Comments on: Woody: Commentators Must Be Able To Comment

By: Ed Smith

Ed Smith — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:28:19 +0000

I agree with Woody: Analysts in the booth are (hopefully) there because they are experts in their field of racing. Society relys on expert opinion daily (for example, your doctor visit is just an expert opinion, as is your visit by your plumber). Unfortunately, our racing experts do get in trouble for expressing their expert opinion. Mike Dunn, drag racing analyst for ESPN, gave us his expert opinion of John Force’s performance at the US Nationals (“I think he threw the race” or something like that). His comments helped fuel the debate over Force’s actions – what expert opinion should do, among other things. But I think Mike Dunn got in trouble for critisizing the most popular driver in the NHRA, either by the NHRA or ESPN. Nothing (that I know of) was publicized about this, but Dunn hasn’t said another thing bad about John Force Racing since then.
TV networks and sanctioning bodies need to let analysts give their opinion (as long as its professional, not personal), and if it creates controversy…what’s wrong with that?

By: Gina

Gina — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:44:12 +0000

I prefer to listen to the PXP on the radio these days. Yeah MRN is owned by NASCAR too but at least they call the race. The Talladega race was boring, plate races for the most part are boring until the last 20 laps when the drivers finally race. Actually I think most of the races were boring, at least what the fans were shown on TV and I don’t like the fact that most of the commentators have either a personal or owner interest in the races. The lack of professionalism in the booth these days is terrible. I don’t tune in for favoritism or cheerleading.

That said, NASCAR needs to stop trying to control the media and insisting that they only say “positive” things to the fans. I much prefer FACTS, not the fiction that everything is wonderful when it has become obvious to the fans that it isn’t. Not everything is bad, but you can’t address an issue until you actually face it, even when it isn’t pleasant.

By: lydia

lydia — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:08:45 +0000

For me…while watching the Talladega race, if the commentators hadn’t of pointed out the obvious..and ran with the drivers in car comments…I would have been insulted and befuddled. I WANT to know the commentators are watching the “same race” I am! I don’t want to hear “NASCAR commercials” spewed by the commentators … I want their comments to match what is “actually” happening on the track..good or bad..boring or exciting. We are not dumb out here in “fan land”. As far as commentators having a past or existing connection with NASCAR…it normally doesn’t bother me. Most of the time it is a “plus” hearing “insider” info….it gives the viewer alittle more insight into what is actually going on…and makes it alittle more human and cozy. I have found with owners such as Rusty Wallace or Brad Daughtery..they tend to shy away from commenting on their teams and let the other commentators report on their progress. I must admit when Jarrett and Waltrip were calling the races won by family (and the loss of Dale Senior) the highs and lows of their emotions brought tears to my eyes and made the experience alittle more personal…more compelling..it gave me a connection with the sport I so love.

By: RAEckart

RAEckart — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:29:56 +0000

As long as we get Jerry Punch to talk, I’ll be happy. He’s the quietest play-by-play man in the history of sports. Hopefully he finds his place at ESPN.

By: Richard in N.C.

Richard in N.C. — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:59:08 +0000

I do believe NASCAR has as much right to express their opinion as members of the media do – except that the media seems to believe it is above being called to account. It never ceases to amaze me that anyone who defends NASCAR is kissing up, but anyone who criticizes NASCAR is supposed to be honest – hogwash. There is a substantial portion of the media who are either too lazy or too biased to ever write anything except criticism of NASCAR, and never lets the facts interfere with their so-called opinions.

By: shawn

shawn — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:18:37 +0000

Couldn’t agree more. When commentators are just spewing Nascar propaganda I have no interest in watching them & all credibility is shot to heck. Nascar needs to wake up & give it’s fan’s some respect. Either that or Nascar just called me (fan) stupid & I don’t need them to treat me that way. Open mike policy is whats required. Also please stop MW on all shows as he has become Nascars positive lap dog no matter what. I used to support MW & his personality & now as a kiss up I wouldn’t take anything he say’s as worth anything.

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:37:36 +0000

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By: Chief

Chief — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:25:21 +0000

It is the World of Inlaws!

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