Comments on The Daly Planet: Craven And Knaus Headline Monday Night

Randy LaJoie keeps the mood just light enough with...

2009-07-08T10:45:25.857-04:00

Randy LaJoie keeps the mood just light enough with his jokes and personality. He serves the same purpose as Kenny Schrader used to on SPEED. His view of things from a "common man" perspective is usually interesting and often humorous.

Why use an imitator when the real thing is available???

I laughed so much during TWIN I kept having to bac...

2009-07-07T13:55:01.613-04:00

I laughed so much during TWIN I kept having to back up the DVR because I wanted to hear every word. I would pay money for the part they didn't show on TV, every time they came back from commercial they were laughing. It was a fantastic show. Yes I caught the back hurting retiring comment, I also like the idea of Chad and Steve conspiring to try and get Mikey to spill some of the info.

NN wasn't bad either and I found it interesting that they had post crash interviews from several drivers that we never saw on TNT, what's up with that (middle of the race crashes). Newton's comment regarding Kyle's lack of post race comment spoke volumes. Ricky's insight just impresses me more and more each day.I appreciated the Mayfield info which belonged on NN, it doesn't belong on TWIN IMO. I liked the comparing of Jeremy's issue with a driver that has had a head injury, I'm not sure Ricky knew how he wanted to handle it but he stepped up, how can you not respect the guy.

I don't know what prompted the remarks that TWIN w...

2009-07-07T11:53:49.137-04:00

I don't know what prompted the remarks that TWIN won't talk about Tony. What's up with that?

Michael couldn't stop raving about Tony's last lap moves!

Sorry if there was too much giggling [snork].

I thought TWIN was great last night. I loved CK t...

2009-07-07T11:08:42.704-04:00

I thought TWIN was great last night.

I loved CK true emotions showing through when he said if he had more time he would scan KyB.

Mikey saying the 14 was holding cervix was a riot.

Very interesting observation about Marty Smith and...

2009-07-07T08:53:33.846-04:00

Very interesting observation about Marty Smith and his Jeremy Mayfield coverage. I actually was surprised that he wasn't outside the courthouse at the Mayfield trial. I work in television at the local level, so it's not in NASCAR. I wonder if Marty has anything to do with whether he's at the track or at any events? A lot of times it's a producer's decison. Marty is a great reporter. I personally don't like Jenna Fryer at all. I think she's terrible on television, and her stories are always focused on NASCAR's side of things. Maybe we should ask Marty (or JD???) about whether Marty or someone else made these decisions before you judge his work. Just a thought.

I didn't realize much of this thread was about "Mi...

2009-07-07T08:49:14.799-04:00

I didn't realize much of this thread was about "Michael" Waltrip when making my comments about NN. When I spoke about lack of insights from "Waltrip," I meant Darrell. Just comparing him in the booth to what a fabulous job Ricky Craven would do on a race broadcast. Not that we'll ever get rid of DW, but I can dream...

I thoroughly enjoyed NASCAR Now last night! Ricky...

2009-07-07T08:45:22.660-04:00

I thoroughly enjoyed NASCAR Now last night! Ricky Craven continues to impress me with his insights. I particularly liked when he described how you can "feel" when a car pulls out from behind you at a plate track because of the change in the air. This is the kind of insight we'll never get from has-beens like Waltrip. I also really enjoyed the question Allen posed about how fans felt about the wreck Saturday night.

I'm with all of the guys on the panel that it truly frightened me. It's sad that so many people voting at ESPN said "loved it." They need to separate their hatred of Kyle Busch from their opinions. Wonder how they'd have felt if their favorite was the one getting bounced around like a pinball at 180 mph?

The Monday night show remains the best (and only) "talk" show I watch these days. There is no screamming KW or Spencer and no obnoxious fans trying to get on TV - just plain talk by guys who are articulate and intelligent.

TWIN was funny tonight. Really enjoyed it. Mikey...

2009-07-07T02:42:34.169-04:00

TWIN was funny tonight.

Really enjoyed it.

Mikey really had a good comment about Tony running the perfect last lap and setting his move up by blocking Denny and splitting those two up.

Chad really fits on this show quite well which surprises me but in a good way.

TWIN talked about Tony a lot tonight. Mikey even d...

2009-07-06T23:07:41.760-04:00

TWIN talked about Tony a lot tonight. Mikey even defended his "move of the race". TWIN always cracks me up. I know it would never be the same without Mikey. I honestly think he'll still be on it. I'm hoping anyway.

I just re-read my earlier comment. No idea how "phil" got there. I gotta quit drunk commenting, lol.

@ JD 11:02, ditto.

I thought Chad took control and was the most outsp...

2009-07-06T23:02:00.745-04:00

I thought Chad took control and was the most outspoken I have ever seen him on this show.

He did not stop talking when MW tried to interrupt and kept making his point until he got it across.

This may be a moment for this series, but one thing is for sure. Knaus needs to be a regular, regardless of Biffle's status.

Knaus has the info, MW has the entertainment and Byrnes directs traffic...nice combo for TV.

JD

Michael Waltrip IS the reason I watch TWIN faithfu...

2009-07-06T19:45:36.392-04:00

Michael Waltrip IS the reason I watch TWIN faithfully each Monday night. I miss Allen Bestwick but Steve Byrnes is a good fit for the panel and Chad & Greg Biffle are good choices too.
The ESPN show is too disjointed for me, and although AB is there, I refuse to watch anything with Ray Evernham. I know they were trying to recreate the old Inside Nextel Cup (IWC) but it would be impossible to do without Michael and Schrader.

I liked the panel today on NN. I agree with Anon 5...

2009-07-06T19:24:04.335-04:00

I liked the panel today on NN. I agree with Anon 5:25 about David Newton. Maybe TV makes him nervous that's why he does print. As long as Boris isn't on, I'm happy.

phiI also agree with Anon about the race coverage. Didn't we have that same issue w/TWIN? I understand why they would show the finish first this week but, they should show it in order.

Will comment later on TWIN.

It feels like David Newton is on his own island. H...

2009-07-06T17:25:43.625-04:00

It feels like David Newton is on his own island. He seemed detached from the group at the beginning, adding a sentence or two.

Ricky and Randy work very well together. I think Ray Evernham or Marty Smith should end up in the third seat.

I don't like the way highlights were organized (so far). We spend 5 minutes replaying the last lap crash, then 10 seconds of Martin's spin, 10 seconds of Casey Mears' spin & Newton says Dale Jr. is done in the Chase. There could be so much more discussion, but those topics were just skimmed.

Randy LaJoie doesn't appeal to me in the least. H...

2009-07-06T17:24:28.785-04:00

Randy LaJoie doesn't appeal to me in the least. He is very unprepared and it shows.

I like the group on Nascar Now. One show several ...

2009-07-06T16:23:56.313-04:00

I like the group on Nascar Now. One show several months ago just had Mike Massaro in the studio and Randy LaJoie offsite and it worked really well. If I recall, Mike didn't stumble over any words a complaint of mine about him. Also, I think Randy finds out background stuff that no one else does maybe just by listening to the guys in the shop that he knows so well or even probably worked for him at one time. I also like Ricky but sometimes he comes across maybe a little too slick.

If you've ever listened to Ray on SIRIUS you know ...

2009-07-06T15:59:24.437-04:00

If you've ever listened to Ray on SIRIUS you know he can let it all hang out there. I feel like its a comfort thing for Ray on TV. He is still finding the boundaries to what he can or can't say, or can or can't do. Once he does he will prove dynamic indeed.

I dunno, SIRIUS is nice because you aren't limited to what you can talk about and many times they go off on tangents which is fun. Ray on TWIN would be really cool.

Some of these shows do hate to give Stewart any pr...

2009-07-06T14:22:38.956-04:00

Some of these shows do hate to give Stewart any praise. It would be interesting to see how the Fox broadcast would have gone had they called Saturday's race instead of TNT. Maybe I need to check out TWIN tonight

TWIN should be interesting JJ came in second and p...

2009-07-06T13:22:34.481-04:00

TWIN should be interesting JJ came in second and poor Reut and Mikey got crashed (I am sure Mikey thought the out come would be much better, I certainly did):(

NN Ricky Craven is fantastic and I for one would be happy to see him every week. Ray may become more opinionated as he gets further away from that ownership hat, he is at his best when he goes all crew chief on us. Just keep him away from the cut away car, that is NOT why I watch this show, I watch Nascar Performance for that info or practice not NN. Marty is always welcome but I get why he doesn't want to go up there every Monday. This should be a fun Monday night.

I will have the DVR running Tuesday to see what Mikey has to say, granted I am not sure why he rates but way to go Speed for acknowledging a guy who has been there with you from the beginning

Anon 11:05AM, NASCAR Now hosts "reporters roundta...

2009-07-06T12:00:49.468-04:00

Anon 11:05AM,

NASCAR Now hosts "reporters roundtable" shows when the Sprint Cup Series has an off week. That is when you see non-ESPN employees on the program.

Unlike last year where tons of different characters came into the studio, Mondays have become about the ESPN NASCAR personalities.

Everyone from Kenny Wallace to Bill Elliott used to guest on the show, but now it has become more focused on a driver, crew chief and journalist.

When they lost Mike Massaro to his hosting duties, the show took a hit. Craven, Evernham and Massaro presented a very good panel.

Look for Craven and a lot more of Evernham. Third seat? No clue.

JD

I am also a major Tony Stewart fan and will not wa...

2009-07-06T11:52:06.984-04:00

I am also a major Tony Stewart fan and will not wash my TS Tshirt I had on Sat when he won Saturday night! He also won a couple weeks ago in a white T shirt I have. Maybe I will wear BOTH shirts for next week..one laundered, one not. :)

Also I am getting an 8wk old rescue kitten today I am naming "Stewart"..after Tony and actor Jimmy...NOT stuartlittle movie character, Kitten is smoky gray with white feet. Nik might be "Smoke" just like TS if he is fast to run around house after I get him adjusted to other cats.He will stay separated until accepted by others.

TS better get some love tonight oN TWIN but I don't remember them not mentioning him before unless I am missing something in some of the posts?

Glad Knaus is on with Mikey and Steve.

LaJoie seems wholly unprepared on the air - like h...

2009-07-06T11:05:35.852-04:00

LaJoie seems wholly unprepared on the air - like he just walks in and answers what is asked of him. When that works, you get all the authenticity of his personality. But this is television, and that on-the-fly approach really doesn't seem to work very often. He needs to prepare for a show like this. It isn't an interview; he is a panelist, and there is a difference.

Ray Everham -- how does a guy who knows so much about winning be so milquetoast on the air? His analysis rarely ventures beyond the generic and his diplomacy keeps him from ever expressing a strong opinion on anything. I'm sure he has strong opinions on a variety of issues, but he seems reluctant to let it out on the air.

Rickey Craven has become totally polished and an excellent on-air personality. Now maybe if he could come off his own prep and loosen up a bit, he'd be the total package. I see him as the host of his own show or as a leading on-air personality (maybe a play-by-play man for a major network) at some point down the road.

I'm starting to like Mike Wallace on that show a lot more. He can be candid. Marty Smith I kinda like because he does bring info from the garage... but in my opinion his reputation has been completely sullied by his lack of reporting on the Mayfield story (if not his outright buddy-buddy routine with Mayfield at Lowe's) and so I don't like hearing from him as much lately.

I'd like to see more Ed Hinton on the show. I don't agree with him much, but he cuts loose.

And finally - how could I forget - one of NASCAR Now's all time BEST panelists: JENNA FRYER. Why hasn't this stellar AP reporter been on NASCAR Now more often? They used her quite a bit last year and she was great. She has opinions, she has the real first-hand info, she has reporter bonafides that Marty Smith could only hope for, and she has a sharp tongue. I love her and wish they would bring her in every week.

Glad to see that the ESPN show will not have Evern...

2009-07-06T10:49:50.259-04:00

Glad to see that the ESPN show will not have Evernham this week, maybe I'll actually watch.

Im glad im not the only one to notice lack of stew...

2009-07-06T10:44:53.936-04:00

Im glad im not the only one to notice lack of stewat comments. infact the whole bit could have (or should) have been writen by me. thanks

Well it will be neat to see how TWIN will get arou...

2009-07-06T10:24:09.210-04:00

Well it will be neat to see how TWIN will get around NOT talking about Stewart. It seems that the studio will fall down if they give him any good press. But we can listen to MIKEY rattle on about stuff even the other two has no idea what he is talking about.

Ricky Craven's writing is just as good as his on c...

2009-07-06T00:47:52.007-04:00

Ricky Craven's writing is just as good as his on camera performance. I continue to be impressed with him. I do think Tim Brewer has made a marked improvement this year and I have enjoyed seeing him on N-Now. I do believe Brewer is inclined to shoot more from the hip and is not quite as analytical as Ray E., who I also enjoy and almost always learn something from.