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February 26, 2007
Final Verdict C and Notes:
By Keith Ott
I’ve been sitting back and gathering inputs on what people thought about the race. Inputs from both here on TR and calls to friends. And, while I’ll personally never like the racing at Fontana, I can appreciate that some might. Thinking about it as a whole event, I’m giving it a C. It was a watchable event; it had moments, and will probably turn out to be right around the median as far as exciting/not so exciting events go for the season. Had the Harvick challenge played out at the end it might have gone to a low “B.” That was the best drama of the event and NASCAR probably wishes it had played out.
Notes:
1) Has NASCAR gone too far with the “Red” as well as the “Yellow?” The “Red,” in my book, is for serious injury or an incident so big that the workers would be put in jeopardy sorting things out. It isn’t meant for a green race to the finish. The driver, David Reutimann, was sore and out of the car (a poor finish but a great crash with a good ending) in good time…15 minutes was too long before they called that “quickie” yellow. Also, IMO if NASCAR stops an event for that period or any period of time, then all should be free to go to pitroad, do their thing and restart in the same order. No I stayed outs, no race off pitroad. All on and off pit road in the same order or merging back in the same order. So, then we have the “Special Yellow” to let cars pit. NASCAR said the tracks clear but there’s a special yellow for a quickie. NASCAR should have said we’re staying yellow for a GWC or going green and pitting is up to you. The Red flag is so serious it should never be used for us fans. It’s to save lives and any other use hurts its value…NASCAR influenced the event. JMO
2) NASCAR 3D…WTF (what the fudge…unless you’re Navy <wink>) was on their minds? Get the techno BS off the screen. I don’t care if you have GPS that tracks a gnats butt to within 3000 nanometers…If I wanted to see a video game telling me what you missed I could load up NASCAR 2006 with better graphics. Besides, for a second you had David outside the walls. I’m sure he’s glad his GPS was off.
3) “Commercials” and I’m not sure that this wasn’t just in my area. But, a spot for Toyota showing a map of Toyota’s 10.4 billion $ investment in the US was interrupted by a commercial for the TV show “24” showing an atomic bomb going off in LA with a mushroom cloud. It just struck me as rather strange that Toyota would take this approach to NASCAR. J/K Toyota…I for one welcome you.
4) And the last note goes to Doug in Cali. Who says, “Maybe it’s not a bad idea to make this a 400 mile event.” Doug, I don’t think it’s heresy, I concur. Especially if they kept the same time slot. We could see the WHOLE event and all the commercials. And, I hope Dave and Sharon return to Fontana (somebody has to…J/K) and continue to enjoy NASCAR.
Ok a few ????’s
Who painted the pace car like a Taxi? It took me 4 cautions to figure out it was a Monte Carlo.
Is Kyle Busch’s steering wheel loose or is he just fun to watch?
LOL, ok LV coming up…Which Busch gets the first ticket?
Your comments and Viva Las Vegas! A new track where anything goes…
February 26, 2007 | Permalink
Comments
I agree Keith, a "C" race. Not great, not terrible.
My answers:
1) Without the red flag, we finish under yellow or have a GWC. Some don't like one and some don't like the other. I suppose if you need to clean up the track and you don't want a great car to lose because of fuel mileage, then...of course, we're influencing the event now aren't we?
2) I agree...the 3-D was an integral part of what makes Fox's broadcasts utterly "stink" (unless you're Navy).
3) Yes, and have you noticed that the announcers are mentioning the manufacturers all of the time now? Whose idea was that?
4) 400 miles would be ok with me. But 500 is fine with me too.
Your last three questions: Kevin Costner, both, and whoever leaves the casino first.
Posted by: Kurt Smith | Feb 26, 2007 9:15:12 PM
Kurt,
David might have been hurt since he didn't respond quickly so then the red, as soon as he was deemed ok it should go to yellow and a clean-up like any other accident. A full yellow until it runs into GWC. Red should never be used for us to see a green finish. Again, JMO.
Besides the bomb scene from "24," I noticed Toyota doing a lot of good commercials showing their value in America. It's a global economy and I welcome them to NASCAR. And yes, they seemed overly concerned that we hear Ford, Chevy, and Dodge...While at the same time extolling the contributions of Toyota. Dang, if I wouldn't have missed that them there cars were made in America if them smart fellers hadn't told me...shoot.
Posted by: Keith | Feb 26, 2007 9:49:25 PM
Note: I did mess up on the Busch tickets. Phoenix/Las Vegas both deserts. But, who can say Sheriff Joe doesn't have a long arm?
Posted by: Keith | Feb 26, 2007 10:06:26 PM
Hey Keith, I can't completely agree. I give this race a solid F. Sadly, Rockingham's gone and this is it's replacement?? Pathetic. This was easily one of the worst races I've ever watched, and will be the last I watch from California. The quicker this track goes under the better...
The phantom debris caution with 25 to go did nothing to help, that just put a huge artificial stamp on the finish. For the first time, I agreed with Jimmie Johnson and thought his "they throw a caution for debris, and I don't think they found the debris yet" comment was hilarious. He got screwed. Plain and simple, he certainly got screwed by NASCAR's phantom debris that wasn't really there.
They should really let these races play out naturally, and also letting the race go green to the end may have prevented Reutimann's bad wreck. Cautions breed cautions, and I doubt he's getting in that incident if you don't bunch everybody up for an exciting made for TV finish that didn't happen anyway.
Here's my ideal solution for California speedway: Shut it down. Bulldoze it. Have ISC buy Irwindale. Build 50,000 or so more seats at Irwindale, then move both Cali races there. We get two more short track races at an exciting track. The SoCal market keeps two races, and maybe races at Irwindale will actually sell out. And, while I'm dreaming, the Labor Day weekend race goes back to Darlington where it belongs. And that's what I've got to say about that...
Posted by: Joe C. | Feb 26, 2007 10:07:30 PM
I hope you don't mind Keith with the cut and past job. I am being very lazy tonight. You know how us Air Force guys are..LOL
remember reading something about California 500 being a snozefest. It was a exciting race. There was a lot of side by side racing and great battles. I didn't lose any interest in the race, other than that crappy Fox 3D thing. I felt race was excellent and the track has improved over last year.(A+) The commentary was OK. I am really tired of the hyped NEW Hollywood Hotel. GIVE IT A REST ALREADY! There were a lot times when they went to Hollywood Hotel that they should have kept the action on the track on the screen. I feel Fox is slipping in their broadcast. Too many toys and not enough play by play.(D) Overall the whole experience was Average(C). The race was great, but the broadcast took too much away from the experience.
Just want to add something here...TONY WOULD HAVE WON IF HE DIDN'T SPEED ON PIT ROAD! LOL
Posted by: WBinCC | Feb 26, 2007 10:11:01 PM
Joe C,
Can't make it an F. It will probably equal or better what we get at many tracks this year. Hmmm, why are ratings down. Brian, ponders.
Ugh, "phantom debris"...LOL 17 HD cameras and they can't find it. If they call it, I think we should see it. LOL, the NFL will stop the whole game to see if a toe was in. Are we worth less or just supposed to be more trusting?
Posted by: Keith | Feb 26, 2007 10:27:33 PM
WB,
LOL, I forgive you for being Air Force and this Sr. Chief salutes your service. So, interpreting AF, you liked the race but thought the TV and the Hotel went over the top when they had race to cover.
I got a whole new view of how California sees NASCAR or maybe how TV interprets how it should be presented to them, when they brought out food to the Hotel. The hotel got caviar, finger sandwiches etc. the good ol' boys in the booth got corndogs. Oh, yeah someone was trying to impress and at the same time joke on us ol' hillbilly fans.
Posted by: Keith | Feb 26, 2007 10:38:30 PM
Ok, "Phantom Debris." Some guy called it and they threw a flag. Why is there never verification? He had to see something, right? Or, did he take someones word who said he saw something? Certainly, it's never a friend of my friend said he saw something, is it? How many people can say they might have seen something and get a flag? I may have been born in NY but my heart is always in the "Show Me" State. Show us NASCAR!
Posted by: Keith | Feb 26, 2007 10:50:34 PM
Keith,
Fox has done everything possible to make things slick and glamorous. Someone should tell them that it is about the race not high tech toys. Truthfully, I waiting for DW to start adding his own sound FX to Fox 3D. WHAMO!
I think the Phantom Debris was a pin on the track...a small pin..a really really small pin.
About the food, you are what you eat. LOL
Posted by: WBinCC | Feb 26, 2007 11:15:27 PM
About the race. It was OK but, I too absolutely hated the Fox 3D, and Keith NASCAR 99 has better graphics that that clip art cut and paste pile of something that smells bad. The Hollywood Hotel needs to go too, its a race not an awards show. In closing, I would still rather see another short track race than boring strung out green flag runs and phantom debris.
Posted by: another joe | Feb 27, 2007 3:40:09 AM
Keith I think this is one time where NASCAR was right for throwing the red. The car, what was left of it, stopped on the track and with the haste of the safety workers to get there the track was pretty much blocked. Add all of the fluids and debris strewn out and it just made sense in my mind.
The FOX guys are all talking about manufacturers because I am sure the other three got sick of listening to DW yammer about Toyota and bitched.
Vegas will be a wrec-fest with single groove racing because of new asphalt. This race might be better than the next one. IMO.
Posted by: Mark | Feb 27, 2007 7:23:32 AM
A few more suggestions to Fox , as people are suggesting get rid of that FOX 3D shit , there's no point to it , why not just have more cameras , if I wanted to see an animation , I would thor won the movie cars , which by the way has much better graphics .
DW , Let Boogity , Boogity , Boogity go . I was okay the first time , bad after that and now it's to the point where it's totally retarded , SHUT UP and just call the race .
The Hollywood Hotel is still terrible and so is Chris Myers , get rid of that non-nascar guy .
Posted by: Eric | Feb 27, 2007 7:51:34 AM
Joe C. offered one of the best ideas I've heard in awhile -- Irwindale -- in a post that included more logic and common sense than NASCAR has demonstrated in a couple of decades. Joe and I disagree over the quality of entertainment of the California race, but in everything else he wrote, I concur 100 percent.
Posted by: David Green | Feb 27, 2007 7:53:39 AM
Mark,
Sick of DW period is more like it. Too bad he didn't fall or sit on his corndog. As for Vegas I like the fact that they're trying to make it better. Humpy didn't get Charlotte right the first try but he kept at it. That seems to be the attitude in Vegas.
Posted by: Keith | Feb 27, 2007 8:01:29 AM
Eric,
You're right. As far as computer graphics go, new isn't always better.
Use my Boogity blocking method...I mute the TV, cover my ears (in case there's a TV on the race in listening distance) and go lalalalalalalalala until they pass the start/finish. Just not hearing it makes the race start off on the right foot.
Posted by: Keith | Feb 27, 2007 8:18:24 AM
David,
Joe C was a bit low on the score but, other than that, he nailed it. How's this? We move 50,000 seats from California to Irwindale and split the races. Then they could both sell out!
Posted by: Keith | Feb 27, 2007 8:20:19 AM
The guys calling the races should be heard and not seen. TV viewers tune in to "see" the action and who gives a crap about the Hollywood Hotel or who is in there. Benny Parsons, Buddy Baker and Barney Hall of MRN presented the facts, without pressing their own opinions. If I hear Boogity Boogity one more time I'll heave. There were a lot of empty seats in California...there will be more as the season progresses, except for Bristol. The graphics, toy cars, special effects, and commentary are the showmanship that racing does not require to be exiting.
It the race is a "sleeper" all the talk and razzle dazzzle won't change it. I know a parcel of land outside of Florence SC that would be a great expansion for NASCAR to build a super racing plant like they have proposed to the state of Washington...it is called Darlington. Think about where racing has "gone" since it "left" Darlington.
Posted by: Jim | Feb 27, 2007 9:03:20 AM
Bruton is working to make it better I agree totally. IT is just the nature of a new track to be single-grooved until the asphalts seasons and there is more time spent on it.
Posted by: Mark | Feb 27, 2007 9:07:14 AM
Joe C., the red flag has nothing to do with the track, nor does the phantom debris call. Those may well both show that NASCAR has some problems figuring out its own rules, but don't lay that on the track. As I have said, I enjoyed the race, but won't argue with Keith's C, which I thought was going to be a C+.
And I thought Kevin Costner's band was pretty good. It wasn't real imaginative or innovative, but I liked it enough to stand there for about 20 minutes.
Posted by: Doug | Feb 27, 2007 10:48:57 AM
I used to enjoy when explain certain terms with graphics. That is how my kids started to get interested in the race. They now know what most of the drivers are talking about when they said loose or tight condition. Now, that is something that should be done, so new fans can get the terminology. DW should be used for more the driver's perspective and cut down the humor. Talk about your experience in the car and less about your comedy ideas.
Posted by: WBinCC | Feb 27, 2007 10:49:51 AM
Hey Keith,
I visited David Greene's blog about changing the rules before comming here. Those comments woulda' fit better here.
But, I labled my comments "Going Barbarro". Thinking that complaining about coverage was beating the poor dead horse. When I got here I felt better. It wasn't just me, it was the broadcast.
Give the race a solid B, the broadcast a solid Dminus. The debris field was major so the red was a good call, unless you did want a GWC. Any graphics during green flag racing makes me squirm. The info they have to share is generally good, just not good timing. The 3D provides nothing of value to this viewer.
Posted by: Larry | Feb 27, 2007 12:22:20 PM
Did FOX have outside footage(not in-car) of Reutiman's crash? Nope. So why do we instantly throw NASCAR under the bus for so-called phantom debris? The TV crew misses things all the time. Maybe they missed it, maybe it is NASCAR, but, we don't know.
You even look at the carnage from Reutiman's wreck? The red was warranted with the mine field of debris he left behind. Race car kick a chunk of sharp metal up into a track worker that could get ugly. They are people too it isn't just about the drivers and your entertainment value. What's the difference? 15minute red-flag or 15 caution laps?
Posted by: Scott | Feb 27, 2007 1:18:51 PM
I thought this race was better than most I have seen at Fontana.There were empty seats but not as many.Last year there was huge empty sections.
Nascar uses the red,yellow,gwc to create excitement.True race fans do not need that,the racing is enough.
After reading all the comments,I still do not know what Fox 3D is!
Posted by: Short Lady | Feb 27, 2007 2:36:35 PM
Scott,
Someone saw debris and I'm not buying that they couldn't get a camera on it. Or, maybe, they could follow the truck that goes to get it. Ya think? And, stop with the bleeding heart, track workers are people too. I didn't say to go blazing through the debris, throwing caution to the wind. The driver was safe and I have seen bigger wrecks cleaned up faster.
Posted by: Keith | Feb 27, 2007 2:46:53 PM
Short,
Fox 3D was them showing computer generated cars (like in a PC game)supposedly positioned by gps tracking to emulate exactly what happened on the track. I suppose it's kind of neat technology but I don't believe GPS is accurate (civilian sector) to better than 30ft or so. Actually it looks like one of their guys in the control booth is playing NASCAR 2006 and they accidently swapped his monitor to the big screen.
Posted by: Keith | Feb 27, 2007 2:54:16 PM
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