[vincesanity82]

ESPN earned just a 4.2 Nielsen rating for its 2007 NASCAR debut last week at Indianapolis, a 24 percent drop from last year's race on NBC. Then again, maybe that was a good thing, because it meant that many fewer people saw the miserable way ESPN handled the end of the race, failing to show any drivers other than the winner crossing the finish line. Plus, the order of finish behind winner Tony Stewart wasn't seen for nearly two full minutes after the race. -- San Diego Union-Tribune

Voices of Padres dread Bonds call | The San Diego Union-Tribune

[BringBackWilkesboro]

I'm starting to see a trend with alot of news coming out. Every week it's something about the ratings falling, and I still haven't seen anything I didn't expect.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

ESPN earned just a 4.2 Nielsen rating for its 2007 NASCAR debut last week at Indianapolis, a 24 percent drop from last year's race on NBC. Then again, maybe that was a good thing, because it meant that many fewer people saw the miserable way ESPN handled the end of the race, failing to show any drivers other than the winner crossing the finish line. Plus, the order of finish behind winner Tony Stewart wasn't seen for nearly two full minutes after the race. -- San Diego Union-Tribune

Voices of Padres dread Bonds call | The San Diego Union-Tribune

My personal thoughts on ESPN's rating go in different directions.

First, I didn't watch the race so I can go ONLY on what I've heard and seen reported. I get the feeling that NASCAR is trying to add a lot of "whistles and bells" to it's format. Maybe to make up for a lack of talent in the booth? I just got through watching qualifying and the screen is junked up unbelievably. Very confusing and "cluttered." Dr. Jerry is a better interviewer than he is a host and Rusty tries but has a ways to go. I don't know why but Petree kind of creeps me out? I have to figure that one out.

Second, Maybe ESPN's bad rating are a reaction to TNT crappy coverage. Weber was an inept as he ever was, Marty Fien was a joke, Marty Snyder and Matt Yoakum need to spend double the amount of time honing their broadcasting skills and half the time having their hair done. The ONLY bright spot in TNT's coverage was Kyle but he couldn't do it alone, thought TNT sure made him try.

Third, A few years ago NA$CAR put the majority of their eggs in one basket, this "New NASCAR fan," a "cool" and "hip" younger fan who fueled the drive for younger and younger new drivers. NA$CAR thought that once they got this fan to watch a few races, they'd be around forever. Some have stuck but I think a frightening amount have gone on to other newer, "hipper" sports.

However, I could very well be horribly wrong.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Third, A few years ago NA$CAR put the majority of their eggs in one basket, this "New NASCAR fan," a "cool" and "hip" younger fan who fueled the drive for younger and younger new drivers. NA$CAR thought that once they got this fan to watch a few races, they'd be around forever. Some have stuck but I think a frightening amount have gone on to other newer, "hipper" sports.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Bob has presented what I like to call the "FAD FAN"

[kcoruol]

ESPN reporters today on the Busch Series in Quebec are all wearing these pseudo-race car driver outfits. How gay!

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by kcoruol

ESPN reporters today on the Busch Series in Quebec are all wearing these pseudo-race car driver outfits. How gay!

Er... I'm pretty sure every network except Fox has had their pit reporters in those suits for years.

[I Flip For Carl]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

Er... I'm pretty sure every network except Fox has had their pit reporters in those suits for years.

Correct you are BBW !

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

Er... I'm pretty sure every network except Fox has had their pit reporters in those suits for years.

I believe that it is a requirement by OSHA, the CIA, or Brian France that all pit personnel wear fire-retardant clothing during a race.

[Mike24]

Every sport has these types of trends. NASCAR shouldn't be worried about it unless this trend continues in the next couple of years.

[kcoruol]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

Er... I'm pretty sure every network except Fox has had their pit reporters in those suits for years.

Shows how observant I am!

[jks812]

I guess me too, cause I never noticed that either.