 | | "Be sure to watch me on ABC in 2007, bud." Credit: Autostock |
NASCAR.COM
December 16, 2005
02:50 PM EST (19:50 GMT)
Will the new TV deal be beneficial to NASCAR in the long run? Marty Smith: Financially, of course. But there is potential to further frustrate the already jaded fan. If it requires a commitment to find the race on television, folks may just forego watching all together. That would be quite detrimental to the machine. Ryan Smithson: From a financial standpoint, this was pretty good for the networks and that should filter down to everything else. I can see why NASCAR wanted several networks. We're going to see some fantastic coverage. Mark Spoor: I think it depends. Some say it's going to be difficult for fans to find NASCAR since it's on so many channels. I don't know if that is true. The crucial thing to me is can the networks make this deal work financially without flooding viewers with commercials? Duane Cross: Not only is it a financial boon for NASCAR, but FOX potentially can make out like a bandit, too. With the Duels and the all-star race on SPEED, many fans now must call their cable operator to get the channel. That means more money in the News Corp. coffers. Brilliant move on their part. Marty Smith: Core fans are willing to make that commitment. They'll search until they find it. That won't change. Veteran fans that so yearn for the old days might move on. New fans, just becoming enamored, might skip it if they can't find it. Maybe I'm crazy, but I see the potential for that to happen. Mark Spoor: To a degree, Marty. But remember that most of the networks have several races in a row under this deal. That may make it easier for fans to find it. Marty Smith: That's a good point, Spoor. Mark Spoor: I do believe that if fans think the return of ESPN to the fold is some sort of savior to the sport, they may be disappointed. It's a whole different ball game now. It's much more expensive to broadcast the sport, and the network must make a profit, or at least come close. Marty Smith: It will hinge largely on promotion, the network's willingness to pump its race coverage in prime time during the week. And for the amount of cash they're doling out, I'd say they'll do that. Duane Cross: I'm eager to get to 2007 just to see the talent lineup. It'll be interesting to see who's behind the mikes. One thing is for sure -- it'll be good to hear Dr. Jerry Punch again! Ryan Smithson: I am one of those people who thinks it's everything to be talked about on Pardon the Interruption. I watch it and wait for NASCAR. It's rarely on there. Mark Spoor: I can't see Kornheiser or Wilbon talking much about NASCAR, can you guys? Duane Cross: Sad thing is, the only time the sport gets a mention on PTI is when Robby Gordon throws a helmet or something outside the racing realm. Marty Smith: Great show, but no, I don't foresee those cats talking much racing. Unless Danica Patrick is involved. They still view us as backwoods beer guzzlin, backer chawin' rednecks. Mark Spoor: You wonder if ESPN will prod them to talk about it. Ryan Smithson: I swallowed a dip of tobacco once. I threw to second base, and down she went. Duane Cross: Them's my peeps! Ryan Smithson: Good thing they can't hear you retching in the outfield. Mark Spoor: Never even smelled tobacco. We don't do that in New York. Marty Smith: Red Man Gold Blend, Smithson. I quit when I was in college, though. I wanted to keep my teeth. Ryan Smithson: One time I heard DW say, "Hammond is the type who shows up after the tobacco is in the barn." That is not a compliment. Or he said something to the effect. Duane Cross: Yeah, I got codded once and gulped down my Levi ... it wasn't a pretty sight. They had to bring in some DiamonDri to make the batter's box presentable.  |  | | Funny photo of Marty during Homestead weekend. Credit: NASCAR |
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Mark Spoor: Lovely. Marty Smith: Once, while in college, I was home for Christmas and was helping my Momma carry in groceries. And I bent over and had tobacco in my back pocket. I thought she was gonna backhand me. Ryan Smithson: I guess we'll see Rusty on ABC/ESPN. Mark Spoor: As Cross leaps to his feet. Duane Cross: I agree, Ryan -- seems like a logical place for Rusty. And he'll be on the air for the Chase. Ryan Smithson: He'll get more airtime during the Chase in 2007 then he did in 2005. Duane Cross: So true ... Mark Spoor: I'm still wondering if he'll show up somewhere in '06. Marty Smith: Jeff Burton will be awesome on TV after he retires. He tells it like it is. Duane Cross: Everyone knows we need more announcers who don't pull punches. Mark Spoor: He's fantastic when SPEED uses him on NASCAR This Morning. Ryan Smithson: I enjoy Tony Stewart's cameos more than anyone. Duane Cross: I'd pay for nighttime racing on cable -- so these guys could say whatever the wanted, totally unvarnished. Ryan Smithson: I remember in 2001, TNT used Stewart and Mike Hogewood for a Busch race. And that was it. Most enjoyable broadcast I ever remember. Not kidding. Mark Spoor: We may not be far from pay-per-view races. Ryan Smithson: We need to make an over/under on cuss words that Rusty lets slip. Ryan Smithson: Dadgum hot rod. Mark Spoor: Think fans would pay for races without commercials or bleeps? Marty Smith: Some would, absolutely. Others would scream 'NASCAR GREED!' Mark Spoor: They scream that, anyway. Duane Cross: That could be the death knell for the sport. I doubt the newbie fans -- the ones NASCAR is trying to keep hooked -- will pay to watch a race. And the old-school fans will turn to their radio. Mark Spoor: Maybe. After all, I don't know many people who have that InDemand deal. Ryan Smithson: If I see one more "clever" person call it NA$CAR, I am gonna get mad. Duane Cross: Yeah, we get it -- you used a dollar sign to reflect your thoughts of NASCAR. Funny ha-ha -- about 10 years ago. Marty Smith: See, Duane, that's what I fear with so many outlets now. If you can't find it, you're apt to forget it. But Spoor is right, there is some semblance of consistency. Ryan Smithson: I wish people would stop complaining about coverage. It's awesome. And it will continue to be awesome. Duane Cross: We'll see if TNT gets lost in the summertime shuffle. Six races, $80 million ... |  | | Yum. Chocolate. Credit: AP |
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Marty Smith: Great googly moogly... still one of the best commercials of all time, by the way... Ryan Smithson: I think Sonoma gets higher ratings than the Pepsi 400. I'll check. Duane Cross: I need a Snickers. Mark Spoor: Mmmmmmmmm. Snickers! Ryan Smithson: I like to freeze my Snickers and cut it with a knife. Mark Spoor: I do that with Kit Kats. Duane Cross: I do that with Zero. Mark Spoor: Zero? Never heard of it. Duane Cross: Damn Yankee. The opinions expressed are solely of the writers. Due to popular vote, this sentence is listed in bold this week. We will return to italics after Christmas. | 
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