tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post5412860104309065613..comments2024-03-05T06:32:37.180-05:00Comments on The Daly Planet: Best NASCAR TV Pit Reporter Of 2008?Daly Planet Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834588435004023666noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-59589087090049954692008-11-27T14:00:00.000-05:002008-11-27T14:00:00.000-05:00I am not going to be critical of these hardworking...I am not going to be critical of these hardworking folks individually, as the scanner listener at MIS (I think) said they were being directed on what to do. However, to those who ask how do you feel, or what is it like - don't. Ask something sensible.<BR/><BR/>Now, of the 13, I am going to do the top 2 categories.<BR/><BR/>The top bunch are: Krista Voda, Lindsay Czarniak, Matt Yocum, Ray Dunlap<BR/><BR/>Voda and Czarniak: both come up with good information, consisely, and decent interviews.<BR/><BR/>Yocum: Probably my favorite, always top quality info. Like when he worked for Fox and NBC, he should be in every cup pit lane.<BR/><BR/>Dunlap: He has grown on me, and I will miss seeing the new Craftsman tools!<BR/><BR/>The second bunch are: Steve Byrnes and Dave Burns. As well as capable multi-taskers, they too provide valuable information.<BR/><BR/>The rest are OK, remembering the first paragraph.Delennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14054910856006651253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-1351753340891936742008-11-25T12:55:00.000-05:002008-11-25T12:55:00.000-05:00Dick B, Krista Voda are my top picks. I like Stev...Dick B, Krista Voda are my top picks. I like Steve Byrnes too and Dave Burns (when he's not doing stupid stuff). Matt Yocum and Marty Snider, along with most of the female contingent are on the bottom of the list. Ask intelligent questions, for heaven's sakes!GinaV24https://www.blogger.com/profile/10828669350024430018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-10007256687411627502008-11-25T11:58:00.000-05:002008-11-25T11:58:00.000-05:00Third time trying to post in this one. :)1. Dr. ...Third time trying to post in this one. :)<BR/><BR/>1. Dr. Dick BerggrenLisa Hoganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15816899271672467136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-42688688472109942502008-11-25T11:12:00.000-05:002008-11-25T11:12:00.000-05:00Doctor Dirt, Ray, Steve B, Wendy, Krista (when the...Doctor Dirt, Ray, Steve B, Wendy, Krista (when they let her)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-18948045611586955412008-11-25T10:58:00.000-05:002008-11-25T10:58:00.000-05:00Dr. Dick is definitely the best. He brings a wealt...Dr. Dick is definitely the best. He brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, knowledge, intelligence and common sense to his reporting that makes me appreciate him so much.<BR/><BR/>The rest of them are all excellent pit reporters, with the exception of Jamie Little and Shannon Spake. I don't know if those two are being told what to ask of if they're coming up with the questions on their own, but either way their interviews can only be described as moronic.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to give a special shout out to all the SPEED pit reporters for their wonderful sense of humour. It must be a job requirement at SPEED.<BR/><BR/>--KarenBkbaskinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16702833105161999749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-60729747337771822712008-11-25T08:13:00.000-05:002008-11-25T08:13:00.000-05:00The best has to be Krista Voda. Dick Berggren is ...The best has to be Krista Voda. Dick Berggren is a strong second, although I feel he tries to over-dramatize things a bit at times. Krista is all business, yet she's of course beautiful, talented, and fun to watch. Steve Byrnes comes third, followed by Dunlap.Kevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05820479943072082357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-3938245021973138982008-11-24T22:54:00.000-05:002008-11-24T22:54:00.000-05:00anti-ESPN...you say"I'm not a chauvenist, but plea...anti-ESPN...you say<BR/>"I'm not a chauvenist, but please, no more women on pit road" and then you compliment Wendy. Who's to say another woman won't come along who's as good or better (hard, I know) than Wendy? Don't complain because they're women, complain because they're poor at what they do, then you get it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-41854257136395796162008-11-24T20:34:00.000-05:002008-11-24T20:34:00.000-05:00#1 tie Steve Byrnes & Dr. Dick. Krista, Wendy ...#1 tie Steve Byrnes & Dr. Dick. Krista, Wendy & Ray strong seconds. The rest are okay, except for the blondes on ESPN-they have to GO!!PammHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05300459856268781781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-2991973586160729952008-11-24T18:28:00.000-05:002008-11-24T18:28:00.000-05:00Why, why, why, why, why , oh, why is Jamie Little ...Why, why, why, why, why , oh, why is Jamie Little and Shannon Spake even working in Nascar??? I'm not a chauvenist, but please, no more women on pit road, except Wendy Venturini because she actually knows racing. It's the dreaded ABC/ESPN way of sideline reporting. They know nothing, and show it. "Dale Jr.. How do you feel?" God please put them out to the same pasture as Jerry Punch...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-48180975502640398622008-11-24T18:18:00.000-05:002008-11-24T18:18:00.000-05:00I am a still photographer and shoot several races ...I am a still photographer and shoot several races per year. Before and during the races, you would NOT believe just how hard these people work! With each pit reporter there's also the camera guy, a monitor carrier, and two or three other people that I'm not sure what they do. <BR/><BR/>All during the race, they're running up and down pit road to get to the story of the minute. And I mean flat out running. Don't forget how hot it is on pit road and being on pit road, you must have pants, shirt, and shoes at all times. Those July-August races are brutal! It really takes a lot out of you.<BR/><BR/>I know they divide up the pits with however many reporters they have, but let me tell you, some of these pit roads are VERY long. Even if you cover a third of the drivers, that can be a very long distance to run back and forth all day long! <BR/><BR/>I respect each and every one of the pit reporters for the physical aspects of what their job requires.<BR/><BR/>They all get my vote for just having the job and being able to do it.<BR/><BR/>My personal favorite this year is Ray Dunlap. He's fun, full of information, and very good at his job.Steve L.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11156912937459278220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-67260671914032883272008-11-24T15:02:00.000-05:002008-11-24T15:02:00.000-05:00I vote for 1. Dr. Dick 2. Ray DunlapI vote for<BR/> 1. Dr. Dick <BR/> 2. Ray DunlapAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-39940444324439494172008-11-24T14:48:00.000-05:002008-11-24T14:48:00.000-05:00Number 1, Dr. Dick for sure. Anyone that continued...Number 1, Dr. Dick for sure. Anyone that continued to get advancing degrees, so he could afford better motors for his sprint cars, is #1 in my book!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-88783915600275054572008-11-24T14:33:00.000-05:002008-11-24T14:33:00.000-05:00hmmmmmm...number one is easy, I have to go with Dr...hmmmmmm...number one is easy, I have to go with Dr. Dick Berggeren...all that experience and knowing how to use it...I can't imagine disliking someone because of their *hat*, but personally, I like it and thought it was cool of the 41 team to make up a special one for him after he complemented Sorenson. Anyone remember the time they gave Kurt Busch a mike and he was doing his Dr. Dick impression? I'm no fan of Kurt's but had to admit, it was good, thought pale in comparison to the original!<BR/><BR/>Second...I guess I'd put Krista and Steve--they get extra credit for being multitaskers in addition to pit duty and they never miss a beat. Dave, Matt, Ray, Ralph and Marty in 'group 3'. I can't say I prefer one over the others, they all seem very professional. Mike, Adam and Lindsay probably next, though part of it is nothing stands out particularly weak or super strong...and if I'd watched more consciously I might have had them in group 3... and then Jamie, who really did seem more on target the last couple races. Last is Shannon. She may be able to improve, but I'd give her one more season & if she can't cut it, she should go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-22209126234382497122008-11-24T14:17:00.000-05:002008-11-24T14:17:00.000-05:00My top 5 and why: 1. Matt Yocum: Classy, always ...My top 5 and why:<BR/> <BR/>1. Matt Yocum: Classy, always asks the right questions which is reciprocated by drivers giving great answers, and he shows humor when it's the right time. There is a reason he's the only pit reporter again working for more than one network. I really like his stories during the race on crew guys and officials.<BR/> <BR/>2. Dr. Dick Berggren: The veteran pit reporter in NASCAR. He's the original (yes in the early days, there was just one) pit reporter from ESPN. Dr Dick B. likes to crawl under a car with the best of them, and his enthusiasm shows week in and week out. He asks great questions, highly respected in the garage, and I love to read his magazine too! However, I prefer him in his #3 Dale hat vs his current hat.<BR/> <BR/>3. Lindsey Czarniack and Krista Voda: Voda is good in the trucks, but Czarniack is great on the Cup series. Czarniack's only negative? She's around for only six races each year. I think Czarniak has done a fine job on her pre-race stories, they seem to be off the beaten path like riding with the truck driver. It was funny seeing her brush her teeth along side the road.<BR/> <BR/>5. Ralph Shaheen, Mike Massaro, and Vince Welch when he does the Nationwide Series races. All three of these gentlemen do a solid job every time they are on the air. Good questions. Good stories during the races. Ok ok, if you go by the rules, there should only be one name in number 5, since there is a tie for 3rd, but I couldn't pick just one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-64987779382324691662008-11-24T13:04:00.000-05:002008-11-24T13:04:00.000-05:00I chuckle everytime I think of the Halloween antic...I chuckle everytime I think of the Halloween antics that the Speed crew pulled off and what fun from all involved.majorshousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01061887437257431963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-87493602531639609722008-11-24T12:38:00.000-05:002008-11-24T12:38:00.000-05:00Mike Massaro is a class act. Steady and calm and ...Mike Massaro is a class act. Steady and calm and he gets to the point. I vote for him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-66470062756018248402008-11-24T11:10:00.000-05:002008-11-24T11:10:00.000-05:00still a very tough question for b/c, as tom in day...still a very tough question for b/c, as tom in dayton pointed out, alot of how valuable a pit reporter is to a broadcast relies on the producer, not the reporter.<BR/><BR/>but that being said:<BR/>i have to give top billing to dr dick berggren. he's seen the sport thru so many changes and he has a strong historical background on whch to draw for his questions. i have never heard a stupid question come out of his mouth on air.<BR/><BR/>BUT! very, very close on his heels are two truck reporters and they stand shoulder to shoulder for me: krista voda and ray dunlap. intelligent questions, concise recaps, obviously solid relationships with the teams, which enables them to be welcome at the tough times and still be treated with respect by the drivers.<BR/><BR/>the balance of the nominees are mostly ok: some are over-used by their network, some just haven't been consistent. and still others need more time to really become solid, dependable pit reporters.<BR/><BR/>i have to give a shout-out to two who are relatively new to it all: lindsay czarniak and adam alexander. i believe they will both be even better in '09 and i wish we could have czarniak all year long! i see these two as the "up and comers" in pit reporting.redhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469882559901586219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-2360427607224625082008-11-24T10:45:00.000-05:002008-11-24T10:45:00.000-05:00I have to admit I did'nt like Berggren because of ...I have to admit I did'nt like Berggren because of those goofy hats he wears. Guess he's good enough if you hear him on the radio,tho. I also admit looks DO count, so Krista, Shannon, Jamie,Lindsay,you are all right in my book. Keep it up!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-27188044712815858342008-11-24T10:19:00.000-05:002008-11-24T10:19:00.000-05:00Ray Dunlap brings a lot of enthusiasm to the posit...Ray Dunlap brings a lot of enthusiasm to the position.Nan Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15903818483995757912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-65788279876871331782008-11-24T10:11:00.000-05:002008-11-24T10:11:00.000-05:00Dr. Dick Berggren is my favorite, but I also think...Dr. Dick Berggren is my favorite, but I also think Mike Massaro and Dave Burns are exceptionally good. Mike and Dave also seem like you could plug them into other roles (host of pre race; host or features/investigative reporter for NASCAR Now) very easily.<BR/><BR/>I second Lindsay Czarniak as most improved. She was also great as the host of the nightly Summer Olympics gymnastics coverage on Oxygen. And trust me - some of the hosts on NBC cable channels' Olympics coverage were terrible, including Tiki Barber and his female partner on MSNBC. Because of that, I imagine she's gotten some notice from other networks and also for the Winter Olympics. Probably depends on what she want to do.<BR/><BR/>Regarding Matt Yocum, I like him. JD, you mentioned his Sirius connection.There are some rumors that Tony Stewart's Sirius show was not renewed after the recent last show, and apparently Dale Jr said on his last show he's still waiting to hear if his show will get renewed. Guess Sirius/XM is getting out of the NASCAR driver business; Jimmie Johnson's show only lasted one season, I think. <BR/><BR/>One less NASCAR media outlet, I guess. Too bad, since the drivers don't have that kind of outlet on TV.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-19038269356197444942008-11-24T07:24:00.000-05:002008-11-24T07:24:00.000-05:00Dr. Dick. He is someones who knows the differenc...Dr. Dick. He is someones who knows the difference between what really happens in racing and "feelings" He deals in real racing issues, not hype. Mike Massaro is another favorite, but where he comes up short is how he handles some questionable circumstances. He has been in a situation where clearly the producer was yelling in his ear to find out how someone (JR) was "feeling" about crashing, missing the chase etc. I am guessing if the producer yelled that in Dr. Dicks ear, he wouyld resist and find a way to ask those questions with more dignity and class. <BR/>Most of the others are good enough, and I havent seen anyone who makes my blood boil since they got rid of Jeanne Zalesko (sp)?<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Tom<BR/>Inverness, FLTomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04004047098122631995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-69069421331626572552008-11-24T06:39:00.000-05:002008-11-24T06:39:00.000-05:00Dr. Dick Berggren is the best. I'm fairly new to N...Dr. Dick Berggren is the best. I'm fairly new to NASCAR-watching but to me he's the standout.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-7381862314837036742008-11-24T02:21:00.000-05:002008-11-24T02:21:00.000-05:00Mr D:Your columns on the best on-air talent in eac...Mr D:<BR/>Your columns on the best on-air talent in each category are good, but, in each case, basically boil down to how their slice of the NASCAR TV season is received among posters at THE DALY PLANET.<BR/>Certainly, each individual(in each category) has talent, on-camera presence and tries their best to do a good job in the positions they're assigned. Some have better knowledge than others and some have individual behaviours that set them out from the rest.<BR/>But it really becomes the responsibility of the producer of the broadcast to use the on-air talent in a way that it best showcases their strengths(not only to advance the talent's career, but also to advance their company's broadcast (which also benefits their own careers)).<BR/>We've seen, and in many of your columns over the two years, how the best of on-air talent both surpasses and fails due to those behind the scenes. The SPEED producers & directors in their many programs know how to get the best almost all of the time. FOX as well(except for Digger(and I still hope Sophia treasures her very own "Digger" mug)) and our own mutual pleased suprise with TNT this year allowed us to see what good production & direction combined with seasoned talent could bring to the screen. Finally, the lowered expectations we had with ESPN, along with the disappointments with the Sprint Cup broadcasts, certainly affected our opinions of their talent.<BR/>To this old curmungeon, the female on-air talent are pleasing to the eye while the men are the kind you'd like to spend an afternoon at the race with if you could be so lucky!<BR/>That said, Voda has been super, Lindsay is really good(especially on NBC-4) and Byrnes is the best of the youth (Dick B. is better, but Byrnes will get there when he gets to that age...)<BR/>Thanks again!tom in daytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00114092644890003246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-2101552337648096792008-11-23T23:51:00.000-05:002008-11-23T23:51:00.000-05:00Another extremely tough decision here. As was the...Another extremely tough decision here. As was the case with the analysts, there's not a single pit reporter I dislike. Even the two newest reporters that have received a lot of criticism here made very noticeable improvements towards the end of the year, in my opinion.<BR/><BR/>Having said that, since a decision must be made I narrowed my list down to the top 3:<BR/><BR/><B>3.) Ray Dunlap</B><BR/><BR/>- The pit road TV face of the Truck Series for many years. He always does a very solid job with more pits to cover due to the smaller on-air crew, and certainly deserves to be carried over to Fox if the Truck Series ends up on that network again in 2009. No more leaving Ray behind when the Trucks moonlight on the "big boy network"!<BR/><BR/><B>2.) Steve Byrnes</B><BR/><BR/>- Fox's "Mr. Everything". Pit reporter from February through June, play-by-play man from June through November, and TV Host of NASCAR Live, Trackside, and TWIN all year long. Certainly one of the hardest working people in all of NASCAR TV, and he always does a great job no matter what hat he's wearing.<BR/><BR/><B>1.) Dick Berggren</B><BR/><BR/>The modern-day "dean" of NASCAR TV pit reporters. His constant level of outstanding performance over his nearly three straight decades working NASCAR TV broadcasts certainly makes him deserving of nothing but the utmost level of respect and admiration this fan can offer.stricklinfan82https://www.blogger.com/profile/01808897974344304657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-80799930391372894242008-11-23T22:55:00.000-05:002008-11-23T22:55:00.000-05:00My list...1. Steve Byrnes2. Dr. Dick Berggren3. Kr...My list...<BR/><BR/>1. Steve Byrnes<BR/>2. Dr. Dick Berggren<BR/>3. Krista VodaCranky Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16040629799217069023noreply@blogger.com