[SpaceCadet]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Your points really hone in on something that I hadn't considered. Perhaps focusing on the the race as opposed to the commentators and the gimmicks is the real issue. I don't watch a race to be entertained by the commentators. I watch a race to see just that ... a race.

NASCAR isn't a documentary, a sitcom, a drama, or a mystery. Even that "cut-out" tech thing that they do now is something I could live without. It's slightly interesting for about 3 seconds. After that, I'm bored, and don't remember (or care) what was said.

The last two things that I found interesting was the definition of "stagger" and how the roof flaps work. That's it, and that was years ago. "Wedge"? I kinda get it, but will still have lived a full life if I cannot actually understand or explain it.

I agree totally that the race should be the main attraction. But I do admit to finding some of the technical explanations interesting. Part of my fascitation with racing is the technology that makes the car go. Even at our local track, Oswego Speedway, the technology that goes into the supermodifieds is astounding, truly. The weight distribution, the debate over independant front suspensions, split axles, wings - I could go on for hours. When I understand what makes the car run or handle as it does, I enjoy the racing more. I can make guesses at what the crew chiefs will do during pit stops. (Ok, I'm usually wrong.) I find it hard to believe that removing just a quarter pound of air from a tire can make such a huge difference in handling, and yet it does. For me, understanding the mechanics makes racing even more exciting. I can really appreciate how difficult is to just complete a race, to say nothing of actually winning. So I do agree the coverage needs to be all about the racing and not the "personalities" behind the microphones, but I don't mind the occasional tech spot.

[PettyBlue]

Quick tech talk.Clutch on left,gas on right,steering wheel middle.Brake,what brake?Don't need no stinking brake,let's race!Lol.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Your points really hone in on something that I hadn't considered. Perhaps focusing on the the race as opposed to the commentators and the gimmicks is the real issue. I don't watch a race to be entertained by the commentators. I watch a race to see just that ... a race.

NASCAR isn't a documentary, a sitcom, a drama, or a mystery. Even that "cut-out" tech thing that they do now is something I could live without. It's slightly interesting for about 3 seconds. After that, I'm bored, and don't remember (or care) what was said.

The last two things that I found interesting was the definition of "stagger" and how the roof flaps work. That's it, and that was years ago. "Wedge"? I kinda get it, but will still have lived a full life if I cannot actually understand or explain it.

something for Ask The Experts...?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

I agree totally that the race should be the main attraction. But I do admit to finding some of the technical explanations interesting. Part of my fascitation with racing is the technology that makes the car go. Even at our local track, Oswego Speedway, the technology that goes into the supermodifieds is astounding, truly. The weight distribution, the debate over independant front suspensions, split axles, wings - I could go on for hours. When I understand what makes the car run or handle as it does, I enjoy the racing more. I can make guesses at what the crew chiefs will do during pit stops. (Ok, I'm usually wrong.) I find it hard to believe that removing just a quarter pound of air from a tire can make such a huge difference in handling, and yet it does. For me, understanding the mechanics makes racing even more exciting. I can really appreciate how difficult is to just complete a race, to say nothing of actually winning. So I do agree the coverage needs to be all about the racing and not the "personalities" behind the microphones, but I don't mind the occasional tech spot.

The stars of the show are the cars, secondary are the drivers. The announcers and their gimmicks are way down the list.

Your point and Penny's point underscores my above statement. Info about the cars and how the cars work are, IMHO, very much about making the race cars and the racing the stars of the show.

The secret is incorporating this in a KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) manner.

What the announcers forget is that no one really wants to hear how great they were, or could care less as to what they would have done in a similiar situation. This was what made Benny Parsons and Ned Jarrett so darn good in the booth. They talked with authority and knowledge but, if you were just tuning in and had no idea who they were, you could have gone half way through a race before you would have caught on that they were former drivers.

And can a single soul here honestly say they can even imagine Ned Jarrett or Benny Parsons saying, "When I was champion...," "Booity, Boogity!!!" or ,"They is...?"

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

[Racer Duck]

Here's hoping Kyle is following the BP/NJ stereotype.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

And can a single soul here honestly say they can even imagine Ned Jarrett or Benny Parsons saying, "When I was champion...," "Boogity, Boogity!!!" or ,"They is...?"

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

Can you show me one mature adult that would scream something like that in front of millions of people ..... and be sober ?


Put a sock in it Dim Wit

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

I agree totally that the race should be the main attraction. But I do admit to finding some of the technical explanations interesting. Part of my fascitation with racing is the technology that makes the car go. Even at our local track, Oswego Speedway, the technology that goes into the supermodifieds is astounding, truly. The weight distribution, the debate over independant front suspensions, split axles, wings - I could go on for hours. When I understand what makes the car run or handle as it does, I enjoy the racing more. I can make guesses at what the crew chiefs will do during pit stops. (Ok, I'm usually wrong.) I find it hard to believe that removing just a quarter pound of air from a tire can make such a huge difference in handling, and yet it does. For me, understanding the mechanics makes racing even more exciting. I can really appreciate how difficult is to just complete a race, to say nothing of actually winning. So I do agree the coverage needs to be all about the racing and not the "personalities" behind the microphones, but I don't mind the occasional tech spot.

I agree. The engineering that is behind the scenes of NASCAR is fascinating and helps me to better understand the dynamics as well.

I guess I'm contradicting myself here, aren't I? I just get annoyed when they talk about something that I already understand. Like that "aero" cartoon. Perhaps I'm becoming a NASCAR snob.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Can you show me one mature adult that would scream something like that in front of millions of people ..... and be sober ?


Put a sock in it Dim Wit

Now, now, LSC.

I do miss Benny and Ned. Where is Ned? Did he just stop anchoring for good? Anyone know why?

[LSC9901]

Only a guess but Ned is now 75 years young. He may have felt it was time to let someone else do it. I liked Ned because he announced instead of telling you how it should have happened on the track like others I won't mention.

He's done a commercial or two for UPS.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Only a guess but Ned is now 75 years young. He may have felt it was time to let someone else do it. I liked Ned because he announced instead of telling you how it should have happened on the track like others I won't mention.

He's done a commercial or two for UPS.

Ned's a good man. He has a brother, or maybe it's another son, can't think of his name, but the guy almost took me out at Loudon. My friend and I were walking into the track and he came hauling a$$ on a golf cart right at me! I jumped out of the way, laughed, and said, "Hey! Take it easy!" He laughed at me and kept on tooling around. It took a few seconds for me to realize who he was.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Ned's a good man. He has a brother, or maybe it's another son, can't think of his name, but the guy almost took me out at Loudon. My friend and I were walking into the track and he came hauling a$$ on a golf cart right at me! I jumped out of the way, laughed, and said, "Hey! Take it easy!" He laughed at me and kept on tooling around. It took a few seconds for me to realize who he was.

Ned's other son Glenn does work for MRN radio. Ned though I think (not sure) has been havin here and there health problems.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by Quality88

Ned's other son Glenn does work for MRN radio. Ned though I think (not sure) has been havin here and there health problems.

Yes, that's him, Q. Glenn is the one who almost took me out with the golf cart.

Sad that Ned is having health problems.

[clutch]

I distinctly remember watching this live......and its my favourite recollection of Ned and Dale Jarrett

YouTube - Finish to the 1993 Daytona 500

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by clutch

I distinctly remember watching this live......and its my favourite recollection of Ned and Dale Jarrett

YouTube - Finish to the 1993 Daytona 500

CLASSIC......