All Jacked Up
Fontana aftermath
Posted by: Jason Randall
Monday, February 23, 2009 3:08 PM
Matt Kenseth followed up his rain-shortened win in the Daytona 500 on Sunday by making it 2 for 2 on the season with a victory at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. Once again the racing was excellent, but unfortunately I can't say the same about the Fox broadcast. Gosh I can't stand all the ridiculousness (don't think that's a word) the folks at Fox do with their NASCAR broadcasts. Let me list the ways:
- Is it illegal to put a hit out on an animated gopher? I'm sure I could round up a hefty chunk of cash for Elmer Fudd if he wants to take a break from "wabbit" hunting. Seriously, this Digger stuff has to go. Now Fox rolls out these "Digger and Friends" animated shorts!?!?! I realize the company wants to make NASCAR races family friendly, but come on, guys. This is just out of hand. Unfortunately I think Digger is here to stay. Ugh. Can't wait for ESPN/ABC to take over.
- Why do we need to see musical acts before the race. No, I'm not talking about the National Anthem. That's fine. I'm talking about the lame performance put on by former Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale. I would say 99.9 percent of racing fans would prefer more driver interviews over listening to this garbage music. This isn't variety show hour. When people watch Letterman or Leno or Conan, the channel gets changed when the musical acts start. When folks tune in to "Saturday Night Live," the musical acts always signal that it's time to see what else is on. This stuff is torture. This is when you make a run for wings or beverages if you haven't done so already ... or find some other sport on until the race begins.
- Why does everyone involved with the Fox broadcast think they are comedians? I can't EVER recall laughing at these guys' stupid banter back and forth. Stick to reporting.
- What in the H-E-double hockey stick was the deal with Jeff Hammond's poem about Jack Roush? That was as bad as television has ever been. What's worse is Hammond was beaming about it. He actually was proud of his work!
OK, I did enjoy the interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. regarding his crash last week at Daytona. Junior got a little chippy with DW and it was kind of nice to see. I really think Earnhardt Jr. has decicded it's no more Mr. Nice Guy (who?) this season.
I also liked Hugh Laurie giving the command to start the engines, but that's just because I'm a fan of "House."
Anyway, it was a good race once the rain decided to hold off and it's very entertaining to see certain guys in the Top 12 in points right now. Enjoy it while you can Mr. Reutimann.
Comments
Digger must go. The thing I find even more annoying then just Digger is the forced laughter that the announcers have to create whenever the little gopher is on screen. At least I think it's forced, I really can't tell if they get a kick out of digger or not. And if they do... sigh...
Posted by chicken on February 23, 2009 at 3:12 PM
I thought it was a pretty good race as well....and yes I get tired of the Fox comedian wanna be's.
Not only did the 17 car finish first for 2 races in a row, but I think that Tony Stewart finished 8th in each race. That is probably as unique as what Kenseth has done. All are possible but not that probable in my mind.
Keep up the good work on the blog...I enjoy the Monday chat.
Posted by Flex on February 23, 2009 at 3:33 PM
There are only two things that I am aware that are worse then Jeff Hammond's poem:
1) His 1985 State Fair Rodeo Champion belt buckle, and
2) His tight Chuck Norris kicking jeans.
Posted by gocubs6 on February 23, 2009 at 7:59 PM
I like both Jeff Hammonds poem and Digger!! Also I like Kyle Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya, the New York Yankees, A-Rod, and Chris Brown.
Posted by weedner on February 24, 2009 at 7:29 AM
Why doesn't Fox just start a Saturday morning kids show with Digger, Slider the Talking Baseball and the NFL robots?
Posted by chrispatton33 on February 24, 2009 at 1:38 PM
