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By JIM UTTER - The Charlotte Observer

DOVER, Del. - Last Sunday's Nextel Cup race at New Hampshire received a final 3.3 national TV rating on ABC, according to Nielsen Media Research.
The rating was down 11 percent from a 3.7 rating received on TNT last season. Because of the difference between network and cable television, this year's race actually reached more households (3.7 million to 3.4 million last season).
The race - the first in this season's Chase for the Nextel Cup used to determine the series champion - did not rank among the top five sports programs of the weekend.
According to unofficial statistics, this year's rating ranks among the lowest for a Chase race since the format's inception in the 2004 season.

[jks812]

That should show them that ESPN/ABC has stupid coverage. And also everybody knows, that no matter what or how good a driver does, if he's not in the chase you won't hear about him.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

I assume the low ratings are because most folks are feeling the same way I do. I've said it many times before, I just can't get hooked on the idea of watching 10 guys that don't deserve a championship battle 2 guys that do. The drama is artificial, created by NASCAR. I'm no fan of Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon, but if the championship doesn't come down to those two, I'll be really disapointed.

[PenelopePitStop]

I don't buy this low coverage based on the broadcaster. Loudon is a boring race. The Chase? Who knows? I tune in to watch good racing. At this point, the Chase is irrelevant.

If the Daytona 500 was on the Family Channel or PBS, I would still watch.

Again, bunch of hooey! If I'm going to watch a race, I don't give a rat's a$$ what channel it's on.

I know I've been over this before, but do ANY OF YOU have a Nielsen box or know ANYONE who does? I don't.

Nielsen and NASCAR should get together!

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Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I don't buy this low coverage based on the broadcaster. Loudon is a boring race. The Chase? Who knows? I tune in to watch good racing. At this point, the Chase is irrelevant.

If the Daytona 500 was on the Family Channel or PBS, I would still watch.

Again, bunch of hooey! If I'm going to watch a race, I don't give a rat's a$$ what channel it's on.

I know I've been over this before, but do ANY OF YOU have a Nielsen box or know ANYONE who does? I don't.

Nielsen and NASCAR should get together!

I agree with much of what you have to say Penny. I will watch any channel as long as I get it. I just switched providers and had to get an extra package just to get the speed channel. It wasn't that much more but i enjoy the NASCAR info on Speed. As far as ratings i guess I'd like to see how it compares from many years in the past. Football is beginning, baseball is ending and yes Loudon can be a bit on the boring side. Dover might change that.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

I assume the low ratings are because most folks are feeling the same way I do. I've said it many times before, I just can't get hooked on the idea of watching 10 guys that don't deserve a championship battle 2 guys that do. The drama is artificial, created by NASCAR. I'm no fan of Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon, but if the championship doesn't come down to those two, I'll be really disapointed.

I'm with ya BBW. I dont care for either one of them, but they have been at the top all year, especially Gordo. I would love to see someone else win the title, but it would be a tainted Cup.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

I'm with ya BBW. I dont care for either one of them, but they have been at the top all year, especially Gordo. I would love to see someone else win the title, but it would be a tainted Cup.

It sure would. With all the talk about placing asterisks on big achievements in sports, why not here? For example:

1. *Kenseth
2. Gordon

* Qualified for NASCAR assistance after race 26.

[PettyBlue]

I have heard this stuff before.You run under the rules given per year raced in.Why is one cup worth more than any other?

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by PettyBlue

I have heard this stuff before.You run under the rules given per year raced in.Why is one cup worth more than any other?

I'm not saying one is worth more than any other. I just don't like the idea of a champion using charity to beat somebody who is the clear cut best out there. Lets face the facts, Clint Bowyer, who sits only a few points out of 1st as they run now, would have had no chance of even coming close to a title under normal- er, old rules.

Now the truck series, they have a good title battle going on between two of the series best ever. The boys running the Cup series could learn alot from Wayne Auton.