Saturday, August 6, 2011

Live Blogging Nationwide Series From Iowa (ESPN2 - 7PM ET)


ESPN continues to mix the talent in the TV booth for the Nationwide Series. This week, Ricky Craven and Kenny Schrader join Marty Reid for the race. Shannon Spake, Jim Noble and Rick DeBruhl are the pit reporters.

This is a strong track for the Nationwide Series cars and should provide good racing. The bad news is that Carl Edwards is flying in from Pocono with the idea in mind of dominating the race from start to finish. Series regulars are going to have their hands full with Edwards.

Schrader moving to the booth is a big step for ESPN. The network had been working the existing pool of talent for the past several years without solid results. Now, Craven and Schrader can combine with Reid knowing none of them are working the Cup races and this is their single focus.

It will be interesting when the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series come together again to see if ESPN backs up and works Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree again on both series or sticks with Reid, Craven and a partner to be named later in the booth. The recent appearances by Rusty Wallace have been pretty tough to take, especially with the ongoing struggles of his NNS team.

Some fans are upset because ESPN did not show either practice of qualifying for this event, despite seemingly having the time on the schedule and the TV equipment in the field. This is nothing new. The Nationwide Series moves to the back burner on ESPN when the Sprint Cup Series telecasts begin.

There is hope on the horizon. ESPN has put some new faces in new places and this series gets Danica Patrick and Travis Pastrana for 2012. In the meantime, it's a one and done show from Iowa Speedway tonight.

This post will serve to host your comments on the ESPN2 coverage of the Nationwide Series from Iowa Speedway. To add your TV-related opinion, just click on the comments button below.

187 comments:

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

Good news

Kylie is not in this race.

larry said...

I wonder how many cars the 66 will hit tonight?

Daly Planet Editor said...

It's CARL time!

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

And Rusty says anoouncing with Stephen deiving is no problem. Puh-lease. Conflict of Interest is written all over his face.

Buschseries61 said...

Iowa Start & Park Palooza Participants:

#41 Carter
#42 Andrews
#44 Jeff Green
#46 Miller
#47 Brian Keselowski
#49 Mark Green
#71 Long
#74 Harmon
#75 Chapman
#89 Shepherd

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

This start and park business is starting to grate on my nerves.

Anonymous said...

I guess I am the only one around that remembers all the drivers Cousin Carl has punched, choked, intimidated; seems no one else remembers; how can ESPN hire him, he has been the most mis-behaved driver; has everyone forgotten??? Kenseth, Harvick, Junior, Brad?? Guess so, seems to have helped him get a tv spot.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Anon, here is the problem. That is the same way ESPN does business!

Perfect match!

Nice rookie stripe on Schrader.

Buschseries61 said...

Love the look on Schrader's face in the booth.

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

Now don't criticze Carly he might get mad and have a temper tantrum.
Someone put him in the wall.

James said...

talk about deer in the headlights,
KS is the only guy who knows more about crashes than sTEVEN wALLACE

Anonymous said...

Happy Race Night Planeteers <3

YAY Schrader & Ricky <3

Roadgeek Adam said...

Well after sitting down the entire afternoon waiting for a truck race, Hi all.

Let's hope Carl Edwards is not the one in victory lane tonight :)

Charlie said...

No scanner. Bummer. I like listening to the drivers.

Daly Planet Editor said...

No scanner, no RaceView, no RaceBuddy. Just Schrader for fun!

Charlie said...

Maybe Ricky could send Marty for a sandwich run and tell him to take his time.

Buschseries61 said...

Good lord, I rarely complain about the anthem, but this has been brutal.

Roland said...

Thats the weirdest troll crap ive seen on here. Get a job, get a girlfriend, and get a life.

JD your right it is Carl time. Heck its been Carl Edwards Day on Espn today.

Unfortunately I cant listen to Schrader cause Marty Reid is in the booth.

Great to hear Eli Gold on the radio broadcast!

w17scott said...

There is a reason they are introduced as 'national recording artist' ...as poorly as they sing, no hometown will claim them, don't you think there's one person in Iowas, even in Newton, IA who can do it better?

Anonymous said...

Marty is sooo bad, Why didn't they have Shannon Spake host this like normal?

Daly Planet Editor said...

That was awful....and for a sold out house.

sbaker17 said...

w17scott said...

There is a reason they are introduced as 'national recording artist' ...as poorly as they sing, no hometown will claim them, don't you think there's one person in Iowas, even in Newton, IA who can do it better?

August 6, 2011 7:36 PM

Roseanne Barr was busy...........

Roland said...

I dont really like the background image they use during split screens, you know the blue and orange thing. It looks like a sunset. Doesnt really scream Nascar. Not exactly facemelting either.

Roadgeek Adam said...

That anthem gets a big F-. He literally sucks.

I didn't realize Kenny Schrader was that small. Marty & Ricky outdo him in height.

Daly Planet Editor said...

They have tried a variety of ways to host the pre-race for standalone NNS events.

I like it better when the pit reporters host it, but I guess with Schrader and Craven they wanted them featured.

Marty is just fading away fast.

Anonymous said...

Audio & video out of sync in Seattle market ...

Anyone else have that problem??

Buschseries61 said...

I really don't mind it Roland. It's better than a Digger background.

Charlie said...

why have steve wallace as an in-car camera when Kenny Wallace is ahead of him in points.

Buschseries61 said...

Why is Jim Noble sounding out his words like he is speaking to 5 year olds? He's the guy from RaceBuddy last season, right? If so, I don't remember him like that.

Anon/J said...

No scanner or anything?

Daly Planet Editor said...

It's totally out of sync. Been talking about that with the TV guys since it started. They say it's OK at the track.

Daly Planet Editor said...

This is a standalone race. Barebones equipment. No scanners, no RaceView and no RaceBuddy.

Charlie said...

in-car lap 2 and shows nothing

Daly Planet Editor said...

Busch, someone has been riding him. He is great on the radio and was super on RaceBuddy.

Reminds me of Howard Stern and the guy saying W....NNNNNNNN....B....C.

Anon/J said...

Spluh! Race-through-watching-ticker, then, prolly. :/

C'est la vie. Thanks, JD.

oldnewenglander said...

@Charlie

Because 5 Hour Energy paid ESPN for it, I suspect.

Good to see Schrader.

James said...

NOTE: Marty is on life support, he has two great former drivers to act as analyst and he still can not look out the window to call the PxP, He knows nothing about NASCAR, just call the PxP

Daly Planet Editor said...

James, I would love for them to give someome else a chance on the NNS races this season.

Maybe a radio guy?

James said...

Imagine MOODY on TV

Daly Planet Editor said...

Why not?

CRZ said...

Note to Marty: Timmy Hill is in the #15 - you announced the #75 parking, remember?

James said...

RIGHT ON!!!!!!

sbaker17 said...

Daly Planet Editor said...

James, I would love for them to give someome else a chance on the NNS races this season.

Maybe a radio guy?

August 6, 2011 7:57 PM

How 'bout that Bob Jenkins guy?

Anonymous said...

Scanner / Trackpass isn't back for Nwide til Bristol ... Boooo!

w17scott said...

With this being a barebones proesentation tonight, does that mean there is a new team running the broadcast in the truck?

James said...

Moody Craven and Ken Schrader that would give NNW and idenity

Sophia said...

Having great DIFFICULTY getting to this blog..and it's HARD to hear the announcers over the ENHANCED car noise...anybody else notice this?

We are not using surround sound or anything, just normal tv. Can BARELY HEAR Kenny Schrader. Is it just us? :-(

Roadgeek Adam said...

I echo Sbaker17 there.


Just what Justin Allgaier needed, more problems. Maybe we shouldn't say anything.

oldnewenglander said...

Hey, Mike Massaro used to be the track announcer at Stafford.

I don't know, but those two New England track announcers we've got now (Mike Joy and AB) seem pretty good.

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

BTW Hi Everyone

sbaker17 said...

With the 22 car running so well with Hornish, is Keselowski as good as he thinks he is?

James said...

Craven askes Marty a question and the DUMMY does not know what to say!!

Roadgeek Adam said...

Did Marty just give useful comparisons there with IndyCar? That's unlike Marty.

PammH said...

ok, I'm sorry but where is the Marty Reid that we were cheering for to take over for Jerry Punch when he was challenged calling the races??? That guy has disappeared & been replaced by THIS guy! Any clue what happened?? He can't even call a Cup Lite race....:(

Buschseries61 said...

If Marty could talk about NASCAR as comfortably as he talks about Indycar, a lot of his problems would be fixed.

Anon/J said...

Not expecting much from the ESPN team - as JD said, it's bare bones. Prolly got hungover booth people, rookie camera guys, and a second-string producer or sommat.

(yes, talking out of my...here)

Still, not too much else on TV, and I've a couple dogs in this proverbial hunt.

Jonathan said...

Hello everyone Happy Saturday night time for some racing!!! Ah Dave Moody that would be a dream come true seeing him the tv booth! Imagine AB, Dave Moody, and Randy LaJoie

Now that would be a stellar booth

Charlie said...

Marty doesn't do PxP but he can tell you how many lead changes there are and how many laps someone has lead at another race because it is on a piece of paper.

Anonymous said...

They should send SMarty back to NHRA to take over for Mike Dunn ...

Mebbe send Paul Page to Nwide ... or Jack Arute (oops! he hates ABC)

Daly Planet Editor said...

Pammmmm,

He had his shot and crumpled like paper in the rain. ESPN has now yanked him off Cup and his lack of focus tonight, even with two great analysts, is making his situation even worse.

Totally weird happenings.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Just confirmed Rusty is in Iowa at the race sitting in a box seat in the AC.

James said...

They are probably paying Rusty appearance money. After last week he needs it!

Anonymous said...

They should put Rusty in the booth ... Pull out SMarty ...

Try to salvage something of this broadcast

sbaker17 said...

Daly Planet Editor said...

Just confirmed Rusty is in Iowa at the race sitting in a box seat in the AC.

August 6, 2011 8:14 PM

When they bring him to the booth for a chat, off goes the TV for the rest of the night.

Anonymous said...

sbaker17 - Actually, what Sammy's performance is showing is ...

Geisler was an incompetent MORON as a crew chief on the # 77 for 2 1/2yrs ...

Sammy's had good / strong runs with the #12 car with Chad Walter ...

Roadgeek Adam said...

Carl Edwards took over the lead, this race I'm afraid may be over.

Buschseries61 said...

Seems like reviewing the top 10 before a restart has become a company policy now that Bestwick moved up. Have to give them credit for that.

James said...

He rambles on for four laps and does not tell us who is leading? DID he not watch AB last weekend or read the comments?

Charlie said...

So there still saying Steve wallace wasn't at fault last week.

Buschseries61 said...

I've never understood the head2head stuff. Carl Edwards vs Casey Mears is hilarious.

Charlie said...

The back ground sounds are a bit to loud. Makes it hard to hear the announcers.

Buschseries61 said...

Bestwick had the booth full of energy last weekend. Reid is draining the life out. No eye towards what's ahead, no eye beyond the tv monitor.

Anonymous said...

This broadcast is bad and it can't just be the announcers...

Charlie said...

Marty is good at telling you what happen last week or last year but doesn't keep up with what is happening now.

Anonymous said...

should have said "not" what they said... its like hearing one end of a phone conversation..is that how it is supposed to work?

Anonymous said...

Kind of "SNOOZE". Ken Schrader isn't blending well, Ricky seems to be a little slow. Schrader works better with Phil Parsons or calling the ARCA races.

Charlie said...

If you follow someone on twitter you see what that person tweets not what others have tweeted to him.

Buschseries61 said...

All 10 S&P teams were out by lap 90. Jennifer Jo Cobb is also behind the wall with brake problems.

Charlie said...

It is The Great and amazing 66 car show.

Anonymous said...

thanks charlie. so whatever i would tweet shows to everyone who follows me? can i respond privately to someone who tweeted me? or is just easier for jd to open tweet the response

Jonathan said...

COME ON HORNISH!!!!!!!!!!! Would love to see him get the win tonight that would be soooo fitting for this Nascar season in general

James said...

They are showing us the back markers, no look at the lead, and the video has nothing to do with the booth.

Charlie said...

Yes people that follow you see your tweets. That is why they follow you to see what you have to say.

Jonathan said...

Just a side note about Marty Reid, I was at the Brickyard 400 Sunday and he joined the IMS PA announcer to call the race. When I first heard his voice I was like WTF??? (thought they were playing the ESPN feed but they were not) It was hard to hear him but I did here and there and he still was having trouble lol anyways

Nascar must of felt sorry for him since he lost his ESPN gig lol

Anonymous said...

"The four Fords in front of Ricky Mayhew in his debut"

What, SMarty ????

Daly Planet Editor said...

Sorry, I was WATCHING the race! LOL.

Roadgeek Adam said...

JD: Thanks for removing, I'm now really pissed.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Adam, got to let it go. Guy is 14 yrs old. Just a troll.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Pretty obvious that Marty is the problem. He just can't do PXP and make it exciting a la Rick Allen or AB.

Charlie said...

I still believe up to speed is a filler. If the broadcast was done right you wouldn't need it.
You would be informed of what is going on as it happens with different cars.

Buschseries61 said...

@ Jimm57 - Kenny has always been known for his playful humor if the other booth commentator is willing to play along. I was a little worried how he would fit with a very serious, intellecutal Craven. They had a little fun with the rookie stripes, but that's it. Craven has tried to keep Marty included, but Reid doesn't bite.

Jonathan said...

hey JD thought I would never ever ever ever...... EVER say this but I honestly think Jerry Punch did better when he was in the booth. I know we all wanted him to leave like we do with Marty now but I was watching some Sprint Cup races from 07-08 and JP was better due to the fact he had much more Nascar knowledge

Daly Planet Editor said...

Jon, the problem is Jerry was a reporter. He could not do PXP either.

Rick Allen and AB have both proven that the top asset for those guys is the ability to make it exciting.

Mike Joy used to be the best before DW wore him out and FOX shut him up.

Need to get a solid back-up for AB that can work at ESPN and then handle the NNS races down the stretch.

Sure there are plenty of folks who would like to try. ESPN already used up their guys and no one clicked.

Anonymous said...

JD, do you think ESPN will give any "outsider" a chance in light of the fantastic job AB is doing in cup?

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

JD Any chance we can buyout Bob Jenkins' contract with Versus. so we can get him back here.

Anonymous said...

I think this is the same director/producer as all the "Bad Marty Shows"...it's like ESPN immediately goes back to all the Bad Habits. JD whis is ESPN's B team?

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

i meant to say ESPN.

Jonathan said...

So true JD! Its a shame it took so long for ESPN to put AB in the booth!!! imagine how much better this sport would be if AB wasnt on the shelf for 6-7 years! Plus why does MRN sound sooo much better than the tv booth?? We need more of that.... Cant wait for tomorrow get to hear AB call a Sprint Cup race for the first time as he was already off NBC when I started watching Nascar in 04

Daly Planet Editor said...

It would not be an outsider. ESPN gave Dave Burns, Vince Welch and even Dale Jarrett the chance to be the lead announcer for a race.

None of that worked. It's got to be someone with a radio background as none of the TV types is going to jump ship.

Look at TNT! They got AA because no one else would change jobs to work six races.

I think Moody is a good suggestion, but don't think Jenkins is ever going migrate back to ESPN.

w17scott said...

while we're tossing out the any chance questions, any chance ESPN would contract the Lingner Group to handle the broadcasts? as I recall, there production values were high and consistently strong.

Anonymous said...

Come on ESPN, you've built Bestwick, Jarrett and Petrie into THE booth for the Cup season. The same can be done for Nationwide.

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

why not JD?

Daly Planet Editor said...

The real key to this entire issue is the incredibly bad job the ESPN senior management has done with choices.

From the first days of NASCAR Now right up to this recent switch with Bestwick, it's been one disaster after another.

ESPN's VP of Motorsports had no experience with motorsports and was never a person who watched the sport. He was an X Games guy.

It's been five long years of chaos in many ways.

Jonathan said...

oh nice US Cellular Sponsoring Nascar.... for a minute I thought I put on the White Sox game LOL

its nice to see Nascar doing better this year in ratings and the younger DEMO love seeing new sponsorship

ok im done time to focus on the race

Daly Planet Editor said...

Because Bob is not on the short list and has been gone from NASCAR for over ten years.

Charlie said...

The dash for the race win with 90 laps to go. I didn't know that.
Thanks Marty.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Remember, we were all 14 once! The troll entertainment is free.

Wonder if I can start charging for that? Hmm...

Roadgeek Adam said...

Wouldn't it be a thrill if David Mayhew wins this race?

oldnewenglander said...

Anyone else here see who has just opened up a conversation on Twitter? (hint, he's not in the booth right now).

Roland said...

Well lets look at the options.
Joe Moore: cant really see him as a TV guy (opinion).

Barney Hall: hate to say it but too old.

Doug Rice: maybe, but once again just dont see him as a TV guy (opinion).

Mark Garrow: some TV experience back in the FX days, could be a possibility.

Lets look in house.

AB: Cup only.

Marty Reid: The worst pxp guy in sports television history (fact).

Dave Burns: did decent in his 1 or 2 chances, but better as a reporter (opinion).

Mike Massaro: better as a reporter (opinion).

Vince Welch: Fail.
Paul Page: no Nascar experience.

My vote tho goes to Eli Gold based on his TV experience and PxP skills. But he has Alabama Football pxp on Saturdays in the fall.

The only free agent nascar pxp guy on this planet is: Bill Weber. I present his name without comment

Charlie said...

You know who Espn could try in the booth. Tim Brewer. They could record him earlier and just insert his comments as needed.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Yea, nice to see AB on Twitter finally open to speaking with the fans.

Have to remember, ESPN has very strict social media guidelines.

That is why you get all the happy talk on Twitter. Not going to get anything else.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Eli is out, Weber is out, have to be a guy NASCAR likes as well.

No clue other than Moody to help with the excitement level.

sbaker17 said...

Daly Planet Editor said...

Remember, we were all 14 once! The troll entertainment is free.

Wonder if I can start charging for that? Hmm...

August 6, 2011 9:16 PM

Child labor laws...

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

ESPN has strict social media guidelines. Why, ESPN Can't face the truth even from your own employees.

Wiresculptress said...

I watch IndyCar telecasts regularly, and it pains me to say this, but Bob Jenkins is not sharp anymore.

Ken Schrader seems off his game tonight.

Charlie said...

How many sets of tires do these guys have left.

Anon/J said...

JD, what is ESPN's twitter acct? Enough is enough.

Buschseries61 said...

I think Marty needs a few more weeks before we start throwing out replacements.

I'm curious how it would turn out if they paired Reid with Rusty Wallace & Kenny Schrader. Reid was at his best when joined with Rusty & Randy Lajoie. Kenny might open up more with Rusty & be willing to poke in some fun.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Anon, ESPN has hundreds of Twitter accounts! Whatcha looking for?

Anonymous said...

It has to be said that Craven and Schrader are trying. With a good PxP, this would be an entertaining broadcast.
ESPN has fixed their cup booth, way better than the dysfuctional mess that Fox has become.
I'll repeat myself....the same can be done with Nationwide, esp. with all the positive changes to the series next year.

Anon/J said...

JD - who I can yell at over the "Carl Edwards did this!" and so forth - seriously?

There are other cars. Other teams, racing at the edge of being flat broke, and they don't have Fastenal or Billy Bob's Bass Pro Shop plastered across the hood, and some are running dang near in the top 10's.

It sucks. ESPN picks who they want to cover, and short of a wreck, that's that. It's disrespectful and destructive to every other driver on the track, it's ruining the sport, and I wanna know who to yell at.

Vicky D said...

What is the lovefest with Carl tonight?

Daly Planet Editor said...

Got it. There is absolutely no one to yell at. The PR guy does not answer and the announcers have nothing to do with it.

As I said, ESPN has strict social media guidelines. It makes sure none of the producers or directors speak about the real issues.

We call is the disinformation network. Just happy talk and BS.

Anon/J said...

Two guys playing footsie on the track - cannot - and I've heard the scanner traffic before - cannot be as interesting as stuff like fighting off being lapped, trying to get the lucky dog, trying to hang on to your tires and survive til one of the rookies in front wreck and do a caution, etc...yuck!

Anonymous said...

I'm a Ford fan, but I've gotta say that the way ESPN has been featuring Edwards at both Pocono and Iowa you would think that Disney is going to be one of his new sponsors for next season.

Anon/J said...

I know, JD - as I've seen after some late-night Googling, you got thrown under the bus along with everyone else.

I don't expect replies. Got bored and read a pirated Nascar rulebook last night...reminds me of a wifebeater - you can do whatever, but I can do whatever more, so ha ha, shut up!

Simple axiom: Money talks. As Dad told me once, it's the same varnish - we just stick it in different cans.

Such is the sport.

Vicky D said...

I guess we should be glad Kyle isn't in this race otherwise it would be the Kyle/Carl race! I wish they would highlight the good NW drivers I got to see Amirola for a minute as CE passed him!

Anonymous said...

The problem IS SMarty ...

Schrader's good when he's with Phil and Rick ...

SMarty just sucks the life out of the booth ... like some freakish alien ...


I like Burns / Welch / DJ / Massaro in the booth ...

Anonymous said...

Very very badly directed show. Why does ESPN do this to the Fans? Clearly there is very slim Pickens when it comes to Announcers and especially producers . ESPN needs to hire the production crew from the Truck Series. Very Simple.

Anon/J said...

Vicky, (and this is my opinion alone) it's Cup Lite - either run in the series full-time, or S&P. Whether it's Kyle, Carl, Mark Martin, or Kevin H...you can forget about racing in this series being an affordable prospect for any team.

Which is why these two series are losing teams and people left and right.

Anonymous said...

Taking Bets on on how they cover the finish.

Vicky D said...

See I don't see a problem with Marty tonight I like him in the booth. He at least has some pep. I wish there wasn't a problem with Hornish's car I would have loved to seen him win this race!

Roadgeek Adam said...

Now this race may be over.

Buschseries61 said...

All three of them finally clicked that segment.

Is anyone from Good Year at the track? I don't remember this many tire failures here before.

Anon/J said...

Anon @ 9:43 - I'm gonna go with my beer-gut here and go "BWAHAHAHAHAHA!" as a betting choice, if allowed.

Vicky D said...

Anon/J I just like to complain about the cup drivers racing against the NW drivers since I've been doing this for over 10 years when my favorite was driving a Busch car!

Daly Planet Editor said...

ESPN is huge. They do not care about me or you or any sports fans.

The current culture is about being famous, being an "expert" and getting face time on TV.

It's the classic case of the tail wagging the dog. Now, it's not about the athletes and the game. It's about who is covering it, how they do "new things" and what new technology they bring to the table.

Very strange culture as we have seen since 2007. Disaster after disaster.

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

And do you think that ESPN is going to change?

Buschseries61 said...

Marty sounds like he's having fun for the first time tonight.

Anon/J said...

Agreed, Vicky - I think it's like taking candy from a kid or beating up grade-schoolers - seriously, grow a pair and succeed at your own game.

JD...yep. Wish there was stuff on TV during the weekends...cuz this half-arsed stuff is insulting, demeaning, assumes I have no intelligence, and has a few camera directing people whom I hope are on the breadline for '12.

It's terrible, and I wish I'd never been introduced to this sport.

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

All I was saying that I would like ESPN to keep it simple just like they did in the old days.

Anonymous said...

ESPN is not the only problem, FOX Sports is more or less the same.
Worse, since it offers certain personalities a soapbox for their personal agendas.

Daly Planet Editor said...

SBTF,

They are being forced to change by failure.

NASCAR had them in for a "meeting" last Oct. and read them the riot act.

Pretty embarrassing all the way around.

Anonymous said...

Jack Roush is probably hiding!

Charlie said...

15 Laps to go.

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

JD What is the riot act.

Anonymous said...

so rusty's track doesn't have safer barrier's on the inside..has he ever commented that other tracks needed safer barrier's everywhere?

jerry said...

Schrader is best when he's setting guys up and vice-versa. He would need time to gel with Craven to really work. Kenny's trying just no one on the other end.

Plus ESPN is really the kind of place for a person like Kenny.

Charlie said...

The carl show and the dash for cash and then the rest of the race.

Anonymous said...

I smell a caution coming up.

Daly Planet Editor said...

That is a scolding from the folks who hired you to do a job and you are not.

Means you are failing at whatever it is you are supposed to be doing.

30% drop in TV ratings last season for first 4 Chase races. Remember that cluster?

w17scott said...

truck must be dozing off ...Marty calling back in the pack ...actual racing on screen

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

NASCAR is just as guilty IMO.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Little cool down lap fireworks?

Anonymous said...

Big story after race Carl & Ricky

Roadgeek Adam said...

WHOA WHAT A FINISH

Anonymous said...

HAVE YOUR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

WHAT THE ????

JM

sbaker17 said...

UNREAL!!!!!!!!

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

Good Carly lost, Yeeeehaaaah!!!!!

w17scott said...

wonder if we'd have seen the finish line w/o Stenhouse mishap

Anonymous said...

And CONGRATS TO SPEEDY REEDY!!

JM

Buschseries61 said...

Unbelievable!

Yet again: Is anyone from Good Year at the track? I don't remember this many tire failures here before.

Anonymous said...

Carl couldn't see him!

sbaker17 said...

It's illegal to push a car across the finish line at the checker. LOL

Buschseries61 said...

Looks like it was an engine instead of what they first said, a tire. Nevermind lol

oldnewenglander said...

One question.

While this clearly is not the intent of the rule. There is a rule against receiving assistance on the final lap. Common sense says it does not apply here, but the way Nascar can be with the rules sometimes, it isn't crazy to ask.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Should be some interesting interviews on the other side of these commercials.

glenc1 said...

just when you think you've seen everything...that'll make the highlight reels (well, a good thing since it wasn't a Cup guy winning....)

Anonymous said...

Now it's time for ESPN to tell us all the reasons Eddie Haskell is totally innocent.

Vicky D said...

What a finish!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
HAVE YOUR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


NO I NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oldnewenglander said...

Anyone as old as I am remember someone -- maybe DW -- having a trick engine at the All-Star Race once upon a time? Blew up just about right on schedule.

Roland said...

Carl, STFU. Your driving in a series your not supposed to be in and your criticizing a driver who needs this series for driving to hard? Dude just get off my tv already

Anon/J said...

Meh - this sucks. I usually try to be eloquent, but...Nascar can go *expletive deleted* while it *expletive deleted* and then...you get the idea.

They're the culprits with the lieutenants and the most retarded (meant with respect) actions, beliefs, and money-grubbing strategy ever.

This was disappointing. I don't want to see someone like Edwards on the screen for half the race. Go race in your own series, punk, or try some dirt track for funsies.

Don't need 10 zillion cameos on the same two drivers - 43 people in the field, but hey, screw 'em all...not exciting! Idiots.

Also...don't need fans and people that will keep watching. Tell your advertisers I said hi, as one of those elusive 20-somethings you keep trying to draw in.

You've failed, I hate your channel-brand, your own sponsors, and your advertisers - because you are all jerks.

Meh. I'll watch the stuff, cuz through cable fees, I'm paying for it...but I wouldn't advertise too hard on ESPN...

sbaker17 said...

oldnewenglander said...

Anyone as old as I am remember someone -- maybe DW -- having a trick engine at the All-Star Race once upon a time? Blew up just about right on schedule.

August 6, 2011 10:10 PM

Charlotte All Star Race. DW clutched it right after the checkered flag flew and "Blowed up" one of Junior Johnson's cheater engines

LVI56 said...

Wild finish!

Great race, and an ejoyable broadcast. One of the best for ESPN all year. Ricky and Kenny in the booth is a winning team, hope to see more of that. Marty did a good job too.

Anonymous said...

Amen Roland. All Carl all the time lately. As bad or worse than Lebron James

Daly Planet Editor said...

Don't forget, 9AM for trucks on SPEED. Live blog right here.

Cup in the afternoon. Another doubleheader.

Anonymous said...

I am soooo glad Ricky stuck it to Carl in the end and beat him!!! Carl is STILL a ego-maniac!!!!!!!!!Just like with all the other drivers in the past that he though he could push around....I'm happy for Ricky...and Carl says Ricky was being too aggressive? Hey Carl you are still too aggresive and you still have anger management issues!!!!!!!!!!!

Buschseries61 said...

The first 150 laps were a big struggle as the three guys in the booth struggled to balance together. The last 50 laps showed there was some fun & chemistry.

Marty needs to have energy to get viewers through the first half of the race. It's not over until the checkers, that worked for Bestwick last weekend. He started doing field recaps on restarts, so it looks like he is willing to learn.

Kenny was able to get Marty to relax and have fun. Kenny just needs Craven to lighten up a little. Craven's serious nature can become very dull when he dominates. He has to find a balance like Andy Petree, observant with some emotion. Craven does do a good job keeping Marty on his toes. Hopefully these three can make it work.

Anon/J said...

That tennis thing - heck of an after show. Again, no offense, but I thought I was done with that stuff as a forced staple of life when I quit high school.

Finish the job. Dad told me that. Tennis? Halfway through the hour? Not seeing too much exciting stuff here.

I'll reiterate my constant opinion - I hope Speed uses their divisional clout through Fox (or whoever owns them) and takes over the NW series outright.

NW, Trucks...they'd give VS a run for their money. Heck with Cup. Really. People catch that later; it's boring.

Just a thought.

w17scott said...

@oldnenglander - I was there and it blew right on the start/finish ...I believe another one blew the next day at the World?600 ...leave to the true JJ (Junior Johnson, of course) to get just what was needed out of the equipment

Anonymous said...

They NEVER did any follow-up on the damage on Sammy's car ... other than the fire ..

He was running about 2-3mph slower than the leader ... But, he was still running ...

Oh, I forgot ... He's NOT a Roush or Turner wrecker ...


Disney just needs to pay the penalties and get out of their contract ... They stink WORSE then a sewage treatment plant in Death Valley on the hottest day of the year ...

Steve L. said...

Except for the last lap, I thought those three in the booth were calling a golf telecast.
BORING......Zzzzzzz....

Get some excitement, energy in the booth. Make it sound exciting, even if it isn't! How you going to get fans to watch without any excitement? Come on!

Anonymous said...

Just watched the race this morning, after having to listen to Carl dominate the talking during the qualifying show yesterday....
The NNS race shows why drivers shouldn't be up in the booth with special treatment....then they don't get criticized when they rough up other drivers on the track!