tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post8846826409600890530..comments2024-03-05T06:32:37.180-05:00Comments on The Daly Planet: "NASCAR On ABC" Explodes In The AOL Fan HouseDaly Planet Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13834588435004023666noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-37107852465690406802007-09-28T17:43:00.000-04:002007-09-28T17:43:00.000-04:00Before NBC decided to jettison NASCAR--say, three ...Before NBC decided to jettison NASCAR--say, three years ago or more--I felt NBC's coverage was quite a bit better than what Fox was doing.<BR/><BR/>(The last few races NBC covered, it was plain they'd all but given up and were just working out the remaining contracted races.)<BR/><BR/>I was sorry to see NBC treat the sport so shoddily, but much of what ESPN/ABC has done has been worse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-3457719306198581062007-09-28T14:12:00.000-04:002007-09-28T14:12:00.000-04:00When I first began watching NASCAR, I thought that...When I first began watching NASCAR, I thought that NASCAR on FOX was nothing but a circus.<BR/><BR/>Granted, the coverage is still more than showbiz than "the show" (the race), but it's getting better all the time.<BR/><BR/>The production is superior to that of TNT or ESPN. And ESPN is especially disappointing, because of the standard in racing coverage it set some 20 years ago.<BR/><BR/>I have taped the 1998 Daytona 500 and believe me, it's a million times better than anything I have seen this year.<BR/><BR/>The death of Benny Parsons has made the problems in the broadcast booth even more pronounced. As Joni Mitchell sang, "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." I think of BP every time that I hear Rusty Wallace or Brad Daugherty struggle through a telecast. And ESPN merely saying that a screwup was "human error" is insufficient.<BR/><BR/>An NBC staffer reportedly said that it was carrying NASCAR races only until something better came along. That something better was <I>NBC Sunday Night Football</I>. Is that what ESPN is thinking of, too? I just hope not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-13814693000377428962007-09-28T09:05:00.000-04:002007-09-28T09:05:00.000-04:00Now if fans TRULY STOP ATTENDING RACES, and stop b...<B>Now if fans TRULY STOP ATTENDING RACES, and stop buying the diecast and other SOUVENIRS in a large orchestrated manner, and not just some honked off few dozen, THINGS "May change"</B><BR/><BR/>Or they may not. Race attendance has nothing to do with TV. Zero. Zip. No one at NASCAR's going to say,"Hey, people aren't coming to races anymore--it mus be ABC's fault." <BR/><BR/>When it comes to TV, two things matter to ESPN/ABC/NASCAR and two things only: Ratings and revenue. <BR/><BR/>If people watch NASCAR on ESPN/ABC in sufficent numbers to satisfy the network and the sponsors, none of the complaints about the quality will matter. <BR/><BR/>That's because the action of viewing the product speaks much louder than the words of complaint. Commercial TV works by supplying eyeballs to companies that buy spot ad time. If they succeed in supplying those eyeballs, that's all they need.<BR/><BR/>Not going to races in person doesn't factor into that equasion and just hurts the fan who stays home in a misguided attempt to effect change.<BR/><BR/>So stop watching (<B>if</B> you have a ratings box or people meter or get a ratings dairy) if you want to make your voice heard. But if you don't have one of those, not watching has no effect at all, unfortunately.<BR/><BR/>Write sponsors as a secondary means of protest--it could have an effect, if worded properly.<BR/><BR/>But sending letters to the network while they're enjoying increased ratings won't help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-41363816366660128522007-09-27T23:45:00.000-04:002007-09-27T23:45:00.000-04:003 words some it up.one big mess3 words some it up.<BR/>one big messAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-79965097380879535182007-09-27T23:19:00.000-04:002007-09-27T23:19:00.000-04:00After reading all the comments on this site I foun...After reading all the comments on this site I found myself saying: yes! yes! YES!. ESPN coverage stinks. I am sure the cameramen are qualified at what they do but not at racing coverage. Perhaps it is in the control booth. Coverage is very amatureish. I know about aero push, busted valves since you told me five times this week and last week etc.<BR/>Bottom line: last year good, this year lousy. Ken, Grand Junction, ColoradoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-46517631392236493712007-09-27T21:36:00.000-04:002007-09-27T21:36:00.000-04:00Luckyforward, YOu are correct that every COMPLAIN...Luckyforward, YOu are correct that every COMPLAINT is often viewed as a PLUS rather than a minus.<BR/><BR/>Also, now, not to get off on a tangent but I know of somebody in the TV biz that ran a magazine. She wrote about daytime shows, mostly soaps (and it paid her well, apt in Manhattan and House on the Vineyard, but I digress) NETWORKS can be MOST DECIEVING. It's been years since i watched soaps but it worked the same way in complaining about a soap. If they were too violent, and no longer about romance, on top of the usual dysfunction of daytime soaps, writers would COMPLAIN to TPTB at the soaps. <BR/><BR/>EVER PIECE OF MAIL was "POSITIVE" even if full of gripes. Even if you heard the head of Daytime (who just HAPPENS to have the same initials of Brian France) he would twist the statistics of fans something FIERCE. The numbers are way down on soaps yet nothing is being done. Now soaps, ain't NASCAR which is still HUGE but "I TELL YOU WHAT" if you continue to ignore the ORIGINAL FANS, and rewrite history and insult the intelligent of savvy fans of ANY KIND, sooner or later, you are going to lose not only your huge fan base but DOLLARS.<BR/><BR/>In soaps, they now have MANUFACTURED COUPLES before they have even been on the canvas. In NASCAR, we have the CHASE, and many other things altered over the years before I came around that folks gripe about.<BR/><BR/>NOW we have the COT issues ON TOP OF THE GRIPES OF MANY MONTHS about ESPN.<BR/><BR/>BUT as long as the ADVERTISING REVENUE comes in and pays the bill, whether it's NASCAR, or the entertainment industry, things will continue.<BR/><BR/>Now if fans TRULY STOP ATTENDING RACES, and stop buying the diecast and other SOUVENIRS in a large orchestrated manner, and not just some honked off few dozen, THINGS "May change"<BR/><BR/>But as long as you have somebody saying IT's OUR SANDBOX, OUR RULES, SCREW YOU, and we WATCH or do the above, NASCAR has no reason to change.<BR/><BR/>PERSONALLY I was HORRIFIED to hear the ratings have been UP on ABC. Then again, the head of ABC DAYTIME is a huge liar and always YAPPING bout "we give the fans what they want" when those of us over 16 gave up years ago.<BR/><BR/>ALSO, do NOT BE FOOLED by the ratings numbers with a QUALITY PRODUCT. Let's not forget some years back the number one daytime show on tv: JERRY SPRINGER SHOW.<BR/><BR/>Nuff said.<BR/><BR/>If somebody can get passed the "HOLLYWOODIZATION" and fake cross promotion to get back to the basics of NASCAR, I want to know who that person is...<BR/><BR/>So before you go writing snail mail letters, be careful how they will be interpreted. Also, email can easily be deleted w/o ever being read and is not taken as seriously as old fashioned mail as the latter takes more time, energy and forethought.Sophiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07789033556426951026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-36680678420983480922007-09-27T21:17:00.000-04:002007-09-27T21:17:00.000-04:00As I have noted several times, most of the HotPass...As I have noted several times, most of the HotPass Channel announcers are better than the three stooges on ESPN.Haus14https://www.blogger.com/profile/06348382223779617438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-80008403999196667272007-09-27T19:37:00.000-04:002007-09-27T19:37:00.000-04:00Sounds good. I say let's give Bill a try at it.Sounds good. I say let's give Bill a try at it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-42180595457966991022007-09-27T18:47:00.000-04:002007-09-27T18:47:00.000-04:00Commercials, Graphics, and Tech Center aside, ESPN...Commercials, Graphics, and Tech Center aside, ESPN/ABC's problem is that they have commentators and not announcers.<BR/><BR/>If you have ever listened to MRN broadcast a race, or the NCTS on SPEED, or even The World Poker Tour, you know the difference between an announcer and a commentator.<BR/><BR/>An announcer tells you what is going on with passion. You can listen to the announcer and not have to watch the race to feel the excitment. The announcer connects to you with words and emotion. You feel like you are part of the action and eagerly wait for the next word. When the action is interrupted with a commercial or other break, you take a deep breath and gather yourself for action to resume.<BR/><BR/>A commentator, on the other hand, is just that, a commentator. He/she comments on the action. He/she may use personal experience to embelish the comments or may just read them off of cue cards. But, there is no emotion in the comments and you, the fan, can pick that up. This in turn makes you tune out the commentator and try to get your emotional fix from the action on the screen. And, when this action is interrupted with commercials, unnecessary graphics or redundant technical pieces, you feel slighted. <BR/><BR/>ESPN/ABC need to take a look at their other sports programs and see that the announcers on those do just that announce. The need to let their NASCAR announcers do just, announce. If the race is has turned into a follow the leader style race and they are obligated to show the leader for 10 laps, let the announcers look back in the field and tell us, the fans, what is going on, instead of droning on. If the announcers are allowed, or encouraged to inject some emotion into their announcing, even if they get it wrong or say the same catch phrase over and over again, it would go a long way in helping the fans get motivated with watching the races on their networks.<BR/><BR/>On a more personal note, I really don't care why a car gets loose. Whether it is "aero-loose", getting bumped from behind, or the driver dodged an imaginary squirrel, tells us what happened, don't explain it.<BR/><BR/>For example:<BR/><BR/>Announcer: "Matt Kenseth slides up behind Carl Edwards on the backstretch going into turn 3. Carl slips up out of the groove, Matt dives down and takes the position!"<BR/><BR/>Is much more exciting than:<BR/><BR/>Announcer: "Using Draft Track we can show you how Matt Kenseth moved up behind Carl Edwards going into turn 3, causing him to get aero-loose and have to get out the of gas, letting Matt pass him for the position."<BR/><BR/>In the first example there is emotion, immediate and complete. Nothing is missed and the race continues. IN the second example it is too sterile, and allowing for the fact that they would have to use the graphics enhancements, would be shown a lap or 2 later, causing us to miss any other action, and since they are concentrating on getting this graphics package together, they are not following the actuall racing that is going on during this time with all their attention.<BR/><BR/>Bill H (aka BillWebz)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-60774779965004934432007-09-27T18:13:00.000-04:002007-09-27T18:13:00.000-04:00Well I am a racing fan in my 50's and I find FOX,M...Well I am a racing fan in my 50's and I find FOX,Mike Joy, DW, Larry Mc, and Jeff Hammonds far, far superior to anything TNT or ESPN has done - mostly because the FOX crew is genuine and interested in trying to do their best. Anything involving Bill Weber is unwatchable. The 1st word in ESPN is "entertainment", sports comes 2nd - and now sometimes 3rd. I have watched ESPN since it first started and unfortunately it now believes its own PR that ESPN knows EVERYTHING about sports. Accuracy and credibility are rapidly becoming a thing of the past at ESPN - such as Erik K. reporting Monday night that John Force had broken 2 legs, which report was about 24 hours after the accident and surgery, for his broken ankle. It seems to me that the perfect solution would be to make Alan B.the play-by-play announcer for races and have Jerry Punch host NASCAR NOW from a Charlotte studio, if his schedule would allow. Dan Patrick's jumping ship is a key indication of the depths to which ESPN has fallen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-67240997005230791262007-09-27T17:58:00.000-04:002007-09-27T17:58:00.000-04:00Rusty sucks...and my husband and I can't stand the...Rusty sucks...and my husband and I can't stand the stupid draft tracker! Enough already, we get what dirty air is. If you are a racing fan you know what drafting is. We miss DW!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-91460788262634858802007-09-27T17:40:00.000-04:002007-09-27T17:40:00.000-04:00If you want to make an impact --you need to get th...If you want to make an impact --you need to get their attention--to get their attention-- Don't buy their products and don't buy race tickets!! empty stands they listen we now stay home ( not attending 2 or 3 race a season) and tivo most races and zip through what we like or don't like !!! I also write or e-mail sponsors to tell them of my dissatisfaction!!! If you don't use your choices then don't B_____H!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-41576077036351280752007-09-27T17:08:00.000-04:002007-09-27T17:08:00.000-04:00If everyone did write to NASCAR, I wonder if it wo...If everyone did write to NASCAR, I wonder if it would have the effect of them thinking, whether or not they like what they see, people ARE watching. Thus, since people are watching anyway, let's leave well enough alone.<BR/><BR/>I know that at one time, one manner in which advertisers judged effectiveness of their ads was not whether viewers praised or complained, but the fact they got any feedback at all counted as a "plus" instead of a "minus."<BR/><BR/>Would NASCAR view our complaints in the same fashion?LuckyForwardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01035914357860053732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-49202038537396562092007-09-27T15:35:00.000-04:002007-09-27T15:35:00.000-04:00Excuse me but I have never, EVER been a fan of WWE...Excuse me but I have never, EVER been a fan of WWE or that other fake wrestling stuff.<BR/><BR/>So do not lump all fans into the same thing.<BR/><BR/>Speed can get goofy but at least THEY TALK ABOUT THE RACING and specificities of what is going on in the garage, or with drivers when they HAVE the information.<BR/><BR/>PEE SPN leaves us in limbo OFTEN.<BR/><BR/>MRN is better than both tv stations but that's another column.Sophiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07789033556426951026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-53122281708735293132007-09-27T15:11:00.000-04:002007-09-27T15:11:00.000-04:00Thank you, Laura.Over time, I have found that a we...Thank you, Laura.<BR/>Over time, I have found that a well-written letter mailed to a sponsor, with a copy to the network, expressing my views does get a response. A sponsor, with an unhappy customer, does pay attention. After all, racing is a business and yes, it is about the money.<BR/><BR/>I want to see cars on the track. I want to watch the race. It would be really, really nice if ESPN could understand.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-13634378292734184212007-09-27T14:44:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:44:00.000-04:00@the anonymous who doesn't like BestwickThe BIG mi...@the anonymous who doesn't like Bestwick<BR/><BR/>The BIG mistake that NASCAR has made (and so many others have made it, too) is assuming that all Hispanics are the same.<BR/><BR/>The majority of Hispanics in the US are either originally from Mexico or most of their ancestors were. In second place are those from various Caribean islands. The Mexican-Americans, Puerto Rican-Americans and Cuban-Americans are no more likely to become huge instant fans of a Columbian than African-Americans are of a Kenyan or WASP Americans of a Brit. <BR/><BR/>The various Hispanic groups actually tend to look down on one another like the Northerns vs Southerners or East Coast vs West Coasters do here.<BR/><BR/>The type of Hispanic driver that would be the kind to bring in lots more fans would be like a young Erik Estrada.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-91353194414656346012007-09-27T14:32:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:32:00.000-04:00As an older fan in my fifties I have been around r...As an older fan in my fifties I have been around racing all of my life. What I believe it boils down to is a couple factions. People who like the goofy Fox/ Speed shows probably enjoy the WWE and worse. The old time fan who only really enjoys racing will take ESPN over any FOX stuff any day. TESPN may have issues but the acts of Kenny Wallace, DW, and MW have worn thin with me. And Spencer is sickening, has he become an obnoxious suck up or what!! Wasn't anyone else bothered by how he screamed on every lap when he did qualifying a couple weeks ago. To me those shows are unwatchable.As the well respected journalist Monte Dutton said a while back. To paraphrase, DW tries to be funny and thinks he's funny but he's not.Same with the others. I only watch truck races when MW isn't on because his dopey act and obvious sponser plugs make me sick. I was in a local NAPA store and made a comment about Michael, guess what,they agreed, even the guys behind the counter said he embarrassed them, HOW'S that. I actually watched INCR Monday night and was it good, no dopey big mouth, sickening sponsor plugs.Schrader is funny and gives excellent comments, put him in the booth someday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-78089843596931266452007-09-27T14:16:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:16:00.000-04:00Anonymous said... NASCAR promoting the foreign dri...Anonymous said... <BR/>NASCAR promoting the foreign drivers will hurt the sport in the long run.<BR/><BR/>I didn't know NASCAR did this, since it doesn't hire drivers at all. I thought it was the car owners<BR/><BR/>Now you want to get technical over wording? I no NASCAR does not hire drivers but you know yourself they were absolutely giddy over Juan coming over to this side of motorsports. They are wanting to pull in future fans from south of the border.<BR/><BR/>Moving the fall Atlanta Busch race to Mexico still angers me. First year down there was a big to-do but this year there were a many of empty seats. It cost the teams more money to get there than what was awarded in purse. <BR/><BR/>No NASCAR doesn't hire drivers. Thanks for pointing out my error in wording.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-80898724117111749252007-09-27T14:02:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:02:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-87041313845300559982007-09-27T14:00:00.000-04:002007-09-27T14:00:00.000-04:00Well said Lisa! I totally agree with you! I read t...Well said Lisa! I totally agree with you! I read the AOL Fan House after reading John's blog. There were some good and some not-so-good comments, but most all of it I agree with. It is good to see that I am not the only one fed-up with the continuing "dumbing-down" of the coverage for the "fans." <BR/><BR/>There is no doubt the on-air folks for ESPN need some serious shaking-up. What they have now is not working and is irritating at best. Their ancillary shows continue to be nothing more than hype-machines and are an insult to the owners, drivers and true fans of NASCAR.<BR/><BR/>One would think that NASCAR would not be amused by all this backlash. Most of the drivers have an obvious attitude when being interviewed by the ESPN folks. The fans are in an uproar. When is someone going to get a clue at NASCAR or ESPN?<BR/><BR/>We can complain all we want on these blogs and forums, but it does no good if NASCAR and ESPN do not read them. If you want to get NASCAR's attention - you have got to tell them...<BR/><BR/>NASCAR<BR/>PO Box 2875<BR/>Daytona Beach, FL 32120<BR/><BR/>At some point, if they hear it enough, maybe they will get the point and maybe they will step in before they lose what is supposedly one of the most important parts of NASCAR -- their FANS.<BR/><BR/>The same goes for ESPN...<BR/><BR/>ESPN Television <BR/>ESPN Plaza<BR/>Bristol, CT 06010<BR/><BR/>or their Comments page...<BR/><BR/>http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=contact/espntvAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-77823491663394301872007-09-27T13:36:00.000-04:002007-09-27T13:36:00.000-04:00NASCAR promoting the foreign drivers will hurt the...<B>NASCAR promoting the foreign drivers will hurt the sport in the long run.</B><BR/><BR/>I didn't know NASCAR did this, since it doesn't hire drivers at all. I thought it was the car owners.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-43087901045165611082007-09-27T13:23:00.000-04:002007-09-27T13:23:00.000-04:00Seems to me that ESPN started off this season by i...Seems to me that ESPN started off this season by insulting the NASCAR fan. This started with the Busch series and Nascar Now and continued into the Cup coverage. ESPN has produced “NASCAR for Dummies” this entire season.<BR/><BR/>If you don’t speak NASCAR, back away from the microphone! Except for a few, ESPN has given us people who don’t know our sport and don’t speak the language. They assumed that the open wheel speak was good enough for us.<BR/><BR/>NASCAR has qualifying, not quals.<BR/>NASCAR has a pole position, not a provisional pole (finally Punch got the memo).<BR/>NASCAR has a starting line-up, not a starting grid.<BR/>NASCAR has a pit road, not pit lane.<BR/>NASCAR has a pit road entrance and exit, not pit in and pit out.<BR/>NASCAR has finishing positions of 1st through 43rd, not P1, P2, P3 nor do we have a podium position.<BR/>Etc., etc., etc.<BR/><BR/>The fans of other sports would not be expected to put up with the disrespect shown to NASCAR fans. Why do they expect us to accept it?<BR/><BR/>NASCAR has garnered new fans during its existence. Why do TV folk think they have to explain the basics during every race in order to gain new fans?<BR/><BR/>I have said that I am treating this season as the ESPN rookie season. My patience has just about run out. In February (Busch series), if there is not vast improvement, I will be contacting every sponsor with my opinion. I write letters and include a bar code of their product when possible, so that they know that I am one of those fans who spends money on NASCAR sponsor’s products.<BR/><BR/>By the way, for those who are calling for DJ in the booth, better think again. I like Rusty and DJ. However, DJ says uhhhhh every three words and that will get annoying after four hours.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-17152380907133854592007-09-27T12:52:00.000-04:002007-09-27T12:52:00.000-04:00I have a suggestion for the NASCAR brass. Go to t...I have a suggestion for the NASCAR brass. Go to the next race and actually walk through the grand stands. NOT the suites. You'll find your core fan base in the stands. I have no problem with NASCAR trying to "grow" (god I hate that word) our sport, but they are totally forgetting about the fans that got NASCAR where it is today. Take a walk through the stands on Sunday guys and you'll see the hard core fan.<BR/><BR/>And ESPN, you guys just plain need to start over. There is so much wrong with your coverage, I don't know where to start. Replace the whole broadcast team, including the production crew. And for gods sake get rid of Erik the Kuleless on NascarNow. How hard is that?<BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work John.Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15530553847645526841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-11916790844338539672007-09-27T11:47:00.000-04:002007-09-27T11:47:00.000-04:00I have to admit, I am also turning down the sound ...I have to admit, I am also turning down the sound on ESPN. The main reason, Rusty Wallace. Or, as my son and I like to call him 'Right Now Rusty'. He says 'right now' for everything, and we have heard him use it mulitple times in the same statement to describe something on the track or pits. 'Right Now' I wish they would pull him from the broadcast team.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2080132098367510832.post-56963590646441551822007-09-27T11:46:00.000-04:002007-09-27T11:46:00.000-04:00I'm afraid this is only the beginning of the end. ...I'm afraid this is only the beginning of the end. Greed is about to over take NASCARs ride on top of the racing world.<BR/><BR/>It's not only the coverage of the races but the actual races that's going to be our next problem.<BR/><BR/>For example: The COT piece of crap. NASCAR was hell-bent-for-leather going to go forward with this project without approval from the owners, crews, drivers, adverstiers, or fans. Their "Get over it!" attitude to the fans and the "You're going to do it or else" to the owners and the "You better not say anything bad about it" orders to the drivers shows how stubborn NASCAR has become. My way or the highway attitude. They claimed it was going to be safer for the drivers. We'll see how that pans out after Talladega. It's definitely safer in the corners because the thing won't turn, therefore they're barely moving. They are slow. Look at the times from qualifying last year to the races this year with the COT, much slower. The Busch cars and the Craftsman trucks are going faster than these things.<BR/><BR/>Another thing: Where's the distinction between car manufacturers? They are not Fords, Chevey's, whatever, they are NASCAR brand! The only distinction between makes is in the rear windows. The front and rear and even the bodies are exactly the same. Look at them closely, at the shape of the rear windows, that's the only difference! It's all in the decals. "One claw fits all!" I have said. I look for NASCAR to start building the cars and selling them to the teams. Then the teams would only have to install their engines at the track (like the stupid wing now)and after the race take their engines home with them. They would pass inspection quicker because NASCAR built them.<BR/><BR/>I saw an interview with Ray Evernham the other day and he said the COT had cost his organization much more than NASCAR first said. That's why they pushed the full year of racing the COT to next year. It was breaking the bank of many teams trying to supply both cars.<BR/><BR/>I've written more than I should have but the other part of my thought on the beginning of the end is the influx of foreign drivers. Just like the IRL, NASCAR promoting the foreign drivers will hurt the sport in the long run. People like to root for drivers that they can pronounce their names. It has the look of the IRL demise. Now they hardly have enough cars for the oldest traditional US race, the Indy 500.<BR/><BR/>But as has been said, NASCAR is alienating it's hard core fan and those fans, like me, have had just about enough and are leaving the sport by droves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com