tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post4452416322902785174..comments2024-03-05T06:32:37.180-05:00Comments on The Daly Planet: The Only TV Ratings Solution Is Change (Repost)Daly Planet Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834588435004023666noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-87927162623721945032010-09-25T14:43:26.654-04:002010-09-25T14:43:26.654-04:00I personally do not have a problem with the racing...I personally do not have a problem with the racing on the track. I am looking forward to going to Daytona this coming February like I do every year. I remain a Daytona season ticket holder(15 years) and a Homestead season ticket holder. I am definitely not going to stop going to the races. <br /><br />Watching it on tv the last 2 years has been driving me nuts. The coverage has been getting worse with no sign of improvement as the ratings continue to decline. <br /><br />The ratings and the Chase are the problems!<br /><br />One must admit there is a problem before the problem can be dealt with. The last I heard, Brian was not concerned with declining ratings. How long do the ratings have to decline before Brian comes up with another idea like "Brians Chase"? That's what I call it now!Chadderboxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452946399432640630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-2712821405435246712010-09-25T13:56:34.217-04:002010-09-25T13:56:34.217-04:00SPEED has one network and ESPN has ESPN/ESPN2/Clas...SPEED has one network and ESPN has ESPN/ESPN2/Classic/ESPN News/ESPNU - thats 5 networks and yet no final practice?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-63870234553776391492010-09-25T13:28:26.785-04:002010-09-25T13:28:26.785-04:00its almost 01:30 PM ET and Cup practice at Dover i...its almost 01:30 PM ET and Cup practice at Dover is about over. One more practice to go and there is no scheduled tv coverage.<br /><br />And you ask what is wrong with NASCAR on TV.<br /><br />Speed has Barrett-Jackson and ESPN has - I dont really know - I guess its football but bottom line is no final practice. Very sadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-31630928731696929942010-09-25T13:05:05.909-04:002010-09-25T13:05:05.909-04:00The solution is simple: NASCAR must mandate covera...The solution is simple: NASCAR must mandate coverage rules in its broadcast contracts, just as it now mandates carriage of the invocation, national anthem and the Command.<br /><br />There is nothing wrong with the races themselves that better coverage won't fix.<br /><br />Go to the track and you'll see--the racing is fine.<br /><br />But until NASCAR forces the networks to cover them the right way, the networks will continue to apply stick-and-ball thinking to their coverage.Scott Orrhttp://http/www.blogspot.viewfromturn3.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-59297459909207853082010-09-25T12:53:34.778-04:002010-09-25T12:53:34.778-04:00I've waited a while to respond to this one. J...I've waited a while to respond to this one. Just wanted to think about it; we've gone over it so many times it just seems like we're spinning our wheels. I think one of the major problems is too many talking heads. We don't need SO many people covering this--they're talking in the booth while they could be telling more of what's actually happening. Brad and Rusty are unnecessary. I didn't mind the Marty Reid experiment, but I still think Bestwick is better. If they must keep a 'studio' host, put one of them with LaJoie or Evernham. I like the *idea* of the tech garage, but find someone who didn't crew chief 30 years ago and use the segment for more useful info (see NASCAR Performance). For heaven's sake, get NASCAR to agree to some split screen ad time--not *forcing* it, but finding partners to work with them, as TNT does. That's the only way to resolve the ad issue, unless you decide you want 'commercial cautions' or some nonsense. <br /><br />I have no issues, as some have said, with the car or the drivers, although I think it would seriously help if they could make the cars more unique to their brands (which they are supposedly working on). But in any case, the sketchy 'Jacques Debris' cautions certainly goes to a lack of credibility. So does their extreme fear of criticism, both from the drivers and from the media. For those who say the media needs to step up--can you say 'hard card?' I guess you could find a journalist who does it all from the TV and doesn't go to races, but that usually means they are bloggers, not real journalists who cover what they see in person. NASCAR needs to get over their control issues and let the people cover racing as they do other sports, warts & all. I do think *some* races could be a little shorter, Pocono is ridiculous for example (even though I love the track.) Most I would leave alone.<br /><br />I pretty much agree on the irritating focus on the Chase. It's overkill, as is ESPN's insistence on harping on the same stories over and over. Let's bring up Hamlin's knee a few more times. And every dispute ever had between two drivers that they themselves may have gotten over long ago.<br /><br />I guess overall, they don't seem to know how to let a race tell its own story. We hear things over and over, don't find out what's going on with anyone not in the Chase, we get bored, we turn away.glenc1noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-10287019053914073022010-09-24T23:05:32.733-04:002010-09-24T23:05:32.733-04:00Well, I read about 75% of the comments up to this ...Well, I read about 75% of the comments up to this point & I believe that the real problem does not have anythig to do with the broadcasts (it's basically the same since ESPN/CBS started, I know I'm that old) but it's the racing itself. Being involved in NASCAR fantasy leagues for the last 5 years it pretty simple to see that you will find the same 8-10 drivers finishing in the top 12 evey week. Result: boring races, same old same old. YAWN.<br /><br />Add to that the squeaking clean corporate image of the drivers, no brand identity, nothing stock about those National Association of STOCK CAR Racers = less interest. Used to be I'd plan my weekends around televised races. Not any more.<br /><br />ZigZiggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00575751456094003292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-7820153985949204962010-09-24T21:00:11.558-04:002010-09-24T21:00:11.558-04:00As a fan there are several issues with the coverag...As a fan there are several issues with the coverage. The amount of time spent away from the racing is a big one. We all know that the need to sell adds to pay for things. Well if you recall a while back the tech is there to put logos and sponsor stuff on the racing surface. So as they race the logos come up as the cars pass. Same kind of tech they use in football for Down & Distance, First down markers etc. <br /><br />Why not split screen the add's and the race coverage? I recall that was done, but never got a feel for how it translated to fans or ratings. Heck I don't even recall which network did that.<br /><br />What kind of numbers did they get online from the race buddy stuff ? I know I watched a few that way.<br /><br />Going head to head vs Football is a looser, don' let ego screw you up on that one NASCAR.<br /><br />To the People bitchn about the COT, have you ever seen a "Twisted Sister" car up close ? They don't even look right on TV. Slanted roofs, left and right fenders are different and they look like a car had drunken sex with a catfish and they made that car. The COT is a leveler, its now a Spec car series. They look more like a real car than the TS car ever did.<br /><br />They have to work on many aspects of the broadcast, make them more compelling to watch. I am not a huge fan of the Chase, but I under stand why they did it. <br /><br />People that wish for the good old days seem to just want to see people wrecken and that is not racing. The racing now is as close as it has ever been with great finishes.<br /><br />-RobertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-62159042374565915202010-09-24T20:18:38.310-04:002010-09-24T20:18:38.310-04:00I agree - Brad Daughtery is not needed! Another ta...I agree - Brad Daughtery is not needed! Another talking head put in my face every race to blabber away about nothing during breaks. Please tell me who thinks this is necessary? <br />If he were to never appear on a race broadcast again I would write a letter to ESPN saying "thank you".Chadderboxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452946399432640630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-59791916520710206522010-09-24T20:12:26.751-04:002010-09-24T20:12:26.751-04:00I agree that Nascar is unable to copy the NFL in t...I agree that Nascar is unable to copy the NFL in the sense of holding up the restart for commercials, or having time outs, halftimes etc. Fuel mileage and green flag stops have to remain part of the challenge. Wouldn't a split screen during commercial breaks help alleviate this issue. <br /><br />If CHANGES to the coverage of NASCAR races does not change then I feel the ratings will continue to fall throughout next year too!<br /><br />If CHANGES are not made to BRIAN'S CHASE then I feel the ratings will continue to fall next year too!<br /><br />It's time to clean house at ESPN, FOX and Nascar.<br /> <br />A visionary with experience is needed to step up and do something great for the sport!Chadderboxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452946399432640630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-72518086863637093702010-09-24T19:25:24.554-04:002010-09-24T19:25:24.554-04:00Did anyone watch Showtime's INSIDE NASCAR this...Did anyone watch Showtime's INSIDE NASCAR this week? I really like the show, but Mikey Waltrip is turning into Goofball #1 again. In the first dozen-or-so episodes, he kept his wackiness in check. Now he's running around the studio with a gas can, interrupting everyone again, and playing the fool. I hate it. Absolutely hate it.<br /><br />And while we're on broadcasters - can someone explain to me what Brad Daughtery adds to any broadcast other than racial diversity? I don't mean to be insensitive, but he is like an annoying fan more than a real analyst. He is awful on the pre-race show, a waste of commentary on the Showtime show, and absolutely annoying as heck on NASCAR Now. I think because the guy is a bonafide college basketball legend, that no one has the courage to tell him he's awful!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-69728555842824154182010-09-24T18:07:42.637-04:002010-09-24T18:07:42.637-04:00NASCAR has been hit with the Professional Wrestlin...NASCAR has been hit with the Professional Wrestling disease. When people realized the final results were manipulated and the skill of the athletes were not important, they tune out and go away.OSBORNKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06265276174788619591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-46283864171165495492010-09-24T18:01:55.015-04:002010-09-24T18:01:55.015-04:00Nascar is putting another nail in their coffin wit...Nascar is putting another nail in their coffin with this whole Clint Bowyer business. Fans are getting really hacked off by the heavy handed tactics of Nascar picking on a very few to "make their point" to other teams. Penalizing a team 150 points in the Chase, without listening to any reasons, is just another reason why Nascar has failed, and continues to fail, in the eyes of the fans. It will be interesting to see how Nascar will penalize Bowyer for his comments today basically castigating the powers-that-be in the sport for basically taking a potential championship away from Bowyer. If Nascar retaliates against Bowyer for his anti-Nascar comments, you will see a huge fan backlash. Why can't Nascar listen to reason and allow a team to respond to their violations before they hand them out? No, it's just another sign that Nascar and their controllers are way out of hand and out of touch with reality. I'm just happy that the media IS covering this issue instead of ignoring it.<br /><br />BTW, anon 4:34, one of the BEST posts of the year. Great Job!!!!Darcienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-23322836920779327862010-09-24T17:23:13.754-04:002010-09-24T17:23:13.754-04:00The broadcasters, and I'm looking hardest at y...The broadcasters, and I'm looking hardest at you, ESPN, seem to have decided what the stories of the race are before the race. When we lived near Dover and went there every year, I'd always hope Gordon and Stewart would qualify badly, because watching them work their way to the front was often the best show on the track.<br /><br />The chase makes this all the worse because it dominates the storyboard. And speaking of domination, I'm darn tired of the Rusty Waltrips of the world dominating the telecast instead of the race.<br /><br />The COT is another problem -- mostly because it's essentially an IROC car whose model basis is only barely apparent, and that takes a front-end closeup. You used to be able to tell the difference between a Thunderbird and a Monte Carlo from the high seats on the far side of the track. <br /><br />It will never happen, but I'd love to see the next TV contract require <br />that no commercial be repeated more than once an hour. And whatever happened to the days of broadcasts promising to break out of commercial if anything interesting happened?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-89367929461011875422010-09-24T16:56:08.067-04:002010-09-24T16:56:08.067-04:00One thing I've been thinking about: I believe ...One thing I've been thinking about: I believe that this year's ratings reflect more on last year's broadcasts instead of this years.<br /><br />If you watched The Chase on ESPN last year, and were bored to tears by Jerry Punch's Bingo-a-thon ("there's he 48 car. And there's the 18!") then you aren't watching this year. <br /><br />Even if this year's broadcasts are fantastic, I wouldn't expect to see it reflected in higher ratings until later (probably next year). Let's say, for example, that the next three races are not only great races but also amazingly good broadcasts. Well, it takes time for the word to get around, for conversations about "did you see the race this weekend" to make the rounds, and time for the word to get out that the racing is good and the broadcast is good.<br /><br />Now, we all know that this year's broadcasts haven't been very good - but I believe it was last year's HORRIFIC presentations that are having the most effect on this year's numbers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-35898933947078178582010-09-24T16:42:50.291-04:002010-09-24T16:42:50.291-04:00how about that tuesday the rating results come out...how about that tuesday the rating results come out wednesday they come out with the rcr penalty... do ya think they are trying to get some more coverage????motoroneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17323406049190468610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-53959549401051927142010-09-24T16:26:52.574-04:002010-09-24T16:26:52.574-04:00@JohnP. Interesting. That's the same thing I...@JohnP. Interesting. That's the same thing I've been saying since the monstrosity of the chase was put in place. I already know exactly who is going to the banquet, just not the exact order. Nascar and the media (especially ESPN) seem to feel that once 26 races are over, every fan automatically roots for only 12 drivers, and has no interest in what happens to any other driver on the track. They don't cover the race, just the 'chase'. How wrong can they be? Look at the ratings. That tells you a lot. The coverage is so cluttered with extra banners on the screen, but none give really useful information. Just today, I came home in time to see qualifying after (I guess) about 12 cars had gone. It took forever to find out who had run where because after evey car they reset the crawler with the qualifying positions. Not exactly useful. They treat every telecast as if no one has ever watched a race before. It ain't rocket science. All the joy has been squeezed out of racing, with the COT, Lucky Dog, and wave around rule. Reminds me of the little league games where 'everybody gets a trophy' mentality. There is so much wrong right now, I don't know if can be saved.Sallyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03233133246348697023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-31617505720107320262010-09-24T13:08:21.555-04:002010-09-24T13:08:21.555-04:00The commercials are not the only problem.
There ...The commercials are not the only problem. <br /><br />There are too many talking heads during the race. 3 in the booth yapping away, 3 in the infield blabbering away, and more on pit road. It's nuts. It's an overload on the senses. Who the heck decided we need 10 people to verbally assault the viewer??<br /><br />Gimme Ken Squire and one other person in the booth and I am good. Berggren on pit road plus Dr. Punch. Bestwick inside the hollywood hotel!<br /><br />I am dreaming.Chadderboxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08452946399432640630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-47533249747120610532010-09-24T11:11:31.395-04:002010-09-24T11:11:31.395-04:00JD - you and this topic are referenced in Kurt Smi...JD - you and this topic are referenced in Kurt Smith's column on Frontstretch today. Good piece.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-13621548871231735452010-09-24T10:09:47.726-04:002010-09-24T10:09:47.726-04:00Once upon a time I was glued to every TV race. Not...Once upon a time I was glued to every TV race. Not so any more. I can (and do) see the race recaps, the interviews etc on numerous NASCAR oreiented shows. There's just a lot of overkill (and I love it).<br />I don't dislike the commercials, but sponsors should produce more than one version of each. That's when I change channels, when I can't stand to see a commercial for the 50th time.<br />And I never was sensitized to how lousy race broadcasts have become until Daly Planet beat the fault-finding into my head!Cooterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00313336789539826031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-28910041576691870052010-09-24T09:48:12.321-04:002010-09-24T09:48:12.321-04:00Darcie wrote:
"So how about this. Let's ...Darcie wrote:<br /><br />"So how about this. Let's try an experiment where one race is shown with no talking heads---only the sounds from the track."<br /><br />I'd like that, but I don't think we'll get there. Number of years ago NBC tried that with a football game, and the reviews were unanimously negative. Who, you ask, were the reviewers? Who said the "experiment" did not work? Why the booth guys did! Surprise, surprise, surprise!<br /><br />ClarkeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-63180696040979311912010-09-24T09:41:41.494-04:002010-09-24T09:41:41.494-04:00I had a very interesting conversation with a long ...I had a very interesting conversation with a long term Nascar fan yesterday and the waining interest in the sport. Thought I'd relay their thoughts because I've seen no articles or comments from this point of view. And of course, I could of just missed them. I'm going to paraphrase here what they said. <br /><br />""It's just not about the horrible broadcasts, it's about walking the Stage. Before this da** Chase there was excitment for a lot of fans on what 10 drivers were going to walk the walk and give their speach in New York. Now if your on the outside of 12th there is absolutly no reason to watch. Tv refuses to show the race, when they do they refuse to cover any driver that's not already walking the stage. In years past I didn't give a sh** who won the Championship. If my driver was in 10th I'd be rooting for him big time and against the guy in 11th in points. If my driver was in 11th, I'd be rooting for him and hexing the driver in 10th in points. Now all that is gone. The fun is simply gone. We already know who is gonna walk the stage 10 weeks ahead of time. Where is the excitment in that?""<br /><br />I thougt that was a pretty powerfull opinion and wanted to share. I in fact, have the same memories of rooting for Bobbie Labonte in that mid/late 90's just to get onto the stage with his brother Terry. And that simple fact, this person is right. All that excitment is dead. We already know who with 10 races to go.JohnPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12569069135013356289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-17813724552453144622010-09-24T04:34:07.209-04:002010-09-24T04:34:07.209-04:00I have been a fan of NASCAR racing since the early...I have been a fan of NASCAR racing since the early 1960's and followed it ever since. The TV networks and NASCAR apparently believe they can do whatever they want and I will continue to follow anyway. They are wrong.<br /> <br />NASCAR is not in competition with the NFL or any other sport for my time. I stop watching NASCAR when it is no longer worth my time or aggravation replaces enjoyment. <br /> <br />Fox has alienated me with rampant egos, favoritism, and horrible camera selection. I had looked forward to ESPN's return but got a rude surprise. I tried to watch with an open mind and allow them to work their way back to a quality broadcast. I finally drew the line last year during the chase. <br /> <br />This year's ESPN coverage was marginally better at times but still tried my patience. The final straw for me this year was at Richmond. Seven laps into a short track race, as the field is still bunched up and tires are just coming up to pressure, ESPN takes a long commercial break. When I finished screaming at the TV, I grabbed the remote. I checked back every half hour or so; and as often as not, I came back to a commercial. I didn't even try to watch the full race at New Hampshire. I just checked every once in a while to get an update. <br /><br />Unlike a previous commenter, I expect big things from a broadcast team. I expect them to keep me informed on things that happen off-screen. That includes problems a driver had that dropped him back, tire and fuel strategy, etc. I do not tune in to hear mindless drivel, points as they run, or technical explanations pitched to the newest viewer. ESPN has too many talking heads who contribute nothing.<br /> <br />If I was put in charge, there would be a three person crew in the booth: Allen Bestwick doing pxp, Ray Evernham for crew chief perspective, and Ricky Craven for driver issues. Dr. JP would continue his fine work in the pits. I would also look for a couple additional quality pit reporters. That's it--everybody else is looking for new jobs. I would also order Bestwick to call the race as it unfolds. There is no story line until you see it develop in front of you. There would be no tech garage/cutaway car and no infield center with more talking heads.<br /><br />I have no serious problems with today's drivers and personalities. I prefer the old ways of driver development and advancement, but those days are gone. I can still find heroes and villains when I choose. The level of competition seems comparable to the past. There were lots of snoozers in the good old days when somebody stunk up the race. I think too many of today's fans tend to forget the non-competitive races in the past. <br /><br />Let me offer a minority viewpoint in support of the COT. I like it because it takes NASCAR's thumb off the scale. The term stock car is a joke that lost its meaning 40 years ago. I grew sick of the constant whining and complaining by the different manufacturers and teams who said everyone else had an unfair advantage. Everyone was always lobbying NASCAR for a redesigned nose, a tailpiece, less spoiler, etc, etc. NASCAR always had its thumb on the scale by deciding who got what, and they did a lousy job. Some brands were downforce cars and others were speedway cars. I recall some teams who actually changed brands depending on what track they were running. The COT eliminated all the whining and politics while taking NASCAR's thumb off the scale. I didn't find anything particularly attractive about the warped and twisted bodies it replaced.<br /><br />I accept the COT, drivers, and level of competition. My issues with NASCAR are fake cautions and other devices which destroy the integrity of competition. I don't watch professional wrestling, and I won't watch NASCAR if they are going to manage individual races to "improve the show."<br /><br />I have greatly reduced my time watching races because of the poor quality of the TV broadcasts. I will return to full time viewing only if and when the broadcast quality improves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-27730033233237162652010-09-24T01:55:44.672-04:002010-09-24T01:55:44.672-04:00First of all I believe that the damage was done wh...First of all I believe that the damage was done when Nascar went to the "COT" even though it is safer. This car just haven't produced good consistent racing on the track like the old car did. One team figures it out and they leave the rest of the field in the dust. The racing on the track is not that exciting anymore.Parade of cars following each other with two sec. intervals is not racing to me and certainly not going to attract new fans. Boring is the word to describe this and know one is going to watch that . You top that off with loads of commercials and everything just sinks. So if Nascar can make this car better(more downforce) and racier it would provide some great racing on the track which would generate excitement resulting in better TV ratings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-34555931154722224362010-09-24T01:49:28.295-04:002010-09-24T01:49:28.295-04:00Jd,
I think as a tv-centric point of crtique towa...Jd,<br /><br />I think as a tv-centric point of crtique towards nascar you're still giving espn too much credit for affecting general nascar interest.<br /><br />I think espn sucks. Bad camera angles. Confused, frustrating narrative from marty reid that ignores competitive reality and dumbs the sport down. These are common problems with much of sports broadcasting.<br /><br />Nascar will be fine. True fans will watch. Viewership numbers is more a function of sport health not a referendum on tv production. This is important to keep in perspective considering your editorial bent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-29830006442973002352010-09-23T23:09:01.498-04:002010-09-23T23:09:01.498-04:00The problem with ratings is 2 fold. Espn is awful,...The problem with ratings is 2 fold. Espn is awful, we all know that. But theres that old saying "You can put lipstick on a pig, but its still a pig". Well the pig in this instance is the racing. The races are just not good anymore. I can count on one hand the number of races that had me on the edge of my seat this year. You can bring BP back from the dead and team him with Bob Jenkins and Ned Jarret and have them broadcast commercial free races, but is that really gonna make me tune in more than now? no. I dont care whos announcing the race or what network is covering it, why would I watch something that is extremely boring? Why would I watch ugly cars race around boring tracks in races that are too long? If nascar will reinstate the old car and get rid of the gymmicks (Debris cautions, wave arounds) maybe we could get back to the great racing that brought in so many new fans in the 90's and in 00's<br /><br />But the racing is not the only problem. ESPN is just horrible. They embarrass themselves every week with the quality of broadcasts they produce every week. Now im not that really passionate about the camera angles like most people on here are, but it does push me over the edge when the clueless announcers are rambling about one battle, while the producers show another one, or when full screen replays are used during green flag racing (Speed is horrible for this), and when the announcers are interrupted by random/meaningless radio chatter.<br /><br />I think if Fox put in the same effort they put in to their NFL broadcasts, the casual fan would be more impressed and less likely to turn the channel. What Fox despratley needs is professionalism. TNT needs to change nothing except Adam Alexander. Hes seems a nice guy, but hes a much better pit reporter. Very Jerry Punch-esque.<br /><br />Which brings me to ESPN. What more can I say that hasnt been said? Marty Reid is brutal to listen too. I find him more annoying than Rusty, and we all know how annoying Rusty is. Marty is so lost. He cant get 3 words out without giggling or stringing together awkwardly spoken sentences. What about his dorky green flag calls? Its like he plays a game of how many words can i squeeze in between the time the pace car pulls off and the green flag, to which he almost always butchers the delivery. Just say the race is under way and end it. People keep mentioning the words "Marty" and "script" in the same sentence, but in all honesty he needs one. Cause his play-by-play is more like play-by-stutter-by-play. Harsh but true sorry to say. Andy and DJ are not outstanding, but they get the job done. AB is the anchor of this sinking ship. He really needs to be in the booth with Nicole in the studio. Rusty and Brad need to go. Rusty is just #%&*^%0$ awful. I cant stand him. His favorite word is "I". Always has to be about Rusty he always has to answer the questions first. I like Brad as an individual, but he isnt a crew chief or a driver, and has no experience to draw from in his commentary. Ray is great, a nice refreshing change. Tim Brewer just isnt made for TV. Theres a reason hes not in the pit studio. I think Ray should pull double duty in the studio and tech center. We would learn a whole lot more.ESPN needs someone to fill a role that Jack Arute does on Versus for the Indycar's, not a guy who appears on camera 45 seconds a weekend to tell us what tires do.<br /><br />Well its 20 minutes after i started typing this thing, my fingers hurt but my consious feels so much better. I wish people would listen to us tho. We all scream every week about the same old things and nothing ever gets done. What a shameRolandnoreply@blogger.com