville, which resulted in missed cautions and restarts. The radio transmissions cutting off the guys in the booth was annoying all race long. The trio on pit road were solid with info all race long. Also, the finish line was not the typical Speed finish. SPEED has always struggled at Martinsville in the past, producing a product very similar to FOX.
Here is my driver mentions counter. The number represent the number of times each driver is mentioned from green to checkers. The numbers are not perfect, but close. I apologize to Justin Marks & David Starr fans.
ReplyDelete13 - Sauter 99
18 - Busch 98
2 - Harvick 76
4 - Carmichael 68
60 - Whitt 48
3 - Dillon 42
9 - Papis 40
88 - Crafton 37
33 - Hornaday 35
30 - Bodine 28
7 - Paludo 23
62 - Gaughan 20
23 - White 19
17 - Peters 15
32 - Sweet 14
1 - Earnhardt 13
31 - Buescher 13
92 - Rogers 13
10 - Mattioli 12
15 - Davis 10
51 - Johnson 10
8 - Piquet Jr. 9
22 - Coulter 7
5 - Kvapil 7
20 - Long 6
57 - Benning 5
93 - S Seig 5
07 - Roark 4
29 - Kligerman 4
77 - J Lofton 4
97 - M Lofton 3
46 - Goess 2
39 - R Seig 1
66 - Marks 0
81 - Starr 0
Forgot to mention the tunnelvision of the broadcast once Busch & Harvick were suddenly in contention for the win.
ReplyDeleteOnce Busch was in the top five, Allen would repeat Busch has never won here again and again. He listed his total laps this weekend, percentage of wins all season, how amazing of a driver he was. MW was right there to preach in agreement. The camera and booth were stuck in the top 5 instead of searching for the best racing. Same deal with Harvick about his adversity. SPEED elevates these two above the rest of the competitors, and it's sickening to watch. Other battles are ignored so the guys in the booth can gush about Cupper's stats in the lower series. It's not difficult to understand why so many fans are sick of them.
For once I wish Nascar would hold Goodyear's feet to the fire. There is no excuse for having tire issues at this level of racing. Goodyear has had several tire issues over the year and all Nascar does is protect them with competition yellows and whatever else. Nascar needs to start cancelling event due to safety concerns and make Goodyear pay the refunds to the fans and teams. $20 says Goodyear wouldn't be bring anymore bad tires to race on. I can understand having an issue once every 4 or 5 years, but enough is enough.
ReplyDeleteAnd another thing our guy finished way down and was laps down at the beginning of the race and never heard what happened but then again, he's not a cup guy or young gun!
ReplyDeleteJust finished watching the re-play. Damn.! Was SPEED having an off day or what?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure tracks like Bristol, Martinsville, & Richmond are a handful to cover, but they should have had enough practice by now to make it a bit more interesting on TV.
I'll cut SPEED some slack for this one. It was not one of their better broadcasts.
One would think that Goodyear engineers would take into account, the temperature changes from fall to spring.
I don't hold much hope for the Cup race tomorrow, unless the temps get up to 70.
Hey, just listen to Darby, there's nothing wrong with the tires.
Everybody be sure and tune into Raceday so KW can tell us how wonderful Goodyear & Nascar are.
Well Nascar, what's the backup plan? Daytona was a stinker, Bristol was a stinker, and now Martinsville.
All their R & D in this new car is a bust. Safer maybe, competitive for all, not by a long shot.
Man, what happened to Nascar.???