The final part of a motorsports tripleheader is on FOX. After F-1 on SPEED and IndyCar on ABC, it's time for NASCAR's longest race.
Chris Myers hosts with Jeff Hammond and Darrell Waltrip. Mike Joy calls the race with Larry McReynolds and Waltrip. Krista Voda, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Dick Berggren are on pit road.
This post will serve to host your comments on the race telecast. To add your TV-related opinion, just click on the comments button below. Thanks for stopping by.
Currently my internet access is limited, so please be patient.
471 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 471 Newer› Newest»JD, I was just heaving a long sigh myself.
@AR - It must be a condition of Sunoco's contract, even the pit reporters always say "Sunoco Race Fuel".
I can't say whether it's always this way, but Fox is giving me a horrible picture. It's full of blocks like a low resolution digital image.
I only notice because Indy was much clearer. But I think it's always like this. I'm using the ticker as a reference point and it's no worse than usual.
It could be Time-Warner Cable's fault. I've noticed the picture degrade when I'm working the internet heavily.
Man I love when DW sings. He definitely doesn't do it enough.
I was just about to give up on this one but now that DW did some singin' I'll stick around and hopefully there will be some more.
This engine story is going to be an interesting one.
Anon, sarcasm like that is totally appreciated!
Oh, there will be some more DW singing going on before this night is over!
how many engines is that? two or three?
Mike Joy explains why the temp in Tony's car was reading Celsius and then DW had to jump in and explain the same thing all over again.
Most people that believe any race of this level is boring clearly do not understand the intricacy's of the sport.
It's a lot harder than you would ever believe.
If you want to learn, stop in Mooresville, visit some Rich team shops and then some poor ones out at then form an opinion.
Besides, I thought the topic here was bad TV and not to judge a bunch of hard working people that are chasing their dreams.
Fox, and possibly NASCAR in general, is way too commercialized. Not only Sunoco Race fuel but you can't mention tires without saying Goodyear or mention a driver without naming his sponsor.
Indycar announcers mention drivers and car numbers. They let us read the sponsor for ourselves. And the sponsor graphics are often less blatant and harder to read.
The Victory Lane interviews still have sponsor mentions but not as quickly as NASCAR nor do they run down the entire list all at once.
They also don't have a sponsor for every piece of trivia and tech info they mention.
Someone is missing a business opportunity that would assist NASCAR fans. If someone could set up a text message program to alert those who would pay a modest fee when there is 20 laps remaining in the race. It would save people a lot of time and frustration.
Nobody thinks that racing is boring. The race coverage is boring.
Half way??? They need to change it from 600 miles to 600 km's!
OK, let me redefine the comment. The racing may be fine, but the coverage is not showing the race in its best light.
We are talking TV. Been doing it for five years. Got great relationships with teams and sponsors.
Take it easy. No harm intended.
osbornK -- isn't that what twitter is for?
I do think its a genius idea
I guess running two laps down doesn't deserve a shoutout for our favorite. I'm not really paying much attention to the broadcast I'm more about looking at the live leaderboard to keep track of drivers.
Being told the safety crew also picked up a hammer on the track. Biffle maybe?
Those low angles are working well for them tonight. I just wish they'd hold a shot for more than three seconds.
if it belongs to Biffle does that constitute leaving the pit box with equipment?
Or did he have the hammer to throw at someone? I'll bet they wouldn't let you bring a hammer into the track either.
@AndyD
In the beging, back in 1964 (no AC/DC jokes, please, I love them)Mr. Victory who owned a TV store started our cable. $5 per month. Then sold to Time/Warner who traded us to Cox.
Cox sucks.
Oh, wow. How I have wanted to do that I cannot tell you. Completely within the rules I think. ;)
@Anon 8:23 - Why 600 km? Why not just shorten it and call it the Coca-Cola 500. Who uses kilometers in the U.S. anyway? It just makes me laugh when tracks like Phoenix advertise a 500-km race instead of just calling it a 300-mile race.
Huh, I had not noticed that movie ad inside the program before. Did they do that already tonight?
Andy, I don't know if you saw Indy today but you are exactly right.
Letting the car run through the entire shot from start to finish is what gives it the true feeling of speed.
Gina--With a text, you could be working in your yard, shopping or doing something else. When you get the text, you would have 10 laps to get to a TV and be able to watch the last 10 laps.
JG just said he may have a motor issue, too. Ugh, he really needs a good finish, not back of the field.
Osborn - yes, that's true. I think that twitter will send to some phones - I don't have mine setup like that, but I think it's possible.
I agree its a good idea. if Gordon falls out because of his engine, I'm going to bed.
We have a new record. They just showed 18 laps without a commercial.
Charlie, quite honestly I am now following the race via pitcommand and twitter. Fox lost me.
I'm using Foxtrax and twitter to follow the race...tv is on, but muted.
Another way some of you can use to keep up with the race is simply watch the results on the news at 11.
That should free up your time.
The rest of us that are race fans will watch lap after lap and drink beer after beer until the green flag waves.
NASCAR, the ALL American sport!
JD -
Yes, I saw Indy today and I'm comparing the entire Fox broadcast to it. I don't often have the opportunity to compare two networks in close proximity.
There is way too much salesmanship happening on Fox, too much explanation of things any fan knows, and too much chatter in general.
Martin-I think you answered your own question when stating what Phoenix did. I agree, just shorten the dam race and call it what you want.
thanks, Anon. I hadn't thought of that!
Conditioned how?
What is this business about Fox and TNT?
Don't mix Twitter with the blog please.
I don't see a need for a caution for a plastic water bottle that is not on the racing surface.
The pace car driver could have gotten out of the car and picked it up and we'd be back at green flag already.
Hah!
Looks like we are going to have a pretty good "mystery debris" debate going before this one is over.
Have not seen any of that really this season at all. Big switch tonight.
I thought we'd see two pix, one with the track, one with the ads? I'm ready to quit, there are so many continuous ads.
NASCAR control is bored, too! LOL
Tracy, news at 11.
I have given up on the stooges in the booth and am now on radio. I'll watch the pictures, but one more minute of Waltrip will, I truly believe, make me say rude things -- and my life is built upon being charming and kind.
Well, we had some racing going on there for a minute!
We see in car cams and again they talk about how the race is in the middle of the pack and don't show it.
And achingly slow as always to find any accident, no matter how loudly the booth yells.
Heads need to roll. That's all there is to it.
AR, sometimes you just have to let it go.
OH yea, it's also free to watch FOX "Broadcast"
They have to sell to pay NASCAR and NASCAR pays the teams and drivers. It's expensive.
hmmm did DW say cautions breed cautions yet tonight? I have the TV muted.
AR, news at 11.
holy moly -
"achingly slow as always to find any accident"
It seemed as though ABC was instantly on top of every accident this afternoon. That's at a 2.5 mile track and Charlotte is a mile smaller.
YO YO Was up everyone???? Happy Memorial Day weekend to all hope your enjoying the Coca-Cola 600! Just got back from a family party saw the Start and listened to the rest in the car and now im home so :)
Hope your all having fun
RPM cars looking stout today
Hey Jon! Fixin to get racy in Charlotte.
ABC has a better producer. Fox has a novice with an attitude.
Anon, bang the drum slowly. we got you - news at 11 - the point is this blog is about the TV coverage.
If we don't like it, we are free to say so and pointing out that the bare minimum I can manage to tolerate is the TV on with the sound off AND need to use other methods to follow the race - trackpass, radio and twitter.
They keep referencing the Coke 600 as a "crown jewel" race. Other than taking forever to complete, I don't see anything special about it. I think there is a disconnect between insiders and fans on that. maybe it's just me.
NICE JD Love it I came home at the perfect time
2, 3 wide on restarts and they don't show it.
AR - are you happy? Your boy is in the lead!
Anyone else on Shaw Direct in Canada have a frozen picture of the lap 244 restart? Or is it just my signal?...
Just got it back on lap 254...
How many times do we have to hear about kyle's ticket? and that Nascar doesn't care whether he has a valid driver's license or not? OLD news.
Hi Gina! How have you been??
I feel the Coke 600 is a "Crown Jewel" race cause its the longest race of the year I takes all you have and then some to finish... and times that by 5 if your leading towards the end! Its in the home town of Nascar its big time
Just my thoughts
Hey Jonathan -- sounds like you've had a good weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my boy in the 24's engine holds together.
The Memorial Day program on PBS is great.
They love chatting about the drivers and who ever they can think of.
I would love to hear more about where each car is and why.
I agree Sally. Its getting ridiculous. Did you see what Junior said? "Shucks, I've done that. I guess I was lucky I didn't get caught!".
Things are good, Jonathan. Hot and humid here in NJ.
Tonight's race is actually shaping up to be a survival race -- seems that there are engine issues which we haven't seen a lot of. That extra 100 miles could be a deciding factor.
I think the 600 is one of the biggest races. There may be too many of those to call them crown jewels.
Charlotte is a prestige track for NASCAR. Mainly because of what Humpy Wheeler did for them. And the Frances refuse to admit that Indianapolis is the big Memorial Day race. And was even in the bad years. Monaco is #1 in Europe. Charlotte is #3 on any continent.
The Daytona Firecracker 400 is also considered a crown jewel, just cause it's Daytona and the France family owns it. It disagree.
The Brickyard is a crown jewel because it's Indy. I still believe that the NASCAR and F1 races take a back seat to the 500.
The Southern 500 WAS a crown jewel but they jerked those guys around and its a jewel in name only now.
So basically the Daytona 500 is the jewel and the rest are paste.
@GinaV/24
I am happy, but my love for you tempers it because Jeff is not in p2.
Radio is better, gang.
Can Rupertworld screw up any more than they do? Jeepers.
Ginw its been somewhat cold and rainy here in Chicago sucks we had a bbq today but I hear its going to be record hot here tomorrow so sweet :)
Andy D, good summary, man!
Gina* sorry drinks have been going down smooth today =>
Once again, all about track position!
LOL, Jonathan - no problem, man, it is a holiday weekend - as long as you are someplace safe enjoying those adult beverages, it's all good.
mowing the grass today in the humidity was not fun -- felt more like July than end of May. My plan is for a bike ride tomorrow EARLY.
Mixing twitter and the blog again, I apologize. But AB just contradicted the booth on the issues with the 17 and the 99.
It was a weird laugh by DW when Larry made the comment that Logano was in 3rd.
i guess that's cause Joey is in a toyota and DW always takes personal pride in their achievements.
The 500 took less than 3 hours. Why are these guys lollygagging? There's still 150 miles to go.
Called it! Mystery debris caution has some drivers fuming!
Or maybe it was because Joey has had such an up and down night.
AR--- I had a momentary glimpse of happiness there with JG in the lead and a caution out!
im always safe :) I didnt have to drive so all good.. Usually have to play babysitter for everyone else
Wouldn't this race be more fun if they ran it at the dirt track on the CMS property?
Sorry, just dreaming through my typing fingers.
That restart on TV was horrible! about twenty camera cuts and no perspective! What the heck is going on?
Hot, Humid & New Jersey is an oxymoron. "Hot, Humid," Dear, is Florida (ask me or JD). Let's see ... how to describe Jersey *stretches brain, clears throat*
New Jersey: Shaped like an "S" with really good local restaurants but unbelievably high taxes; birthplace of Sinatra and of some the best looking Italian Girls ever.
Yeah, pretty much does it :D
Jonathan, good jub! I have been the designated driver often enough myself. Can't say I enjoy it, but someone has to do it,
Wisconsin Steve, maybe you are right but there are times when DW just is odd.
Did not show the debris and now FOX messed up the restart.
This group is fading fast.
I'm beginning to lose interest in this race. Cautions, real and imagined are going to get things so jumbled up that the pace car will probably be declared the winner. Seriously, the word 'cluster' comes to mind.
Poor David Starr running the full race and gets booted into the wall. I can't believe DW said that he must be doing a pretty good job because they haven't mentioned him!
JD, totally agree on the restart comment. What a waste of camera!
AR -- ha! OK, maybe Jersey doesn't compare to Fl (after all FL is mostly swamp) LOL but we still have lots of hazy hot and humid days.
glad to know you like the restaurants and Italian girls -- I second the emotion about the taxes. It is why when I finally get to retire (I hope someday) that I will NOT live in NJ.
And again.....Brutons grassy plot takes a toll on another race cars front end.....
OK, Landon has had some really ugly wrecks lately
Time to pave the dogleg.
AR - Sorry, but "Hot and Humid" is Georgia from May to September. Only question is whether temperature or humidity will hit 90 first most days.
Newman would have kept it under control. Dirt track experience. Just ask DW
This makes you wonder about those Legends races.
And cautions do breed cautions, DW says.
If I were NASCAR Chairman for a day, I would "strongly encourage" all tracks to pave every bit of grass between the walls. There is NO reason to have grass at these race tracks.
Rainy - you are not kidding. that splitter really digs in
Mike Joy made a mistake. It's David Starr's 2nd Cup start, not his first.
@Wisconsin Steve
While you're at it, the wall he hit didn't look like a SAFER barrier. I cringe at the idea of him hitting that thing if the brakes failed.
Do you think with all the money the Smith's spend at CMS, that they could pave that grassy infield area that keeps destroying race cars? It's hard to believe that this keeps happening.
Please don't feed the trolls. Thank you!
this race runs way too late. I'll check in here and jayski tomorrow. I just woke up from a nap.
Yep, it is David's 2nd.
Friend saw my "Jersey" post and called me out because I did not mention The Boss.
Well there is a good reason for that. The Boss is transcendent. You really oughta see his new house (I have). He is way, way way, beyond judgement. Though of Jersey he is for the Ages. Jus' Sayin'
Rumor has it that DW's first words were "I remember when I..."
It'll be interesting to see what the deal is with Hamlin's carburetor.
how can you guys talk so much about jersey without mentioning springsteen?
This "NNS Series" thing that Larry Mac and Hammond keep doing is getting annoying. Is Nationwide really that difficult to say?
AR, you beat me to it by 2 minutes!
How many times in a row does it take until the camera guy to zoom out so we can watch the cars in the back.
This is the 3rd time I think they missed something in that same area in a row.
Gilligan strikes again....
Go back and look at how long it took the cameraman to find that wreck -- and it happened in the top 10 on a restart. Is anyone watching the race?
OK, those track workers need to get away from those cars when the wrecker is hauling on it! Geez
In their defense, Fox has a lot of cameras in the right place to get good replays.
I remember when ESPN started doing racing that they had maybe three cameras. You'd hear about the crashes but you'd rarely get a replay.
Charlie...
Spot on, man...was about to say the same thing.
I've been watching since just before half-way. ABC was by no means perfect today for Indy but the difference between the two is just as stunning as what we have seen with Speed and the truck series this year.
Oddly enough, I think Fox has been better than usual today but that's still plain awful.
The more nonsense we experience, the less likely the most deserving car will win the race after 600 long,hot miles. This will probably wind up being WEIRD!
Time for a cigar I hope this last 94 or so laps are good
KudzuCarl:
Of course not, probably too busy being reprimanded/yelled at by that producer all night.
I can't say this with any authority, but I'd bet that there are so many tv screens in the production truck that they can't find the action!
Anon -- LOL, overwhelmed by all the TOYS!
91 laps to go? That's 136 miles.
It shouldn't take more than 4 hours to run this race. Four and a half tops. This is going to go to 11pm.
Is there any chance we will get a side-by-side commercial tonight like at Dover?
AR, I am going to enjoy this moment - it may not last, but I am giddy with happiness right now.
JoLo in the wall but we have a pizza commercial to show you.
Dirt track experience. Just ask DW
Wisc Steve, I was JUST thinking that too.
I'm convinced that the truck can't find anything until Mike tells them where to go.
Did I mention paving?
Those splitters don't help a bit either.
FOX misses every cotdang wreck, spin, wall-rub....every one. How do you do that? How is the booth talking about someone scraping the wall, and the screen just has cars going by as usual?
I have to work tomorrow. My scanner refuses to work. I'm just going to go to bed.
That's what I'm saying! The splitters are not going away, time to make some changes.
Night terri! I am off tomorrow. Beach ho. OK, so I can walk to it.
@ JD
I really hate to bring it up, but I'm pretty sure that Rusty would mention paving!
Did anybody catch DW's extended giggle after Mike Joy mentioned that our Pizza Hut fan favorite was out front?
Ahem. So.
Somebody smacks the wall and race control does not bat an eye. Shrub does a powerslide in the grass, sliding WELL AWAY from the racing surface, and they throw a yellow in seconds.
This, and countless Jaucqes Debris Yellows of dubious origin and timing, plus junior being caught on camera chucking garbage out his window onto the track, to which FOX says nothing about.
When, exactly, is enough going to be enough?
I had muted the TV again by that time. I had to restart my computer - everything froze up
Mike Joy has a lot of energy tonight. Great to hear!!!
Yes - I did catch that DW chuckle - it was strange and creepy.
From ESPN RaceCast's K. Lee Davis: "Remember gang, there are other forums for you if you want to criticize the race broadcast or the broadcasters. Our friend John Daly does a bang-up job of that over on The Daly Planet. But we DO NOT do that here and you won't get your comment posted. EVER."
Niiiiice.
Hey Bruton---Get rid of the grass!!!
Rambo - yeah, I saw Jr do that, too. Interesting wasn't it? And yet Charlotte is one of the tracks that took paper towels out of the bathrooms because of problems with debris.
In other words, ESPN takes a page out of Brian france's book...you only hear what you want to hear? Only the good stuff so we can brag about what a good job we are doing? Oy.
All the drivers toss stuff...tear offs, empty drink bottles, etc.
KLD is a good guy, reads this every day! I told you the TV folks read this. Might not always like it, but you have to get the pulse of the fans.
Those boys are playing under Disney rules. That must be fun....NOT!
Suppose honesty is a little too much for ESPN to bear, then.
that's why whenever you send a comment to ESPN, the only response you get is their canned answer -- "your comment is very important to us".
the beatings will continue until morale improves.
JD is a "beach ho?"
He actually wrote that. Really.
I stand amazed (that is kinda like a deer in the headlights)
Yet I shall press on...
Hey, isn't "Cars 2" one of Fox's major sponsors for this race.
That's a Disney movie!
On a lighter note, I like how the backstretch big screen makes it look like they're driving past a disco every lap!
It's strange that when they run out of gas, it's never Sunoco race fuel.
Steve is telling JR to save some gas incase anyone cares... have hot pass on so
Man, the #48 team sure isn't looking invincible lately, is it?
48 penalized to the end of the line. Hah! Even Cheatin' Chad probably can't overcome this.
Ancient -- LOL, it's better than being a "heave ho"
Sorry about KyBu -- interested in cheering for your alternate in the 24?
Thanks Jonathan! Glad someone is paying attention.
holy hat, the 48 left with the wrench in the car. Maybe the old 24 pit crew is having issues - funny they did great for JG!
@AndyD
U sed: "It's strange that when they run out of gas, it's never Sunoco race fuel."
Backing up my earlier point about the shameless marketing...
I can't stop laughing at the 48 mistake. POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR Chadley!!
Great coverage by FOX to catch the 48 with the wrench and have such great pictures of it!
The #48 might just "buy" itself 3-4 more laps of fuel with this mistake. That could be influential.
I think with the back up pit crew, CHad has put so much pressure on the pit crew, that they are making more mistakes.
So tv booth, did anyone come back and top off their tank with that Sunoco race fuel at the end of the yellow?
I love those 'providing grounds' of NASCAR for Goodyear!
Maybe its just me, but I think Mike Joy is having his best broadcast in a long time.
The most aggravating thing to me about FOX is that racing (and race fans) do not want to see gimmicks and "hip" production when we watch a race. We want to know where the cars are, who's got issues and what strategies are being formulated. Instead of worrying about drawing in the casual fan, I wish the TV folks would focus on keeping the diehard fans (like us)!
I get annoyed beyond belief when FOX goes to break with the "comic book" bumper. Just show us the cars and list the top five. Is that so hard? Maybe a 6-year-old will think it's cool, but most race fans aren't 6 anymore.
Ginsv/24
Silly, silly you. You know what I want. If not 18, then 24. Never, never, never Voldemort and Weasely.
BTW, thanks for spreading our names for the, about. Love it!
your welcome Sally. Jd your right Nascar is stopping all internet broadcasts! Went to Justin.tv and the Sirius Nascar channel is no more!
Somebody's in the breakdown lane and I'm not hearing about it nor is there a yellow. What's up?
I guess no one will answer my question?
DW always feels like he knows the guys running up front would be there.
/so they miss showing Reagan taking the lead to show the #18 coming from the garage? Great chioce.
Anon, that could be true about the pressure. I hope that Voldemort implodes.
Shoot - that would have been a perfect time for DW to sing again "you got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em".
He just has to sing again - only 34 more laps!
AR, I love those nicknames that you came up with. Perfectly acceptable in all company and yet, oh so, descriptive of how I feel about them
Oh, hello again side-by-side!
Well, well, well...
If you're gonna go side by side, SHOW THE RACE. Not a tight shot of one car with a 2 second lead.
Well, well, well. This was not in my media info for this race.
Typical Fox side by side.
Just show a tight shot of one car.
Andy D said...
If you're gonna go side by side, SHOW THE RACE. Not a tight shot of one car with a 2 second lead.
_________________________
Amen!! This is so hard to watch after the Indy coverage earlier today.
@oldnewenglander
Try this: Be a twenty something in an advert shop and be called upon how to get people to your movie. HMMMM. It is a movie about talking racing cars. HMMMM.Then think, because you are a Twenty-Something, "well if I get this right I can pay off my student loans (for the idiot degree s/he holds)."
The fact it is (and I have seen a screening) a damn funny movie which salutes, may he rest in peace, Paul Newman and keeps you chuckling all the way through is, well, Twenty-Somethings do not get it.
They are looking to score (take that anyway you wish). ;)
Larry Mac just said a new word:
"futherst"
Anyone have a dictionary?
COME ON JR AND DAVID RAGAN LETS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FAVORITE DRIVERS UP FRONT THIS IS AWSOME LOVE IT
LOOOOOVE IT :)
If things spread out - Zoom out.
We had the same fuel/speed question with 20 laps to go at Indy today. They sold the suspense better. There seemed to be more cars with a shot as well.
13 Laps to go.
LOL - happy are you, jonathan? Don't blame you - when your favorite(s) are up front at the end of the race, it is an awesome feeling.
Any bets on a caution in the last 10 laps somewhere?
The story is whether Earnhardt will get the win. The way to play it is to make sure the shot is wide enough that he's always in the picture.
Reminder: Victory Lane on SPEED is tonight at 11PM or immediately after FOX goes off the air.
Johnny TV, KP and Herminator.
Kenseth is having a typical Kenseth race.
the caution will depens on whether Jr is in the lead or not when the 16 and the 4 run out of fuel
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