Saturday, August 13, 2011

Live Blogging Nationwide Series From Watkins Glen (ESPN - 1PM ET)


Rain is on the way toward The Glen. NASCAR has move the start up five minutes to 2:09PM because that is about all they can do.

Nicole Briscoe cranks things up with the NASCAR Countdown show at 1PM. She has Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty alongside. There are lots of stories unfolding, some involving the race and some involving The Chase.

Shannon Spake joins the pit reporters this week as Jamie Little is off doing the IndyCar race for ABC. Dr. Jerry Punch, Dave Burns and Vince Welch round-out the pit road group. Tim Brewer is in the Tech Garage.

Allen Bestwick, Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree are the trio in the TV booth today. Bestwick has been exactly what ESPN needed to get this coverage back on track. A road course requires a very different kind of TV coverage and this is the only such track for ESPN during the network's 17 races.

SPEED has been handling the support coverage, including the practice and qualifying. Once again, ESPN is only at the track for the NNS race. It makes for a little bit of an awkward transition, since the drivers and teams have been dealing with SPEED all weekend.

The challenge for the director is to try and back-cut to the best races on the track while also keeping a good handle on the ever-changing location of the leaders at full speed under green. This means he needs some good assistance both in the truck and from the camera spotters around the track.

This post will serve to host your comments about the Nationwide Series coverage on ESPN from Watkins Glen. To add your TV-related opinion, just click on the comments button below.

148 comments:

Daly Planet Editor said...

Looking good at the Glen!

Tracy D said...

May I say how great Leigh Diffy (?) is for qualifying?

Anonymous said...

No Marty and Ricky today? Not that I am complaining...AB rules!!!!!!!!!!

Roland said...

Leigh Diffey on Speed this weekend has been so cool.

Nice piece on Delana Harvick too.

Buschseries61 said...

The Winding Road to the Garage Participants:

44 Jeff Green
49 Mark Green
82 JJ Yeley
89 Morgan Shepherd

Possible Additions:
40 Josh Wise - All 3 S&P support teammates missed the show
75 Chris Cook - Teammate #41 Drissi missed the show. He had his sponsor could hop over to the #75. If not, Cook parks.

Anonymous said...

Happy Race Day Planeteers <3

Anonymous said...

Yes Leigh has been awesome <3 him. Reading Twitter he has some new fans today :)

James said...

Diffy did a good job, however when we have a person who steps in and does well, we become aware of how poor a job the other can do. Diffy is a star, the other two, need to find alternative work.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Be interesting to see if SPEED goes with Diffey down the stretch after this weekend for NASCAR support stuff.

Charlie said...

Do I have this right. Race view is free today but the scanner (audio) is not available?

Anonymous said...

I was plesantly surprised with Diffey. He did just fine. Kyle Petty always irritates me the way he drones on and on regardless of how simple the point is he wishes to make. Let's keep our fingers crossed with weather.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Two words: Rain tires!

John Willis said...

Will someone PLEASE tell the singer that the National Anthem isn't about them?
Please.

Anonymous said...

an awful anthem although they had audio problems

Lois Lane said...

That anthem was brutal...

Daly Planet Editor said...

Back to normal with the anthems after a good first couple of months...

Anonymous said...

no rain in southern tier at all at this point. Closest rain is Williamsport PA - oh well guess LL world series gets the rain.

Bill said...

My blood boils so bad during the destruction of the Star Spangled Banner that occurs at both Cup and NWS races, I mute it until the race starts.

Anonymous said...

once again and as usual Network TV will not show singing of Canadien National anthem. Fellows is Canadien and race is on TSN. Was dome every year during NBC tenure.

Anonymous said...

should have - was never done during NBC/TNT

Daly Planet Editor said...

Marty Reid and Jamie Little doing IndyCar this weekend.

Shannon Spake in with Bestwick.

Lois Lane said...

I guess all we can ask is that the National Anthem isn't screwed up...

Daly Planet Editor said...

The Canadian anthem is sung due to the location of the Glen and the many Canadian fans who attend, not who is driving or not driving in the race.

Thanks,

JD

Bill said...

I don't understand. Juan Montoya is Columbian, and they don't sing his national anthem, nor do they sing the Italian anthem when Max Papis is in the field. What's wrong with that comment? I meant no disrespect at all!
I agree that they should sing the Canadian anthem, (I lived in Rochester NY for years) but wouldn't those other drivers have the same right to complain?

Charlie said...

Advertising Indy race tomorrow on ABC while the Cup race will be on at the same time on Espn. Interesting.

Bill said...

I agree, JD. Sorry if I ruffled feathers. Meant no disrespect.

Charlie said...

They also sing both anthems at the Michigan races.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Hey, live and learn! What life is all about.

Bill, if you did not know there were some Montoya crew guys busted this week for drug issues.

Little touchy subject right now.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Did not make it to ten laps! Well, it's a road course.

Lois Lane said...

Nationwide races are sooooo much better without the Cup guys...

Bill said...

Yikes. Yeah, I'd heard about the drug busts, but didn't remember whose team they were on. Pardon me while I remove this foot from my mouth.

Daly Planet Editor said...

No prob!

Lois Lane said...

I'd love to see these three (Busch, Busch, and Edwards) take each other out...

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

Hey JD off topic but I thought you would be doing a story about JD McDuffie because it has 20 years since his tragic death at the Glen.


Sorry, I'm bombarding you about JD but i keep thinking about him every time Watkins Glen's NASCAR weekend comes.

Daly Planet Editor said...

You're bombing me pretty well and I am not sure what you are looking for.

Maybe drop SPEED a line on twitter or RaceDay?

Daly Planet Editor said...

Not to worry, Danica is back to save the series for the next race!

Lois Lane said...

Yuk, not you too...

Daly Planet Editor said...

You should see all the stuff I get from all the PR guys repping her and her products.

She is a big marketing machine.

sbaker17 said...

Daly Planet Editor said...
Not to worry, Danica is back to save the series for the next race!

August 13, 2011 2:28 PM

Danican't!
ooohhh, I can hardly wait :)

Buschseries61 said...

I don't know if it's the coverage, or if there is really no racing going on behind the top 3. Either way this is really bad.

Sally said...

I wondered if they were ever going to mention more than Kyle, Kurt, and Carl.

Lois Lane said...

Well, at least Kryle is screwed...

Mark said...

If only Danica had the talent to match her marketing.

Charlie said...

You would think they would show at least Steve Wallace and not just the cup guys. he he.

Lois Lane said...

Cuzzin' Karl is runnin' hot...two down...

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

Sorry JD

Daly Planet Editor said...

No prob! I was doing the race live at the time. Resulted in lots of changes. Bad corner for a very long time.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Lois, he wants in the TV booth!

Lois Lane said...

He doesn't belong there, either...

Bill said...

Maybe ol' Carl will buy a NNS team before next season!

Lois Lane said...

Jimmie Johnson...ha ha ha...three down...

saltsburgtrojanfan said...

Anyway, back to the race

Anything interesting about the race going on.

I hear somebody wants to be in the booth that does not deserve to.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Not really sparkling coverage. The guys in the TV booth can only see the front strech and the TV monitor.

Lois Lane said...

FYI...I'm pullin' for Elliot Sadler...

Daly Planet Editor said...

Bill, if you check the posts on the blog you will see that Carl Edwards will be an analyst in 2012 for the NNS races on ESPN.

It's a pretty hot topic!

Anonymous said...

Jr's pit crew working JJ car. No wonder he lost spots.

LS

Daly Planet Editor said...

Brad sitting in Carl's chair!

James said...

Looks like all the new drivers are Tele savy, Brad is out Carling Carl

Bill said...

JD, that's why I suggested that Carl buy a NNS team! So he can have awkward moments in the booth just like Rusty!

Ken-Michigan said...

wow, interesting.....

came back from the commercial break for green flag pit stops and for over 3 minutes ( I timed it ) they did not show any on-track racing. No split screen. No update on who inherited the lead during the pit stops.

Perfect opportunity to give some air time for those running "on-track".

Green flag pit stops is a huge challenge for the truck. Either they take on the challenge and use split screens OR they take the easy way out and ONLY show pit stops.

LAZY production truck in my opinion.

James said...

What a great overhead shot of the loop!

Anonymous said...

Don't have to deal with Carl on tv, just will not watch.

LS

Charlie said...

So are there just the cup guys racing today and the Nationwide drivers are just fillers.

Lois Lane said...

I don't even know why I'm watching this...

Roland said...

I would have loved to see a replay of that car almost hitting the 14 when he was stopped. That was really close. Espn to busy focusing on Cup drivers and talking to one in the studio. Not a good broadcast so far.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Good to see that ESPN is saving the real effort for tomorrow.

Phoning this one in. Follow the leaders. No field updates. No stories. Just follow the Cup guys.

Got one in the infield studio too.

Lois Lane said...

Oh, I know...waiting for...Da Bears!

Daly Planet Editor said...

That NFL wave is just weeks ahead of hitting the NASCAR beach.

I don't think it's going to be pretty when it does.

Anonymous said...

Why would anybody want to sponsor a regular nationwide car because the cup guys get all the coverage? Not allowing points for cup has changed nothing.

LS

Daly Planet Editor said...

NASCAR is hoping that this is a season of NNS transition.

Carl is already out for next season, we will see what happens with the other guys.

Not getting the big prize at the end is supposed to encourage sponsors to go for NNS regulars.

At least that is the theory.

Lois Lane said...

WOW...showing some Nationwide regulars...

PammH said...

there's our Stevie Wallace siting for the day!

Lois Lane said...

Harvick rarely runs, too...

Sally said...

JD, we're already getting pre- empted by Little League! We don't have to wait for the NFL.

Ken-Michigan said...

Something I do like.....

Since ESPN started a few weeks ago on the Cup side, they have utilized more pit road interviews with the crew chiefs. Kind of a throwback to the 80's & 90's coverage. Recent years have seen the networks get away from the "LIVE" updates with the men on the box.

I commend the crew chiefs for cooperating and the pit reporters making that effort as part of the broadcast.

Charlie said...

Cup drivers, cup drivers and there just getting seat time for tomorrows race but they are the ones featured today on the screen.

James said...

Danica and Pastrami will b the story next year.

Buschseries61 said...

If this is what ESPN has to offer on companion weekends, the rest of the season after Montreal is going to be painful. SPEED already did practice & qualifying - might as well let them do the race since ESPN doesn't seem to care.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Busch, we have been suggesting that SPEED take over the NNS races once ESPN moves to Cup.

Andy and DJ have not prepped for this field and AB's focus is on the Cup side.

Ken-Michigan said...

"Proposed NEW Rule", (from me) hope they hear me.

If a driver elects to run in BOTH races at the same track on the same weekend, that driver must choose one of those races to start at the back of the pack. That driver can keep his pit stall from qualifying, but must start one race from the rear.

OR....

Any driver who participates in the NNS race at the same track, MUST start the Cup race from the rear.

( this would open up more seat time in the NNS for development drivers )

Lois Lane said...

(yawn)

Lois Lane said...

mmmmm...RAGU...

sbaker17 said...

So far, IMHO, the active drivers that have been brought into ESPN’s infield booth to comment on the race action have been more articulate and have offered better insight into what is happening in the event than their hired on air “talent”. Particularly R. Wallace

Daly Planet Editor said...

That is what happened to Rusty and Brad when Carl came in last time.

Both of them looked like chumps!

Charlie said...

Have they talked about how the pit crew has to change the opposite side of the car first and how that makes the pit stop different.

Roland said...

Some of these pit stops are painful to watch. Theres some crews that look more lost than Steve Wallace. Vince Welch isnt any better.

Lois Lane said...

How can a car be tight (or loose) on a road course?

Charlie said...

If a car turns right or left it can be tight or loose.

sbaker17 said...

Perhaps ESPN could get an active Cup driver to sit in each week for the NNS broadcast instead of the current cast.

Lois Lane said...

But, on a road course? Seems you'd want it "tight or loose"...it's not an oval...

James said...

Due to the economy these new drivers have become very media savy and make the retired people look lame, and they are!

sbaker17 said...

Lois Lane said...
How can a car be tight (or loose) on a road course?

August 13, 2011 3:29 PM


Not all corners are created equal :)

Daly Planet Editor said...

Vince is still tough for me to handle. Nice guy, but just does not add any excitement on pit stops.

Charlie said...

Kenny Wallace has engine problems.

Buschseries61 said...

ESPN had a nice view of the Stenhouse spin. Credit to NASCAR for turning off their caution flag reflex.

Lois Lane said...

Alan, DJ, and Andy are pretty good together. I like them...

Buschseries61 said...

JD, I don't think Vince needs excitement on pit road. He needs credibility.

Anonymous said...

JD, I thought Vince was part of ESPN's Indycar coverage.
Why isn't he with Marty Reid and Jamie Little conering tommorrow's race?

PammH said...

that's the 3rd time today twitter has locked up my computer! it doesn't want any windows open but them...sorry to vent here. Brad K sounds good in the booth. I liked whoever said he was outCarling Carl!

Charlie said...

15 Laps to go.
Since this is a road course I will post when there is 5 Laps to go.

Lois Lane said...

Neon Deonne as a fairy...I love it...

Charlie said...

Kenny Wallace is done. Engine gone.

Lois Lane said...

CRYle Busch needs a caution...he'll probably get one...

Daly Planet Editor said...

ESPN only has four races other than the Indy500.

Vince stays on NASCAR for this one.

Buschseries61 said...

I have no idea why Bowles/Ranger/Fitzpatrick are out of this race.

Daly Planet Editor said...

AB slipped in a mention before a break, but never said why.

Charlie said...

Will Nascar throw a fake caution.

James said...

now for the big finish

Bill said...

Darn! No debris cautions on road courses?

Charlie said...

5 Laps to go.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Whew, this was a stinker after all the build up.

Rather see Stenhouse and Sorensen battle with Steve Wallace and the NNS regulars.

Charlie said...

If you wanted to watch cup guys getting seat time for tomorrow you picked the right race to watch.

Anonymous said...

Although the coverage is kinda lackluster today, kudos to Bestwick, Jarrett, and Petrie.
They're definitely the best booth in Cup and Nationwide.

terri said...

Sorry, but this has been boring. Wish the helicopter shots would have backed out to show more than the leaders. Seems that they've missed quite a few little incidents; not that there've been many. But still...

Bill said...

OK, time for everyone to slow down and allow JJ to catch up! Gotta see another JJ/KB dustup!

Lois Lane said...

There's more action on the weather radar heading for my house than the Nationwide race...

terri said...

...as I was just saying. Shot of Brad K. while cars were wrecking on the track.

John in Chico said...

Loos on a left hand turn and tight in a right hander.
Yeloo!

Buschseries61 said...

Get ready for drivers racing over their heads.

Lois Lane said...

Imagine that...a green - white - checkered finish...time to let CRYle catch up...unbelievable...

Daly Planet Editor said...

Say it with me. Cautions breed cautions.

Sally said...

JD...quoting DW now?

Roland said...

Cant wait to see the points standings, that is if ESPN bothers to show them. They havent updated us on Sadler, Stenhouse, or Sorenson all day.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Sally, Tom Jensen from SPEED just told me that was his line! Hehe...

Sally said...

Then he should sue DW for overusing it!!

Ken-michigan said...

Radar looks interesting !!!

Buschseries61 said...

Did the announceers not notice the #30 & 38 wrecking at the finish? That's why we show the cars finish! Good shot ESPN!

Daly Planet Editor said...

Man, that was not what I had in mind...but it is what it is.

OSBORNK said...

Why can't they show the finish line. Won't they ever learn? The 18 & 20 finish was probably interesting but we didn't get to see it.

Sally said...

Logano beat Kyle for 3rd? Would have liked to see that one.

Lois Lane said...

Real stinker...gotta close the windows...gunna storm. Bye

Buschseries61 said...

ESPN was obsessed with the Cup drivers today. They blew away from the rest of the field and finished 1-6. Pretty awful race and ESPN's worst broadcast with Bestwick.

Anonymous said...

Flying Heads does not equal seeing the finish on television. It is not that hard to comprehend that some viewers like me would love a camera shot that revealed how the finish of the race played out. It is not impossible or even difficult to discover a camera angle that would accomplish this task and would improve life considerably. However, I sincerely believe that once the checkers fly, everyone at ESPN is running to the plane and cannot be bothered with all that.

Daly Planet Editor said...

For all you folks leaving, thanks for stopping by and join us for the Cup race tomorrow.

It has to be better than this....right?

Buschseries61 said...

Better interview or at least mention Buescher wrecking his teammate Leffler at the last corner at the finish.

Buschseries61 said...

Vince just comes off clueless in that Stenhouse interview.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Rough outing for Vince.

Anonymous said...

Well, at this rate, gonna be the Cup Lite aftershow too. Nevermind all them people below the top 10 ringers who are actually regular teams and stuff. Meh.

Buschseries61 said...

Hey! They finally mentioned it 20 minutes after the finish! Now back to the Cup drivers...

Daly Planet Editor said...

Looks like ESPN is going for the full 5PM off time.

Austin said...

I personally thought that ESPN did a solid job with the broadcast for the race, a couple mistakes, but they are much better with AB.

Hopefully Leigh Diffey is in the booth more often, I can't stand Steve Byrnes or John Roberts.

Daly Planet Editor said...

JR swung and missed, Rick Allen needs a race to be exciting.

Leigh did a super job, was really prepped and stayed focused.

AB has made this night and day for ESPN, but the production is still shabby for NNS events.

ESPN just worships the Cup guys.

Anonymous said...

AB needs to man up and put the focus on the nationwide guys. He seems to be worshiped here. I'm not letting him off the hook.

w17scott said...

Mr Editor -
Enough said ...how did those non-Cup drivers make this race ...oh, yeah - they didn't make the broadcast, just showed up to be interviewed post-race ...wide shots, copter shots could have told a different story, but never fully utilized ...Vince is a sports reader, even on his day job he seems to mail in in when I've caught him on-air in Indy ...hope for better from production team tomorrow ...the Glen has potential for good show ...this weekend Leigh Diffey proved to SPEED his versatility and worth ...look forward to him calling Rolex later
Walter

AllisonJ said...

Leigh Diffey, now we're talking. Leigh and Dan Weldon... now that would be a booth.

Anonymous said...

JD, the last thing I would ask for is to have Speed take on the NNS series broadcasts.That would mean more DW and we sure do not need that.

Vicky D said...

Didn't like the lovefest of JJ and the Busch brothers at a NW race. Needed more spotlights on them but liked the post-race interviews including JoeN.

Anonymous said...

Is ESPN B production team at WG?
Perhaps the reason Saturday was such a struggle.