[Bob Tanner]

Overall I thought last night's little get together was good show.

I think the change in formats was the first really positive change they've had since they started the thing. Breaking the first race into two twenty-lap sprints made for a good show. "Balines" (Spanish for Buckshot, or as Tony Stewart would term him; "Darto sin Plumas) Montoya didn't do a thing for international relations. The kid is nothing if not spectacular in his mistakes. The chase down of Opie by Truex and Sauter was some of the best racing we'll probably see this season.

The jury is still out on the singing of the national Anthem but I think I liked it. It was heart-felt, that's for sure.

I thought the introductions for the second race were kind of disorganized (not helped by Mark's being AWOL at first). I don't know what the drummers were taking but I bet that they'd busted a whiz quiz if given one after the performance. At first I thought the one with the Bud uniform was Brenden Gaughn?

Good choice to become cleanshaven, Junior! You now look more like a mature professional race driver and less like some thirty-something adolescent in search of his skateboard.

The Winston racing was good and competitive (the "pity vote's" Kenny Wallace sure added a lot to the race, didn't he? Note to Humpy Wheeler: Next year just take the top finishers from the first race! To "give" someone a starting spot, then to additionally reward his non-competitiveness with a little trophy is insulting, to both the driver and the fans! Makes about as much sense as NASCAR's silly "Lucky Dawg" rule. Grrrrrrrr ).

Methinks we've found a new driver with announcing in his post-racing future. Great job, Carl! Your ability to communicate with the contestants reminded me of Benny Parson's ability to interview and let the interviewee be the focus, not the interviewer.

Krista Voda was a definite improvement. She's knowledgeable and has paid her dues doing pit interviews. But what was with the three wardrobe changes? It must be a "girl thing?"

The racing itself was hard and good. A few risk-takers and a few using the race as a paid test session. But overall it was good hard racing, UNDISTURBED BY SILLY DEBRIS CAUTIONS! The four quarter with a half time break format was an improvement over past Winston's Thank you for no inversions!

Busch taking out Busch? Kyle Busch's Crew Chief is getting good at giving post-wreck interviews for his driver isn't he? Kurt's post-wreck remarks were polite, professional, understandable and his crack about not wanting Kellogg's in the morning left no doubt that the next Busch Family cookout might be a bit chilly.

Overall, I'm glad I spent the time to watch last night. With no questionable calls by officials, maybe NASCAR could get SMI and Humpy Wheeler to officiate it's racing?

[BringBackWilkesboro]

I agree with all observations. Here are a few smaller details:

As we saw from the open and the feature, you don't have to have a photo finish and a huge wreck at the line for a good race. I saw good competition all night.

Juan Pablo Montoya has now ruined races for Scott Pruett, Tony Raines, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman (although maybe that one is justified), David Gilliland, Joe Nemechek, Jon Wood and anyone else involved in last night's turn 1 crash.

There are other teams besides Hendrick and Roush.

You mentioned no debris cautions. Jimmie Johnson had a tough time staying with Harvick. I was sure there would be one with 3 to go. Good move NASCAR.

Finally, Eli Gold, Dick Bergeren and Buddy Baker need to call the all star race. I guess that's personal preference.

[clutch]

Have to disagree with you on the rendition of the National Anthem Bob.

I thought it was absolutely terrible.

But the running down of Edwards by Truex and Sauter was really exciting. I thought Sauter was gonna win it til Truex made that highline work.

Missed the feature as I had to go to work and was saddened to see Labonte listed last in the results

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

I agree with all observations. Here are a few smaller details:

As we saw from the open and the feature, you don't have to have a photo finish and a huge wreck at the line for a good race. I saw good competition all night.

Juan Pablo Montoya has now ruined races for Scott Pruett, Tony Raines, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman (although maybe that one is justified), David Gilliland, Joe Nemechek, Jon Wood and anyone else involved in last night's trun 1 crash.

There are other teams besides Hendrick and Roush.

You mentioned no debris cautions. Jimmie Johnson had a tough time staying with Harvick. I was sure there would be one with 3 to go. Good move NASCAR.

Finaly, Eli Gold, Dick Bergeren and Buddy Baker need to call the all star race. I guess that's personal preference.

Montoya has indeed ruined races for a few drivers. Just like Jeffy did when he started, except I don't think Juan has wrecked as many of his own cars as Jeffy did. Gordon turned out pretty well, maybe J.P. will do likewise?

IRT debris cautions, since this is a exhibition race put on by Bruton, Humpy and SMI, I don't believe NASCAR has the amount of control over the race as they do during a points race. (I could be wrong on that one; anyone know for sure?)

Dick Berggren belongs there, but he does so darn well doing interviews I'd hate to see him in the booth. Buddy is an acquired taste which I have learned to like. He's eons ahead of the idiot they have now (read: D.W.) Eli Gold... I respect his knowledge and golden tones but... I'll take Mike Joy. Every time I listen to Eli I get the impression that he's actually trying to sell something.

[Racer Duck]

After last night's race, I think it begs NA$CAR to add "sprints" to the schedule .. it was exciting; some new faces to root for; and ditto on Edwards as pit reporter. Would prefer it be broadcast on a non-cable station, but that's fodder for another thread...

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

After last night's race, I think it begs NA$CAR to add "sprints" to the schedule .. it was exciting; some new faces to root for; and ditto on Edwards as pit reporter. Would prefer it be broadcast on a non-cable station, but that's fodder for another thread...

I voice a lot of displeasure with NASCAR and some of its racing we see today. But when there's something good to complement them on, I try and do that also. Last night's racing was, from just about every aspect, about as good as it gets. I thought even DW and Larry Mac showed a much higher degree of professionalism last night than I have witnessed before; a minimum of silly dribble and a lot of insightful analysis.

Nice job, SPEED and NASCAR. Thank you.

As far as it being on SPEED... I've had a dish for about fifteen years now and I guess I just take it for granted. Besides, in this area satellite is cheaper than cable and the channel selection is far superior.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I voice a lot of displeasure with NASCAR and some of its racing we see today. But when there's something good to complement them on, I try and do that also. Last night's racing was, from just about every aspect, about as good as it gets. I thought even DW and Larry Mac showed a much higher degree of professionalism last night than I have witnessed before; a minimum of silly dribble and a lot of insightful analysis.

Nice job, SPEED and NASCAR. Thank you.

As far as it being on SPEED... I've had a dish for about fifteen years now and I guess I just take it for granted. Besides, in this area satellite is cheaper than cable and the channel selection is far superior.

I agree that the whole "celebration" was several cuts above normal, and for that fact alone it was a pleasure to view. I'm still not sure about the national anthem although Winans is a good gospel singer it just felt a bit off..

As far as the "non-cable" remark .. I forgot about the satellite and should have included it. I guess what I was trying to communicate was that even though there's nothing wrong with SPEED (it's one of my favorite channels), a big race like the All-Star should be aired on regular broadcast channels rather than the more restricted cable/satellite channels. Kind of like having the 4th game of the World Series on ESPN .. lots of folks won't get to see it 'cause they don't have cable/satellite. After all, if they can have "Survivor", "Lost", "American Idol" and Rosie O'Donnell on regular broadcast, why not the All Star Race?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

I
As far as the "non-cable" remark .. I forgot about the satellite and should have included it. I guess what I was trying to communicate was that even though there's nothing wrong with SPEED (it's one of my favorite channels), a big race like the All-Star should be aired on regular broadcast channels rather than the more restricted cable/satellite channels. Kind of like having the 4th game of the World Series on ESPN .. lots of folks won't get to see it 'cause they don't have cable/satellite. After all, if they can have "Survivor", "Lost", "American Idol" and Rosie O'Donnell on regular broadcast, why not the All Star Race?

OK, I see where you're coming from. I couldn't agree more. Putting a California race on the network and putting The Winston on what might be termed a secondary cable channel is kind of stupid, isn't it?

When I read your post I immediately thought of some reader's comments to John Daley's Daley Planet blog, where he had the very same impression of the race and its coverage that you and I do ( The Daly Planet: SPEED Hits An All-Star Home Run ). A number were complaining that "I can't get SPEED without spending more $ for my cable subscription! I'll never watch NASCAR again!!" As they say down at Gulf Shores, "Ain't life a beach?"

[oncea3fan]

I was gone on vacation, and missed it all.
anyone know if and when it will be re-aired ????

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by oncea3fan

I was gone on vacation, and missed it all.
anyone know if and when it will be re-aired ????

check with SPEED, they are always showing past races... Also, check out NASCAR.COM : video for a video report of the race.