SCENE & HEARD
Friday, July 07, 2006
He'll be here all weekend, folks (add your own drumrolls)
1:07 PM
1. Chicagoland. Joliet, actually, although I can't find the prison anywhere. Weird Midwestern accents. Cornfields. Some of the easiest working conditions on the circuit. Speaking of Joliet, a guy from my hometown thought The Blues Brothers was a true story.
2. NBC/TNT is back. Kind of weird, too. One week you see all the FOX guys, and boom, they are gone. Do the fans really care about the switch? Or is it something media guys like us obsess over? Part of me thinks the former. I mean, 97 percent of the fans watch the race via TV and not at the track, right? This is important stuff here.
3. I just got an email from a fan with the last name of "Bimbo." I am reporting that she has probably suffered with that name every day of her life.
-- Ryan Smithson
2. NBC/TNT is back. Kind of weird, too. One week you see all the FOX guys, and boom, they are gone. Do the fans really care about the switch? Or is it something media guys like us obsess over? Part of me thinks the former. I mean, 97 percent of the fans watch the race via TV and not at the track, right? This is important stuff here.
3. I just got an email from a fan with the last name of "Bimbo." I am reporting that she has probably suffered with that name every day of her life.
-- Ryan Smithson
That's funny you mentioned The Blues Brothers. I've wondered in the past if there's anybody dumb enough to think that was a true story.
As for the switch from FOX to NBC - sure, I think most of us who watch NASCAR on TV definitely care. To me, I like the change. By mid-season, I'm really tired of DW and basically most of that gang who often seem somewhat illiterate. I like Mike Joy, Chris Myers, Larry Mac, and Jeff Hammond. Although Hammond can get on one's nerves sometimes. I can't say I dislike anybody on NBC. But, no matter which company is broadcasting the races, they have way too many commercials!
As for the switch from FOX to NBC - sure, I think most of us who watch NASCAR on TV definitely care. To me, I like the change. By mid-season, I'm really tired of DW and basically most of that gang who often seem somewhat illiterate. I like Mike Joy, Chris Myers, Larry Mac, and Jeff Hammond. Although Hammond can get on one's nerves sometimes. I can't say I dislike anybody on NBC. But, no matter which company is broadcasting the races, they have way too many commercials!
Boom! Just make Wally go away! But at least there will be no more of the Boogity, Boogity garbage, now if Mikey would just shut up I might actually watch a race on TV again.
I really care about who the announcers are, and pretty much every race fan I come into contact (that the subject comes up) cares. And it's pretty universal - love FOX guys, hate NBC guys, maybe with Bestwick being the exception, but do like a couple of things about the NBC coverage where they interview more post-race. Partially because the FOX guys are a little less obvious in their bias. (I fear the day Jerry Nadeau gets to a race with Gilliland or gets back in a car himself. Dallenbach will go nuts on crucifying him on air.)
I just wish NBC cared enough about NASCAR to actually put it on broadcast television instead of throwing it away on a cable channel where not everyone can see it.
I look forward to the switch. I would much rather hear Benny and Wally to DW and Larry Mac. Little easier on the ears!
I love the FOX guys--they seem more genuine. Yes, they are goofy, but that makes them more likeable (give DW a break, I like hearing the Boogity!). NBC guys are too "showy" and tend to focus too much on 8, 48, and 24; other drivers do exist!
I have to agree with Greg, there are way too many commercials on both networks.
I have to agree with Greg, there are way too many commercials on both networks.
And thank you FOX for rewarding all your loyal Nascar fans with 15 minutes of advertising in the last 15 laps of the race at Daytona ! So you lost the broadcast rights...get over yourselves already!...shhhhhhhheeessssshhhhhhhh!
I don't dread anything all year long as much as I dread the turnover to NBC. Between Weber's inane poetry (and whoever bought him the thesaurus and rhyme book should be shot) and sheer lack of journalistic professionalism, the old grudges that flavor every comment out of Dallenbach's mouth, and BP's weird obsession with Ryan Newman--well, I've been known to watch the race on mute with the radio going. (Fox has its biases too, but even with turning into the Jimmie Johnson Fan Club this year, they're nowhere near as bad.)
yes we care for the simple fact the we need good annoncers. DW ect are all idiots and need to be replaced. NBC included for the rest of the season
Where has garage came gone? Is Joliet so far out in the sticks they can't send a grage cam signal back to civilization?
I don't care what network it is. (Would rather have on non-cable channels so I can anywhere on a portable TV-and hey, some people still don't have cable!) My concern is the announcers. If both the Waltrips, Chris Myers and Wally were all sent packing then I'd be a happy camper. If I had to choose only one to get rid of then it would be Chris Myers (I'm not only kidding because I care)
While the FOX guys may get a little corny, I think they far and away are the better team. Bestwick comes off as a phony want-a-be, Wally couldn't drive a garbage truck and Benny knows food but has been out of the sport to long. Gimmie ol' DW anytime!!!!!!!
do not really care for either group -just wish someone would teach DW and McReynolds basic grammar.
The prison is not to far away. Stateville is the big house where Jake and Elwood Blues visited (Elwood, IL 2 seconds north from the race track on 53.) The Correctional Center where the Fox Show Prison break is filmed in down town Joliet. Joliet is also known as the City of Champions!!!
I do care about the network switch. I can't believe NBC has a past champion that can't tell one car from the other (Benny), a guy, who at his age, should still be racing if he was worth a hoot (Wally), and a face man. I would much rather hear the ex-driver, ex-crewchief, and announcer booth of FOX. Plus NBC plays the majority of their races on cable TNT. Not to even mention, the NBC dateline NASCAR fiasco. I'm shocked they let NBC have the second half after that mess.
Some Trivia
Joliet Jake's handle came naturally from joliet, home of the famous prison.
Elwood blues named after elwood Il just south of the Chicagoland speedway.
Joliet Jake's handle came naturally from joliet, home of the famous prison.
Elwood blues named after elwood Il just south of the Chicagoland speedway.
I would much rather watch Fox. NBC doesn't have the talent.
The switch, here it comes: NBC = Nothing But Commercials. Enough already.
SEVERAL OF US IN S FLORIDA WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE NBC/TNT CREW ALL YEAR. FOX IS OKAY, EXCEPT FOR D WALTRIP AND C MEYERS,
Yes! We do care that the FOX guys are gone! NBC/TNT coverage sucks!!!
no more races on cable!!! i don't have cable or satellite, poo!!!
I LOVE the FOX guys - more entertaining, more down-to-earth, not as showy. The biggest thing that NBC does is run their mouth and their commercials. I am really bummed that FOX is not carrying Busch races next year - anytime I have seen ESPN's coverage it was HORRIBLE. FOX does an excellent job with all sports - I think that they should carry it all year.
Believe me the fans care...I can't stand NBC! Benny Parsons drives me nuts. Am I the only one who notices that he finds a way to make EVERY accident or caution Jeff Gordon's fault? And Jeff's isn't even my favorite driver! Wally is pretty cool, but I will take the Fox guys any day!!
And I say AMEN to having the race on a normal TV channel. Contrary to popular belief there are some of us who don't have cable because we never watch TV other than the races! Its a pain when its on TNT!
And I say AMEN to having the race on a normal TV channel. Contrary to popular belief there are some of us who don't have cable because we never watch TV other than the races! Its a pain when its on TNT!
Switch, didn't realize they switched, the two different networks both have announcers that get on your nerves (Glenn Beck, you have some serious compitition here) after awhile and show WAY TOO MANY commercials. If the networks did like the IRL and put the commercials in one window while still showing the race in another, it would be easier to bear. The TV broadcast are only good to watch and MRN radio is what I listen to.
I will miss the Fox guys, the second half of the season I watch TV with the sound off, I listen to MRN/PRN/IRN for the audio, I can't stand the NBC guys in the booth.
Never been so happy to see the 4th of July get here. The FOX guys (the ANNOYING D.W.) will be out and the NBC guys will be in! No more boogity boogity crap and my mute button will get a rest when the green flag is waved!!!
There are a lot of us who don't care for the switch. Some of us on fixed incomes can't afford Cable or Sattelite hookups. Kind of a crappy last half of the year for us. Can't afford Trackpass either. 45 years being a Nascar nut.
I was so pissed last week about the commercials!!!!, and then the last lap has a yellow!!!!!The last NBC broadcast was as bad as last weeks commercial axtravaganza,SO we`re stuck with the bondage of stupid ads.If this keeps up.......i dont know what i`ll do!!!! Maybe pay per view, and just watch my favorite 4 teams.Thanks Fox/NBC!
I do care. And here's an idea for you: Sunday I watched the Kansas City Indy race, televised on ABC. Guess what? ABC does a split screen during commercials and the live race continues to show! Why can't NBC and/or Fox do that?
Who cares at this point. After the COT is on the track, most of the people I watch the races with are not even tuning in.
The commercials drive me crazy! WAY too many commercial breaks - makes me not want to use the products. Show more of the cars and drivers, every one on the track has advertising on it - big and small. (Oops, I forgot, the sponsers need a good write-off) Cut the seven or eight commercials in a row that cause fans to miss lots of track action. FOX vs. NBC - DW and the gang are O.K.; Benny seems like a nice guy, but time for him to retire. The rest are tolerable. Why TNT, not NBC? If NBC wants NASCAR, show the races on their regular channels which are accessible to everyone who has a TV set.
Need MRN/PRN to start a race channel with the side by side during commercials. Dump the big networks until they change their ways. IRL has got it right. Why cant NASCAR
Hate the ones on TNT. In Canada if another sports network doesn't pick up
coverage we miss the live race and have to tape SPEED's mid week recap.
I understand this is the last segment
for NBC anyway. Didn't ABC land part of the TV contract? That should be a 100% improvement. I really view WEBER
with distaste anyway (I didn't have to look anything up). Bestwick I can handle. Couldn't understand why they even took him off Inside nextel Cup.
Thought he was doing a good job as the show is not about the announcer DAVE.
coverage we miss the live race and have to tape SPEED's mid week recap.
I understand this is the last segment
for NBC anyway. Didn't ABC land part of the TV contract? That should be a 100% improvement. I really view WEBER
with distaste anyway (I didn't have to look anything up). Bestwick I can handle. Couldn't understand why they even took him off Inside nextel Cup.
Thought he was doing a good job as the show is not about the announcer DAVE.
i like the switch because i can't get a fox channel where i live.(we're planning on sending people to mars but i still can't get fox?! or abc. and cbs comes on partially fuzzy. but this isn't about my crappy (no) tv stations) i was thrilled when the daytona500 was on nbc but didn't realize in exchange i wouldn't see the pepsi400. bill weber annoys me. i hate his pre-race monologue. half the time the nbc announcers are fumbling around trying to figure out who's car they're looking at. i saw a clip of the race where robby gordon threw his helmet at michael waltrip. i'm not sure who was broadcasting that race but the announcers were hilarious during that incident.
yes and I hate the NBC guy's except for BP. That Wally D. not only couldn't drive a race car but he can't anyone how to either, but he thinks he can...He stinks!!!!!!
I will miss Fox, they know the drivers, they know the tracks, and they know how to get it across to the "new Nascar" fans. As far as the grammer, you obviously have not been watching racing because they all talk the same way! This is why I love racing and hate all of those who wish to mold this sport into something it's not!
Can't stand that DW.Thay should get rid of him.Did'nt like as a driver and I can't stand him on the show.Like it was stated way to many commercials.I was watching a indy race on ABC and when they go to acommerical they had a split screen so you don't miss any of the race, maybe Fox and NBC should try this.
Thw switch to NBC is awful. How can any of you say you'd rather her Benny Parson talking? Or saying anything for that matter. The switch means it's time to listen to Benny tell us what loose and tight means to a race car every race. Listen for it. It's one lifes few truths.
Marjorie has the right idea. I also watched the Indy car race and the split screen was awesome. Missed none of the race and even the mishaps due to commercials. Sorry the races won't be on a regular TV channel and not a cable channel. That would afford a lot of people the opportunity to tune in. We can listen to Jeff Gordon cry some more when Jimmy is "racing him". I thought that is what it is all about. Team mate or not, Jimmy is in the lead for the cup and Jeff (thank God) is no where in his sight. He should race him if he wants to win. Jeff needs to quit crying and start racing and maybe he might finish in one piece if he concentrated on racing and not on the other drivers and his "no friends" out there.
THIS fan is happy & relieved that NBC/TNT is back! No more DW this season, I hope. Maybe fans at home can see a bit more of the race itself. It's a turnoff to listen to "the guys" yapping, trying to see which of them is the most brilliant (?) when we just want to know what's going on with our favorite driver all through the race. I'm sick of all the commentators sucking up to Jimmie Johnson & Tony Stewart! Gee, keep your personal opinions to yourself, guys.
I wish they'd stay with Fox !!!!!!!!1
No, not all my life just since I was married 51 years ago. You may be surprised to learn that there are thousands if not more with that name in the USA. MY children did suffer with that name thanks to "LAVERNE & SHIRLEY"especially in college where people were not familiar but not in our hometown as everyone knew our name before ABC ruined it on L&S.
My daughters married and my son dropped the last name and went with 2 given names--I am the only one left in my town with that name. Like you people NEVER forget me and sometimes that is good. This name originally came from the Italian name IMBIMBO. Next time you decide to make fun of someone you should be sure they don't find out--weren't we discussing NASCAR not my name ???
My daughters married and my son dropped the last name and went with 2 given names--I am the only one left in my town with that name. Like you people NEVER forget me and sometimes that is good. This name originally came from the Italian name IMBIMBO. Next time you decide to make fun of someone you should be sure they don't find out--weren't we discussing NASCAR not my name ???
If you really need to see the prison,(there are actually 3, 2 adult, 1 juvenile) old Joliet is on Collins St, Stateville is on Rt 53(same as the track) and little Joliet (juvenile) is on McDonough. Won't see much as they are prisons. Can't get in unless you screwed up real bad or work there which is on and the same.
I would love to see FOX air all the races. I believe they give you more in-depth explanations on everything connected to NASCAR than the other networks.
i dont need to listen to d/ws past exploits, i would rather listen to whats going on on the track.
lots of the fans do care if they switch tv broadcast for the different ways they show the race
To Shirley Bimbo: I am pretty sure that Ryan wasn't trying to be mean or make fun of you with his comment. I had my own share of teasing when the "Munsters" became popular....
Janel Herman (Munster!)
Janel Herman (Munster!)
You know one is as bad as the other. Weber is nothing but a drama queen, and they put him in the booth, half the time he doesnt know what race he is watching. I just heard him say something on speed that last week on saturday at sonoma, I dont know about him, but last saturday I was in Daytona watching a very BORING race.
Bestwick is my favorite.
Bestwick is my favorite.
Yeah I am really going to miss FOX, I hate it when NBC/TNT show the last 20 laps of a race instead 30 commercials and just the last 2 laps. NBC SUCKS who the hell wants to see racing during a race? I like it better when Mike Joy gets to tell us what happened two commercial breaks back instead actually getting to see it. Then there is Chris Meyers...Myers..whatever, I am really going to miss him, gosh he is just so knowledgeable about the entertainment industry. I don't know how I will be able to going on without his incessant babble. I wish we could have FOX do all the races, that way we wouldn't miss the "McReynolds Weathercast". I also hate knowing what goes on with the racing after 10th spot, NASCAR should just black flag everyone from 15th on back at the halfway point.
No broadcast team can please everyone...but without question BP: 1)talks to viewers like someone talks to a 3 year old, and 2) BP seems to constantly be initially incorrect on any type of happening on the track.
Poor Wally always has to say, "No, BP, actually..."
Poor Wally always has to say, "No, BP, actually..."
The only thing I'll miss about FOX is the "Crank It Up" My neighbors won't though. I do agree with you Marjorie I wish both networks would go to the split screen like ABC.
Give it to 'em Shirley! I join the crowd celebrating the change to NBC. DW's airtime should be limited to stupid Toyota commercials which can be muted. BP forgot more about racin than the Fox crew ever knew.
I don't believe the change in venue is a real great idea. NBC/TNT After all, not all Nascar fans have cable. I'm glad I do, however quite sorry for the fans that don't. It seems extremely odd to me that it should switch mid year to a pay to view venue. Is this an unreasonably thought process ???
I prefer FOX, but considering I can't afford anything but very basic cable (24 channels) I would be happy to listen to the NBC guys just to be able to see the race. Thank goodness Trackpass comes with my Roadrunner internet access or I would be totally out of the loop.
Smithson,
Yeah - we care. NBC can't compete with Fox. You can't compare the NBC guys to DW and Larry Mac. Those guys make me want to watch.
I watch it when it's on NBC/TNT simply cause I am a fan. Glad it's their last season.
Yeah - we care. NBC can't compete with Fox. You can't compare the NBC guys to DW and Larry Mac. Those guys make me want to watch.
I watch it when it's on NBC/TNT simply cause I am a fan. Glad it's their last season.
keep up the good work us drunks like it
What is with the recent DW backlash? Harsh! Granted, he needs some grammar lessons, but I don't mind him (ok, so "hisself" drives us all up the wall here, but it makes for a great drinking game!). Besides, when you are from somewhere other than the South (like myself--Minnesota) you notice quite a few people talking incorrectly while watching NASCAR. (I won't even get into the accents--and somebody commented on the goofy accents in Chicago???? And, no, I don't talk like they do in the movie "Fargo.")
Anyway, Hammond is annoying (so full of himself) but still FOX has got NBC beat--my husband and I just cringe when it's time for the change. Lord forbid NBC cuts back to the race when something happens! Does anyone else out there seem to think that Allen Bestwick just doesn't seem to be a match for NASCAR? My husband hates him.
At least now my mother-in-law can watch the races on regular TV, the only plus for NBC in our eyes.
Anyway, Hammond is annoying (so full of himself) but still FOX has got NBC beat--my husband and I just cringe when it's time for the change. Lord forbid NBC cuts back to the race when something happens! Does anyone else out there seem to think that Allen Bestwick just doesn't seem to be a match for NASCAR? My husband hates him.
At least now my mother-in-law can watch the races on regular TV, the only plus for NBC in our eyes.
I can't wait for next year and ABC having the contract. I believe that ABC has the copyright to the side by side commercial system, but don't remember the exact reason (it was in an "ask the producer" segment).
I like fox better, I think Chris Myers could be gone and i'd be happy. ANd I also agree that Benny could use a 1 minute delay just to make sure what he said was correct.
I like fox better, I think Chris Myers could be gone and i'd be happy. ANd I also agree that Benny could use a 1 minute delay just to make sure what he said was correct.
Regardless of which network is tellivising the race ... they NEED Darrell Waltrip to anounce. It just isn't the same. No Boogity?
If you guys think the commercials are bad on TV, heaven forbid you should ever have to listen to the race on the radio. While the commentary ballet that is carried out by switching to guys going around the track is awesome, they quite often come back from a commercial just to say, "You're listening to live coverage of the Pepsi 400 from Daytona International Speedway on MRN radio.", and then go right back to commercials. It's quite infuriating.
One thing I would like to see from ANY network that covers the races is better on screen scoring. By the time the "slow scroll" through the field at a place like Bristol, the standings in the race have changed six or seven times... there's gotta be a better way.
One thing I would like to see from ANY network that covers the races is better on screen scoring. By the time the "slow scroll" through the field at a place like Bristol, the standings in the race have changed six or seven times... there's gotta be a better way.
Suggestion....Why not have 4 hrs. of commercial free commercials! NBC does not broadcast any racing, just commercials, then it's take you through the field of also rans instead of who's really running!! I SAY GO AWAY AND PLAY IN THE SANDBOX.....
I do not like the switch. I love the FOX guys. they are great.Their format is great, but they make you laugh at the same time.
Oh, the fans care about the TV switch. It's HORRIBLE. Can't wait for FOX to be back.
Being a new Nascar fan for the past two seasons, I've gotten quite an education from the Fox crew. The more I've learned about the cars and what it takes to run these races, makes me enjoy the sport more. I love the cutaway car, and when DW drives the track and describes all aspects of the track. DW can tell you what's wrong with a car before the driver radios the crew chief. These guys know the cars and the tracks. I'm not feeling that love from NBC/TNT. As far as the Fox teams dialect. If a Nascar commentator doesn't have somewhat of a southern draw in his voice, I won't take much stock in what he knows about the sport
I also wanted to mention that the split screen idea is great and should be implemented and not showing the race on regular tv is a crime. There are millions of race fans out there and I think NBC/Nascar are shooting themselves in the foot by excluding some of these people. The only way I think to respond to this is to boycott the sponsers of the drivers and the broadcast. If all Nascar fans participated, we may get their attention. They need to be reminded it's the fans that keep them in business. If the fans are happy there is need to worry about the bottom line. Don't turn your backs on us boys, because if we turn on you, you're the ones getting screwed.
thank god fox is done for the year!
D> W> got old real fast and last week they had 20 commercials in the last 20 laps, thank goodness for XM radio
D> W> got old real fast and last week they had 20 commercials in the last 20 laps, thank goodness for XM radio
Happy to know NBC/TNT will no longer carry NASCAR.Looking forward to ESPN.I have watched NASCAR for many years now and have yet to see any network cover a race the way it should be.And they all seem to defer the "less popular" races to each of the "sidekick" networks.FX,TNT,etc.I have yet to buy any product because I saw it in a commercial during a race.Yes I understand the bills have to be paid but all the networks are guilty and especially so near the end of the race.The split screen version is the way of the future.Changing networks and commentators during the season is the lessor of two evils for me when it comes to the way NASCAR conducts races.With the "lucky dog" there is no need for double file restarts.How many races would have a different outcome if lapped cars were not in the way!Best thing to ever happen to NASCAR is saturday night prime time.Every race should be under the lights and that would also give a sunday window in case of rain.How much revenue is lost due to a monday race when we all have to return to work?These races also get deferred to the network "sidekicks".Last but not least,no race should ever end under caution for any reason!Eventually we won't have network/commentator changes during the season because we will have to watch them on pay per view.
In my opinion Benny Parsons should announce all Nextel Cup Races. He is very proficient, knowledgeable, and does not include comments wsuch as boogity, boogity, boogity. I would think it would be in FOX and NBC's favor for them both to use Benny Parsons.
yea,let's change tv stations in mid-season!!especially when things r gittin interesting!!i'm sure we all like tha fox boyz and/or tha nbc boyz!!who gives a #^%@^()!we just wanna c tha race!i know i'm not especially happy 2day at not bing able 2c tha race!!we all aint got sattelite tv either!!nascar needs 2 gittit 2gether!!oh well,csant type and watch that other fast race that "IZ" on tv!!(champ carz)
it would be nice in between commercials
to see a little racing, the cars are already a commercial billboard.
to see a little racing, the cars are already a commercial billboard.
I'm dismayed over the NBC/TNT coverage of NASCAR. They seem to be doing exactly what NASCAR wants them to do. Make it appeal to the non racing fan. Sorry, Brian France and Mike Helton, but what about us? The people that made this sport what it is today. Those high dollar urban and suburbanites may have the cash to blow on a weekend, but we are the ones who scratch and save to get to 1 or 2 races a year. Then you put the second half of the season on a network that doesn't give a hoot about the sport and you reward them with more tube time! What a pity. I long for the day when Mike Joy (THE REAL VOICE OF NASCAR) announces the winner of the cup.
And what's this bologna about any reference to per-2004 cup talk when the announcers say NEXTEL. IT'S WINSTON CUP! Are you ashamed that a tobacco company boosted your sport to the next level? What's next, no smoking at the track?
Pathetic!
And what's this bologna about any reference to per-2004 cup talk when the announcers say NEXTEL. IT'S WINSTON CUP! Are you ashamed that a tobacco company boosted your sport to the next level? What's next, no smoking at the track?
Pathetic!
Fox has slipped a little this year, I'll admit that. But TNT and NBC have the worst coverage ever. Benny Parsons knows more about food than who the drivers are. On one of the races, they were under green, went to commercial, and when they came back they said, "We're still under caution." STILL! We were under green before! Also, since when does caution mean, "let's stick in some extra commercials." I'd rather have the commercials under caution then under green, but come on. Can you at least give us info on what the crews have been doing before you go back to ads, when there are only 36 cars left on the track can we please know what happened to the other 7? I'm sick of it. I have no idea what's going on half the race. I always see the front 3 cars spread out racing single file. There are cars further back in a pack that has some action, but all we can see is Jimmy Johnson and Dale Jr. And hey, I'm a Junior fan and I'm sick of seeing his car. And can Benny please tell us what's happening instead of going. "Whoa! Look! Whoa! JIMMIE JOHNSON! Whoa!" Bill Webber needs to be gone. Allen Bestwick wasn't the best, but he was better than Webber. People say they're better because they do "Through the Field". Well, if they knew how to cover the race better than they wouldn't have to do through the field. Then people say they're better cuz they break out of commercial when a wreck happens. Fox doesn't break out cuz half the time a wreck happens they don't need to because they don't have half the commercials TNT/NBC have. Now, I'm going to go to the worst part. As if we didn't have enough commercials already, we have more ads during the race coverage. Cue the Duck? Discover Card Countdown to green? Just for Men rejuvinating moment? I've had enough. Not only that, but sometimes during the race, a little screen will pop up in the corner and we'll start seeing an ad for a show on TNT. I already saw 6 ads for the closer in the last 10 minutes, I don't need another one (with sound, mind you)during the minimal coverage they actually have. NBC/TNT need to shape up their coverage. I can get a better replay in my head through DESCRIPTIONS of what's happening on track on MRN than what they actually show on TV.
Both broadcasts (Fox and NBC) have their bad points, but NBC's coverage is far and away much worse.
First, NBC's broadcasters never seem to talk about THE RACE. They talk about lots of garage and pit row gossip, but they rarely discuss the actual race as it happens on the track. Amazing overtaking moves will will occur on camera, but the NBC commentators will ignore it and continue yapping about something only tangentially related to the action on the track.
And that annoying "Through the Field" (TTF) segment is utterly frustrating! Forget about what's going on with the leaders, or interesting passing duels going on within the field; no, let's talk about the top twenty or so drivers, one-by-one, in stupefyingly boring detail (e.g., how much fuel and tires they took on the last pit). I don't mind knowing how much fuel and tires a driver took if he's trying to make a pass, but to rattle of this info one driver after another only serves to disrupt any sense of what was actually going on in the race.
I've read comments by some who say they like this TTF feature because they can see "their" driver. Sorry, but I want to watch a race, not a parade of cars and a recitation of their pit changes. My more cynical side suspects this TTF is simply some deal NBC worked out with sponsors.
My last gripe: Why hasn't anyone called NBC to task for their epileptic fit-inducing crawler at the top of the screen? The blue with widdly grey/white line background on that thing creates a strobe effect as the driver's names scroll from right to left. Please, NBC, if you are reading this, in the name of all that is Holy and Good, change that scroller background to a solid color!
That top scroll band also uses fully one-third of the top of the display! NBC even pushes it further down so they can stick a sponsor logo ON TOP of it! This creates a good inch of empty space above this scroller. If that weren't enough, NBC then plasters all manner of additional whiz-bang-super-imposed dreck on the bottom of the screen every 4.2 seconds. Sheesh! It's a wonder anyone can see the race at all.
Like another poster said above, I have given up on watching the NBC broadcasts and just wait for the documentary version of the race on Speed. With NBC's fractured coverage, I simply cannot get a sense for what's really going on.
Looking on the bright side, I sure get a lot of chores done on Sundays now :)
First, NBC's broadcasters never seem to talk about THE RACE. They talk about lots of garage and pit row gossip, but they rarely discuss the actual race as it happens on the track. Amazing overtaking moves will will occur on camera, but the NBC commentators will ignore it and continue yapping about something only tangentially related to the action on the track.
And that annoying "Through the Field" (TTF) segment is utterly frustrating! Forget about what's going on with the leaders, or interesting passing duels going on within the field; no, let's talk about the top twenty or so drivers, one-by-one, in stupefyingly boring detail (e.g., how much fuel and tires they took on the last pit). I don't mind knowing how much fuel and tires a driver took if he's trying to make a pass, but to rattle of this info one driver after another only serves to disrupt any sense of what was actually going on in the race.
I've read comments by some who say they like this TTF feature because they can see "their" driver. Sorry, but I want to watch a race, not a parade of cars and a recitation of their pit changes. My more cynical side suspects this TTF is simply some deal NBC worked out with sponsors.
My last gripe: Why hasn't anyone called NBC to task for their epileptic fit-inducing crawler at the top of the screen? The blue with widdly grey/white line background on that thing creates a strobe effect as the driver's names scroll from right to left. Please, NBC, if you are reading this, in the name of all that is Holy and Good, change that scroller background to a solid color!
That top scroll band also uses fully one-third of the top of the display! NBC even pushes it further down so they can stick a sponsor logo ON TOP of it! This creates a good inch of empty space above this scroller. If that weren't enough, NBC then plasters all manner of additional whiz-bang-super-imposed dreck on the bottom of the screen every 4.2 seconds. Sheesh! It's a wonder anyone can see the race at all.
Like another poster said above, I have given up on watching the NBC broadcasts and just wait for the documentary version of the race on Speed. With NBC's fractured coverage, I simply cannot get a sense for what's really going on.
Looking on the bright side, I sure get a lot of chores done on Sundays now :)
NASCAR.COM Comment Policy: NASCAR.COM encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that NASCAR.COM makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and NASCAR.COM may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give NASCAR and Turner the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. NASCAR.COM Privacy Statement.
All External sites will open in a new browser window. NASCAR.COM does not endorse external sites.
© 2001-2012 NASCAR | Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
NASCAR.COM is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
© 2001-2012 NASCAR | Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. NASCAR.COM is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
