Sunday, August 5, 2012

Pocono: Rain, Speed And Storylines

Rain is in the area and NASCAR has already moved up the start time of the race. ESPN and SPEED have both mentioned in pre-race shows that weather is going to become a factor today. The track is fast, passing is at a premium and NASCAR is trying hard to create some storylines as the Chase approaches.

The full ESPN crew is on-site and ready for what could be a long day. There are no lights at Pocono, so the race will be called eventually due to darkness and run on Monday is weather stops the action before halfway. At the moment, the race is all about rain strategy as opposed to the normal fuel mileage.

We live blog the TV coverage of the race using the #TDP1 hashtag on Twitter. After the race, a new post will go up here for your post-race comments on "Race Wrap." Happy to have your comments before and during the race on this post as well. Thanks.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

I honestly don't see how it can get worse for NASCAR. After the Sadler deal at Indy and the horrible Cup race, they head to the worst track on the circuit and we are going to be stuck watching all Sunday to watch ESPN attempt to fill rain delays.

Plus, off the track you have drug problems and now the media actually congratulating a driver for having a child out of wedlock?

What is wrong with this sport?

Charlie Spencer said...

Anon, why are you watching ESPN fill rain delays when the Indy cars are running over on ABC? They're scheduled to be finished by 3:00, and there's not much chance Pocono will be dry by then.

AveryNH said...

Little bit of a twilight zone moment for me when I saw the NBC guys and legendary Bob Jenkins dressed in ESPN attire. Neat deal tho as that crew is consistently better than Marty and Scott and threatening rain promises for an exciting race. I second Charlie watch it and By the time its over Pocono should be about dry.

oldnewenglander said...

Off topic, but rather seriously. These NBC announcers on ABC are wearing ESPN polo shirts on pit road. No firesuits.

First time in a long time I have seen that, I know they changed policy when Dr. Punch got caught up in that pit road fire.

Mark Scheuern said...

IndyCar doesn't require firesuits in the pits (unlike ALMS). TV guys traditionally do wear them, though, and they obviously provide an extra margin of safety.

Buschseries61 said...

Loving the IndyCar race, this booth trio is always fun.

Roadgeek Adam said...

Bob Jenkins, Wally Dallenbach and Marty Snider together? Can we put Jenkins in for TNT next season? :D

Roadgeek Adam said...

Just of note, I don't have ex-Versus at home, so as you might imagine, hearing this is such a treat though.

Daly Planet Editor said...

ESPN had two NASCAR race locations this weekend, so the NBC Sports Network team is producing the IndyCar race on ABC.

That is why you see guys like Bob Jenkins and Wally D. on the air.

Bob has said this will be his final season of working motorsports on TV after a very long career.

Great guy, true professional and someone that carved a very large path in the sports TV world by using his talent instead of his ego.

That....is....rare.

JD

Roadgeek Adam said...

I knew he was semi-retired as of this year, but I am surprised he wouldn't commit to an easy 6 week stretch of broadcasting in the summer.

Roadgeek Adam said...

Just for the record, this racetrack will be dried just for an even larger storm system coming through.

Daly Planet Editor said...

Adam, unfortunately his wife is ill and that helped in the decision. Bob will continue to be the PA announcer in the month of May at Indy, replacing legend Tom Carnegie.

JD

Roadgeek Adam said...

That's a good enough reason, still going to miss him in the booth. This is the first time I've heard him call a race in 12 years.

Charlie Spencer said...

Good open wheel race; more passing than usual. A couple of spinouts during commercials that 'Side by Side' let us see.

Did I miss anything? Whose kids were interviewed? Who's playing poker? I see the stands are still only about half full.

Roadgeek Adam said...

Well, look at that camera display. Now that I like.

Anonymous said...

The World needs more people, a lot more, like Bob Jenkins.

Jonathan said...

Well were racing!!!! never thought that delay would end

Great camera work by ESPN so far keep it


AND GO JR WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Jonathan said...

look at that crowd love it

Buschseries61 said...

I can't tell if the place is full. It looks full from the low angle shots, but half the stands look empty from the blimp.

Buschseries61 said...

By lap 39, 8 cars have already parked

87 Nemechek
26 Wise
36 Raines
19 Bliss
37 Yeley
98 Skinner
91 Sorenson
23 Riggs

Buschseries61 said...

By lap 45 add Mears and Stremme to the list, 10 parks in a Cup race.

Anonymous said...

Can you hear people reaching for their remotes now that Junior is out of the race?

Charlie Spencer said...

Anon @ 3:46, it really helps post-race traffic when all the 88 fans have left before halfway.

Looking at the radar, they're not getting much past halfway anyhow.

Buschseries61 said...

At least Dale JR and Kyle Busch have a 10 point cushion from all the parks. The 88 problems will be tough for ESPN.

Not really in the mood to watch the Jimmie Johnson show when it's so nice out. Enjoy the last 100 laps.

Charlie Spencer said...

Nat'l Weather Service just posted a Severe T-Storm Warning for the track vicinity.

Charlie Spencer said...

Time to see what else is on. I knew I should have taped that Continental Tire series from Indy.