Here we go! The big finale is on the TV from Homestead. ESPN has 72 cameras, 16 in-cars and tons of announcers. The script is written, but the big question is will reality let it happen?
Nicole Briscoe has Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty in the Infield Pit Studio. Upstairs it's Allen Bestwick with Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree. On pit road is Dr. Jerry Punch, Jamie Little, Dave Burns and Vince Welch.
This is ESPN's biggest NASCAR telecast in years. The nation is watching two veteran drivers, teams and manufacturers end the season in a head-to-head battle.
We have discussed all year long the issues with "hyper-tight" coverage. The challenge today for ESPN is to maintain the integrity of the race telecast while keeping viewers updated on the Chase.
There is little more to say. This is the ultimate pressure cooker for a sports TV telecast.
This post will serve to host your comments on the final NASCAR race of 2011. To add your TV-related opinions, just click on the comments button below. Thanks you so much for taking the time once again to join us.
563 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 563 of 563Turn off the volume and use the closed captioning, idiot!
Sally said...
Turn off the volume and use the closed captioning, idiot!
November 20, 2011 6:57 PM
Sally:
I think it's Bill Weber
Dont want to jinx it, but havent had a commercial in a long time. No complaints.
sbaker - LOL, now that's funny!
I watch more nascar with the mute button than I do with the sound on.
Best points battle since 92.
smoke clicking off the fastest laps on the track right now.
GinaV24:
I call it the 'Wal' button.
Used when any announcer with a last name that begins with those 3 letters try to speak.
Man, Smoke is looking like a shark in for the kill the way he's driving. Wish more races were like this!
The next pit stop will be HUGE
I missed the pre race sho hoopla.
Was Brian France on there as his usual state of the sport deal on SPEED ?
Thank god for Allen Bestwick and no commercials!
They keep saying that most laps led point makes no difference, but by my calculation, now that Carl clinched that, if Tony and Carl were to finish 1-2, Carl would win the championship by one point. Am I adding wrong?
BSPN has their scoring wrong again. They are showing Smoke -8. I think it should be -5 (Edwards 3 point lead at start of the race plus bonus for leading a lap and most laps led).
OT, but I noticed the Busch brothers have got 11th and 12th place in the points wrapped up. No Cup banquet for them this year. Sam won't have to worry about what shoes to wear with her dress.
Another Rousch engine gone? If Carl isn't sweating now....
Do you think that Kyle's crew got to Carl's engine...you know, showing their support for him, too?
Props to Yahoo! Sports today. There on it, never noticed them do the motor sports thing so far.
I've thought for a while they were the best in sports news, if they continue to cover motor sports that will make them the best hands down.
I sure hope that they are considering changes on Jr's pit crew. They typically lose him lots of spots on pit road.
Sbaker - LOL, even better. I may change the label on my remote to that.
funny how many of the announcers who annoy me have the same first 3 letters.
Tony playing rain game?
jerry,
What is Yahoo! doing?
Use more windows in these situations, ESPN, please. It's justifiable here.
SD80MAC,
I think they show Tony -8 because he was -3 going into the race. Carl gains 5 points on Tony if they finish 1-2 with Carl in front.
The tracker at the top of the TV screen is a joke. We know the running order up front, but they don't show the interval in seconds between Carl and Tony. Neither driver is my favorite but DJ and Andy have been shamelessly shilling for Tony.
OK, so pit command shows only 4 cars on the lead lap because of the 14's strategy.
Weird stuff.
I think DJ and Andy have been given their talking points for today.
Gordon says it is raining. His spotter says that isn't going to get NASCAR's attention.
it will probably take someone wrecking to do that.
JD for one it's the lead story on there sports site. Unlike the four letter. Plus they have a couple of guys down there I only thought covered college. There at the track today tweeting and seem to be solid racing guys.
Every since they took over Sporting News Radio I have been reading there stuff more and more. There writers are better from top to bottom than anyone. Cept for Auto. Hopefully thats changing today.
caution out for rain.
NASCAR has to make a very critical decision here.
Ohhh gonna be a long night.
NASCAR will stay til 3 am if necessary to get 400 laps in.
Yup. They have the lights, and they want the season to be done tonight. Lots of time left to get it done. Fifty laps or less left.
sorry but I am not going to listen to the in race reporter deal again.
NASCAR should put a time limit on the races so they won't be accused of playing favorites when a race is delayed for weather or accidents. After the race is halfway, a time limit would work for both NASCAR and the broadcasting network.
Carl & Tony blowing up the driver mention count.
Checkers will fall 7:55 or later, post-race continues to shrink.
Bestwick is mint in these situations.
Agree, JD. Can you imagine Marty in this situation right now? He'd be burnt out with no commercial to breathe.
OSBORNK:
Indycar and F1 also use a time limit (two hours each) if it's taking exceedingly long to get to the scheduled distance, but I like your idea with the length of NASCAR races in mind.
yes, he is, JD. AB in the booth is the only reason I have even bothered to tune in for the races that ESPN covers.
rusty wallace is an idiot.
Rusty calculating? I'd bet against whatever he says.
The forest for the trees with som e of you people. Who gives a flip about postrace. Speed will have an hour of it for you. This finally is a killer race. Enjoy it.
I like that Jarrett basically told Rusty he didn't know what he was talking about.
My brother & I were saying the same thing red!
Note to Andy P.
So not debate a buffoon. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with their experience
LOL, Rusty can't calculate.
Yahoo reporting more rain in the area.
Should be DO not
This is poaying havoc with Speed's coverage tonight. They may have to do Victory Lane at 9 PM!
I won't be happy if this race is called with Kyle in front.
weather.com has showers popping up all around the racetrack, but nothing significant and nothing big on the way.
14 laps, Jamie?
following the race on MRN, watching TV. Wish we could see more of the rest of the track, but it looks like it will be a killer ending.
It's too hard to post using the iPad, but I've been reading you all.
huh? the furthest the 14 has gone was 14 laps? Did I hear Jamie say that?
So Tony longest fuel run of the night is 14 laps?
Jamie Little strikes again.
Jamie, Jamie, Jamie....
Did we get an update on Biff engine yet? Seems like it might be important...
This is a nailbiter. My fav has been up front some of the race so I hope he wins, however I wouldn't want this to come down to fuel economy. What will be will be I guess.
Nascar should red flag this.
Sally, me either!
Gina-yep she said that. She is just awful!
I don't think Jamie realizes what she is saying and no one in the booth is listening to her or they would have corrected her.
When they brought Rusty in, his first words were "I tell you what..."
I kid you not
I always laugh when they say they are a lap and a half short, or a lap short. The fact is they are just guessing. It's an educated guess, yes, but it's still a guess. The guys in the pits don't know how much fuel the driver is saving. How many times have we seen somebody who is a lap short make it to the end and then do a couple of long burnouts and then drive to the pits. Or somebody who is two laps to the good run out?
Man, this has been a long day. 5 hours of pre race, 4.5 hours since the green. Whew, Im tired. Ready for this to be over. It is going to be epic.
Nascar will run this caution long enough to make sure edwards can make it on fuel.
Hope it ends soon, I'm getting hungry for real food instead of snacks!
Jimm57 said...
When they brought Rusty in, his first words were "I tell you what..."
I kid you not
November 20, 2011 7:41 PM
No doubt about it :)
from Abby Wambach, US Women's National Soccer team, on Twitter:
"Am I weird for being into NASCAR today? It all comes down to this race."
yep: it's a classic race, no doubt!
Are you sure about that Jamie since Tony only ran 14 laps the last run.
Rusty did not mention #14's "fast hot rod"
Pam, yes, earlier JD said she was a round peg in a square hole. I am not that complimentary when I talk about her.
She has not impressed me and she's had plenty of time to learn enough about NASCAR.
Gives blonds a bad name.
SHe was thinking Tony's car number (14) what an idiot.
Looks like Nascar finally manipulated the points system enough to get the drama they wanted. Should be an interesting finish.
or "At this point in time"
ChrisK, you are right, it is a guess and it always makes me nervous. When you're 5 laps short, you are short, period.
Sally, I took the opportunity to make dinner during the red flag. Ate it sitting on the couch and fending off the cats!
I'm done trying to keep up with driver mentions. Here's the top five up to 41 to go:
160 - 99 Edwards
157 - 14 Stewart
36 - 29 Harvick
33 - 56 Truex
32 - 24 Gordon
That's what I should have done. I thought about it...now regret my decision.
Gina, I started out rooting for Chad Little in the 97 in 97 (previously I was one of those 'casual fans', lol). I know a lot about Jack, I actually find him interesting. Thinks like a math guy, and engineer. I work with those types. I went from a Ford to a Chevy (Steve Park) to a Dodge (Jamie Mac) and stayed a fan though Ford and back to Chevy. LOL. Manufacturers really aren't that big to me. There really isn't anyone I dislike, except Kryle. For most I like some things & not others. Didn't like "The Carl" as Biff & Matt & Jamie called him. But I think he's mellowed out a bit, as has Tony over the years (well, at least he's not kicking tape recorders anymore.)
This is quite a scenario unfolding....
Awesome Race!! Thanks for the site JD
Real Racing!
The way Tony has driven his car today with those 3 wide and running so deep in the corner passes, I'd like it to be him.
However it turns out, it's been a heck of a battle for this year's Champ.
I'm a Stewart fan, have been for years, and I have to say that this is a great race and I'm getting the coverage I want. Don't care about any of the other 41 right now.
Chad tells JJ to drive "nice and smooth" 'cause we don't want to create any cautions right now.
Not something you'd normally hear from the 48 team.
Glen, I hear ya. I started following Gordon back in 92 since I had moved to Atlanta and saw him run his first race there. I've taken a lot of heat for my choice over the years, but no way am I giving up on it now.
I work with engineers as well, so I get the whole linear thinking deal. I actually prefer logic to a lot of emotion, after 20 years I'm used to it, but still I think it would actually cause Roush pain if he smiled or looked happy.
you are right, at least this is a true fight for the win, nobody is out there stroking.
What a race! MRN doing a great job calling it.
Are there more than 2 cars on the track now? Did they call the other 41 cars in to let these two battle by themselves.
At this point, I really dont care about the other 41. This is big.
man, it's a time like this that i wish i could have a drink!
i wonder if everone elae has pulled off the track to watch the end of this race?
I kinda agree with the above. Who cares at this point what the other cars are doing.
This is fun.
So all we're seeing is the 2 leaders. Which is fine for me I guess. Its good racing
Ummm.....41 other cars? Not important. 6 box with all the crew chiefs? That's a TV show. My buddy just started singin' the Brady Bunch!
over/under on fence climbing?
I'll excuse the tight coverage - this is the last race, w/19 laps...watching the driving between these two is informative.
We're past position and winning aside from Smoke and Ducky.
Sally, did you see the numbers I posted? Carl & Tony have dream coverage. Individually, they each have 4 times the coverage the third most covered driver has today.
It is not about the other 41 cars, it is about Stewart v Edwards. ESPN has made the right call.
Look at it this way, ESPN can handle two cars! Lots of practice.
WT Bleep? Nobody else in the race? No passing in the back.
How many are watching Football games & going to watch the last 2 laps??
HORRID camera work..and I say that as a fan of one of the leaders
this is the time when I can forgive them for forgetting the rest of the cars. I have. I sorta hate that Brian is getting what he wants though. It's not about the driving, though. It's the cars that are different.
Actually, Jack does laugh, and smile. Just not that often (he & Wendy were yucking it up in pre-race, at least as funny as jack gets.)
All of ya complaining about the shouting on ESPN that have never heard a race covered by MRN should hear Dave "Godfather" Moody! When thing get exciting, his already high voice goes up a couple octaves and triple quadruple the volumn, HaHa!
Yes! ESPN has been rehearsing for this moment since 2007!
NASCAR got what they wanted with this point system.
This is awesome racing! Been a Tony fan & taken a lot for my choice too.
This is great stuff tonight - worth waiting out the red flag
I think ESPN has made the right decision covering Tony & Carl the most. They have driven the hardest tonight and happen to be 1 & 2. Just the unfortunate reality for everyone else on the finale.
This tight focus should've ONLY been happening on the last 2 laps.
Other cars in the race or they back in the barn?
SPLIT screen of crew chiefs?
useless.
SD80MAC...it's not 'all of you', it's just one idiot who can't seem to figure out how to turn down the volume on his TV set. Or, our resident troll finding another way to be stupid.
Well, I'm "watching" my guy via trackpass since obviously I'm not going to see him on TV.
i was on ph w family..when was the last commercial?
They are correct techically to say that Tony would be the first owner/driver to win since Kulwicke but that is only because of the 4 car limit. Kulwicke was a true owner driver and Tony is a Hendrick driver.
AB said Andy Lally was in the 71. Wrong!
This is awesome racing! Been a Tony fan & taken a lot for my choice too.
This is great stuff tonight - worth waiting out the red flag
Andy Lalley in the 71 - uhhh nooo
Top 35 battle getting on ESPN one way or another.
Lap traffic
Brian France must be real happy over this !
Well it looks like this year ESPN does not have to worry about interviewing the winner of the race and then interviewing the champ.
two more tums!
I expect Carl to have an internal meltdown, but smile as he gets interviewed.
Come on Allen, bring this home right!
holy crapple that just happened!!!
HOORAY FOR TONY!!!!
Now THAT'S the way to win a Championship!
Congrats JoJay, it's always fun to see your favorite win a title.
Excellent racing from both drivers. No one left anything out there today. NASCAR should be happy - even if personally I still hate the chase.
Tony Stewart & Carl Edwards put NASCAR back on the map.
This sport needed this so badly.
Think I'd be knocking out my crew chief if I were Carl. Losing that lead and having a rainy, pile of garbage track surface to race on...took care of that championship.
I'm biased - Stewart got his championships. Would've been nice to see the Duck get one - he earned the chance.
I hoped they both would race as hard as they could, and they did.
YEAH!!!!
glad Tony Stewart won!!!!!!!!!!!
That said, I STILL think the camera focus on these two for the way too many final laps, cheated us out of seeing our other drivers...and those fans deserve to see their drivers.
OsbornK, technically they are correct, but Kulwicki didn't have HMS building his engines and chassis, so much like Johnson's "historic" tying of winning 3 trophies in a row, it is not quite correct.
Been watching since 85...this ranks right up there as one of the best..glad Tony got it...never cared for Edwards after the way he had pushed Brad K around and others the past couple of years...karma always comes back to get ya!
Good job ESPN, no bottom line, no mention of BCS Countdown, ESPN can do it.
and for a change, the winner of both the race and the championship will get all the attention.
Damn!!! Twitter. Is. Blowing. Up!
Very classy of Carl to shake hands with Tony
No doubt Tony did his 'hero' proud tonight ...just like that other #14, he fought his way to the front and stayed there for the win ...way to bring it home 'Smoke'
Thanks JD! I love this blog, and I've learned so much. Let's do it again next year!
J.D., a friend called me and said the rain pushed the end of the race past the end of the Sunday afternoon NFL races and it fell seconds before the Sunday Night game began. I said if the WWE was writing this ending, it couldn't have been better. Not only was it a flat-footed tie for pts
WCK
JD,
don't ya think Bill Broderick (the hat man) would have that hat sized right before passing it in the window?
NickBromberg Nick Bromberg
Congratulations kids in Angola. You're now Carl Edwards fans!
2 minutes ago
And the rain returns.
Wasn't Tony the last Champ before Jimmy?
2005 JoJay.
JoJay - Yes, he was last before Johnson.
Thanks Bill, I will have an update on what I am doing next year shortly after Chrismas!
Don't worry, it's all good.
And look at how close that race came to being rain shortened.
I must be getting soft. I actually felt a bit sorry for Carl while he was being interviewed.
I didn't have a favorite between the two drivers but Darian Grubb is from just up the road in Floyd, Va. and you want the best for local folks. I guess he is the closest since Morgan-McClure closed their operation.
I was an Earnhardt fan who lost a lot of joy in the sport when he died. This is the first time since Fall Talladega in 2000 that I felt this good after a race.
Good night all, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Nicely said, Carl! Thanks for the comments tonight.
Wow, looking at the standings neither of the Busch brothers will be on stage for the banquet. Especially in their hometown of Las Vegas has to be a blow to them.
I LOVE how Tony just doesn't give a shit about ESPN's time agenda.
Well, it's been a great season and Championship. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and Christmas and hope to see you all back at The Daly Planet in whatever form it takes.
Thanks from Dennis in Canada.
I hope Speed TV decides to broadcast the Stewie Awards live in a couple weeks. It will be CRAZEEE!
Nascar Sprint motor cup speed series?
FAIL
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I enjoy being here with all of you Planeteers.
Be safe, have a good holiday.
thanks ESPN for putting Dr Punch in to handle post-race event ...class shown all the way around with driver congrats to Tony, Tony's moment with Darrian and Dr Punch's comments ...finally got to see racing action, oh that's right, there was a good show that had only two cars at the end ...played right into ESPN's hand
Total driver mentions from Lap 5 to Lap 226:
160 - 99 Edwards
157 - 14 Stewart
36 - 29 Harvick
33 - 56 Truex
32 - 24 Gordon
30 - 17 Kenseth
29 - 88 Earnhardt Jr.
28 - 48 Johnson
18 - 2 Keselowski
18 - 39 Newman
18 - 4 Kahne
16 - 11 Hamlin
16 - 18 Busch
12 - 33 Bowyer
9 - 31 Burton
9 - 43 Allmendinger
7 - 16 Biffle
6 - 21 Bayne
6 - 42 Montoya
6 - 84 Whitt
5 - 1 McMurray
5 - 5 Martin
5 - 9 Ambrose
4 - 6 Ragan
3 - 22 Busch
3 - 51 Cassill
3 - 83 Vickers
2 - 13 Mears
2 - 35 Blaney
1 - 00 Reutimann
1 - 20 Logano
1 - 27 Menard
1 - 34 Gilliland
1 - 47 Labonte
1 - 71 Bliss
1 - 78 Smith
0 - 30 Stremme
0 - 32 Bell
0 - 36 Bodine
0 - 38 Kvapil
0 - 55 Yeley
0 - 66 McDowell
0 - 87 Nemechek
Everyone below Biffle was pretty much ignored all race, justified or not.
If you are heading out, make sure to leave us a Race Wrap comment.
We will have a new column/story every day this week. Lots of TV news and reviews going on.
Thanks as always for stopping by!
JD
Great seeing all the emotions after the race.
JD
Thanks for the blog because it's where I get info from some savvy,smart long time NASCAR fans...and I've gotten to know some on twitter because of meeting them here.
I also appreciate some folks recent words of comfort, encouragement, during my most difficult time of my life.
Looking forward to VLane & Wind Tunnel. I guess WT will be running late?
JD, Thank you so very much for every thing you do with this blog!
Happy Thanksgiving all & to those who travel may TSA be kind the lines short & stay safe
WOW! Great to see Mike Joy, Larry Mac & DW on Speed. Hate Fox's tv work but have MISSED THESES GUYS!!
Welcome distraction for this lassie.
Nascar.com still shows Tony with 1 more point than Carl & what ESPN shows.
What's up with that!
JR
Way to go for Tony!
On to the Champions Week party in Las Vegas...T-minus 10 days and counting.
What a party it's gonna be! I'll be there. :)
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