 | | OK, Rusty, here's how this TV commentary thing works ... Credit: Autostock |
NASCAR.COM
October 19, 2006
03:18 PM EDT (19:18 GMT)
1. Reaction to ESPN's announced lineup for 2007? Ryan Smithson: Andy Petree looks like he has been on a treadmill for the last three years, which explains where he has been. If Petree can enunciate well, he is going to be the real gem among the lineup. Dave Rodman: Thrilled to have Dr. Punch back in a motorsports role. I think Rusty Wallace has potential to be a pretty good, outspoken ex-athlete in the booth and Mike Massaro is another solid pro. Marty Smith: Pretty solid. Punch is the man. Rusty will bring good insight and Andy Petree is the kicker -- typical ESPN that they'd think outside the box and get a new face. Likewise with Frankie Stoddard. David Newton: Like a blast to the past with Dr. Jerry. Brent Musburger is always solid, and have enjoyed Rusty's commentary the few times I've heard him. Glad to see they're getting more out of Massaro. Dave Rodman: Good call on A.P., Ryan -- he has that sly humor, a la Bobby Labonte and is opinionated, as well -- so if he can translate that to the airwaves, I think he could be the find of the last couple years. Ryan Smithson: I hope the fans won't expect fewer commercials. They are here to stay. Marty Smith: Everyone's happy for Mike. He's earned it. Dave Rodman: Since I've been away from home for too damned long I'll almost be in tears every time I hear Frankie talk. Marty Smith: Big Worm. Gotta love it. Ryan Smithson: What is ESPN going to do around this time next year when college football is all over the dial on Saturday? Dave Rodman: I think Brent is potentially the most miscast, for racing. I think it'll be interesting to see if he can make as adept a transformation as Chris Myers has. David Newton: Musburger is a pro. I'm sure he can adapt.  | 
 | TV PLEASIN'? | ESPN/ABC's NASCAR broadcast team will have a combination of veterans and rookies in it when the networks return to NASCAR.
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Ryan Smithson: You saying Chris Myers has adapted, Newt? Dave Rodman: 10-4 on the pro -- I have some question over whether or not race fans will willingly accept him, though. David Newton: I believe that was Rodman who said that. Ryan Smithson: You saying Chris Myers has adapted, Rodman? Marty Smith: Myers does very well what he's supposed to do -- set up Hammond. Ryan Smithson: That is probably a good way of putting it. He waves the red flag in front of the bull. Dave Rodman: Let's say he's adjusted to an acceptable level. He doesn't peeve me incessantly, let's leave it at that. David Newton: It'll definitely be the "biggest'' lineup in NASCAR with ex-NBAer Brad Daugherty in the group. Marty Smith: They were telling a story about how he did a ride around once and was so tall he just sat in the floorboard of the truck. Marty Smith: No seat. Just right on the floorboard. Ryan Smithson: You know, other media people -- mainly print writers -- don't agree with me on this, but news about TV is extremely important to NASCAR fans. Dave Rodman: I've been there -- back in the IMSA day. Unless you're a total rockhead, that is no fun. Marty Smith: What, Rodman? Marty Smith: I'm not following you, hero. Ryan Smithson: Rodman, you are crazy. Ryan Smithson: What does that mean? Dave Rodman: Or let me put it this way -- once you safely get back to pit road, it's one of the greatest sports experiences you'll ever have -- but in the process it's a little nerve wracking. David Newton: I understand they relate to the commentator, Ryan. I'm just not sure it's big news that they've named a crew. People will watch regardless. Marty Smith: Ohhhh! The ride along comment. Marty Smith: I thought he was still on the TV's important to fans thing. David Newton: Next please ... Marty Smith: The ESPN executives didn't seem overly concerned about the recent ratings decline. Ryan Smithson: They should be. Unlike golf, NASCAR reaches mass, not class, and ratings are bad news. David Newton: That's because even with the decline in ratings, NASCAR will beat out most sports outside of the NFL. Marty Smith: Next. David Newton: Thank you, Marty. Marty Smith: Following your lead, man. 2. We just saw the worst beating in the history of the Busch Series. Does that series need a Chase? Dave Rodman: Yeah, Marty -- that all referred to riding in cars ... David Newton: Not if they want to keep Cup unique. Ryan Smithson: No, no and no. You want a guy 1,000 points back earning a playoff spot? Marty Smith: I don't think the Busch Series needs a Chase-like format, but I won't be a bit surprised if it gets one. David Newton: You could have a part-time Cup driver in the Busch Chase, and that wouldn't be fair to the guys that do it full-time. Dave Rodman: Yeah -- have a Chase based on a within-a-number-of-points parameter. Marty Smith: This year that'd have been one, Davey. Dave Rodman: So in other words -- you could have a two-man, 10-man -- or a clinch four races out depending on what everyone can do with the leader. Dave Rodman: Yup. Ryan Smithson: The Busch Series will be much better next season with only a couple of Cup drivers running a full schedule. David Newton: Do you think Harvick will come back to defend his title? Ryan Smithson: No, he said he wouldn't. Marty Smith: I hope so, Smithson. It's time for NASCAR to fix the Busch Series. And it's up to NASCAR, too. You can't blame owners for putting Cup guys in the seats -- it results in sponsorship. You can't blame the drivers for wanting to do it. Marty Smith: The tracks love it, because it means more hineys in seats. |  | | Unless changes are made, a 2008 Busch Series champion could be crowned even earlier than this year. Credit: Autostock |
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Marty Smith: So ultimately, the sanctioning body needs to make the decision for change. Dave Rodman: I'd say he won't -- not for the whole season. Given the tracks love it, and Kevin does love to race, I'd bet he'd do all the combination events. David Newton: The Cup guys have to continue. How attractive do you think the Busch Series will be to ESPN next year without Cup guys? Ryan Smithson: Seeing that Carl is running the whole schedule next year, they should go ahead and crown him the champion for 2007. Dave Rodman: Newt, do you think they bought into it so readily based primarily on that? Sounds like lack of research to me. David Newton: The sanctioning body is caught between a rock and a hard place on this one, boys. Money or develop drivers? Hmm. Wonder which they'll choose? Ryan Smithson: Developing drivers. Ryan Smithson: Just kidding. David Newton: No, I don't think they bought into it for that reason, Rodman. But the series wouldn't be so hot without Cup drivers. Ryan Smithson: Best race of the year was Friday night, and it involved four Cup drivers. Sad. Marty Smith: My name is ... Marty Smith: Dave Blaney. Dave Rodman: Well, the best race of the year might have been Kentucky -- and the Cup drivers got waxed! |  | | Three out of four Smackers recommend Jeff Gordon to defend his Subway 500 title and win his eighth race at Martinsville. Credit: Autostock |
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David Newton: Are we still sure he won? David Newton: Geez, that was a mess on Friday. Marty Smith: Rodman, you just made the best point of your career. Marty Smith: Kentucky was stellar. Dave Rodman: Yeah, but I was pretty darned thrilled to go to dinner and get back in time to see the G-W-C. 3. Picks for Martinsville? David Newton: Jeff Gordon will win if his engine doesn't fall apart. Geez, he's had a string of bad luck. Ryan Smithson: I'll bet we have a weird winner this weekend. Like Biffle or someone. David Newton: How much you want to put on it? Marty Smith: I'm with Newt. Jeff Gordon wins. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling about Bobby Labonte, too. David Newton: We don't care about your love life, Marty. Stick with the picks. Ryan Smithson: Ha! Good ending. Dave Rodman: Can you spell u-n-a-n-i-m-o-u-s? Gordon in a walk. Marty Smith: Rock on! Dave Rodman: Glug, glug, glug. The opinions expressed are solely of the participants. | 
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