Scott, I turned it on, heard Mikey say about 10 words and it was "goodbye trucks, goodbye Camping World, and goodbye Waltrip". I thought we would get a break but nooooooooooo. Well, they can just forget it. No more Truck Races for me. Kyle Busch winning all of them and having to listen to Mikey???? I think I'll just book about 10 root canal WITHOUT the laughing gas.
Exactly Scott. I listen on radio while watching a muted tv.
Sandeep, thanks for jumping in on this. I sincerely doubt it was Junior going for the win that upped the ratings because that didn't happen until like 5 laps to go. I do agree that Adam Alexander is not exactly a cheerleader for excitement but I can at least enjoy the tone of his voice.
If it ever came right down to it, I MIGHT choose a Waltrip over a root canal but that is highly unlikely. Those two are, simply stated, a disgrace to racing and to broadcasting.
Hope all is well in your corner of the world.
Bill, you can bet I will sing Happy Birthday to you. Hope someone gets it on video so it can make the site. Heck, if it makes YouTube I may be the next Justin Beiber. lol. I agree with you on Kyle, Wally and Ricky and you don't even have to sing Happy Birthday to me!
I was going through all the major racing sites, as I do almost every day when time permits, and came across a report on the television ratings for the Pocono race last Sunday. What I found to be very interesting was that, for the first time this season, and the first time in quite a while, television ratings for the broadcast were UP. Not only UP, but UP 7% over last year.
Now, keep these thoughts in mind:
1. This was the first race this season without a Waltrip in the broadcast booth. Are you reading this NASCAR? Are you reading this FOX? Are you smart enough to grasp that report?
2. FOX is a major network, available in most U.S. households yet rating were in the basement, or lower, while the network carrying Pocono, and the summer series, is available only on Cable networks. Their reach, while good for a cable only network, is far below that of FOX, yet the ratings were up.
3. Many fans have commented that Pocono is one of the least exciting races on the circuit due to the huge expansive track which lends itself to runaway leaders. While I don't necessarily agree with that statement, I know many folks personally who do not watch races from Pocono.
I know I'm far up the list of those wanting the Waltrips dumped from television and this report seems to support what I've been saying. The Waltrips are detrimental to the sport of stock car racing when they are in the broadcast booth. I must say it was a pleasure to watch the race Sunday with no idiotic "grid walk", no "boogity......" stupidity, and no constant reminder of how great the D. W. one was when he raced.
So, NASCAR, FOX, wise up and be prepared to start off the 2015 season with the Waltrips out to pasture somewhere in Kentucky where the blue grass is just fine for their retirement. Doubt it will happen, but it's worth the thought.
Thanks, Bill, for pointing out that I missed the HOF tour. Wow, the old brain is really losing it. Looking forward to seeing you so I can sing Happy Birthday to you.
Ok, folks, we are getting to that time of year when things really start hopping for those of us who like to participate in racing related get-togethers. Please mark the following on your calendar and I hope many of you will be able to make some time:
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014 @ 9:30 a.m. Team South Carolina Midlands breakfast social time at The Shoney's Restaurant, at the Airport Exit off I-26 in West Columbia. That is highway 302 and is clearly marked at the Airport Exit. Head towards the airport and Shoney's in on your right almost immediately after the interstate. Starts at 9:30 and we'll hang around to eat and talk. If there is any interest in doing so, we'll float out to Historic Columbia Speedway and do some bench racing! You do NOT have to be a member of Team SC Midlands to attend and there will be no pressure to join or become a part even though it is totally free and requires nothing from you but your love of Columbia Speedway.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH. RacersReunion group NASCAR Hall of Fame Visit in Charlotte. Meet at the Hall between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m, main entrance, for a tour of the Hall of Fame. Check their site for admission prices and other suggestions for the visit. We have done this two times now and the visits are really great fun, especially with the group who attend. Lots of NASCAR history in the group get together. Hope many can make this.
Oh, and Thanks to Bill McPeek for pointing out that I missed listing this in the original post. Hope many of you can make it. Watch the site for follow up posts on this event. Should be a big one for us.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: Augusta International Raceway Preservation Society will hold its Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday Evening at the Diamond Lakes facility. Saturday will feature race cars, show cars, and drivers and fans all gathered at the facility. Check out Augusta International Raceway Preservation Society on Facebook or their web site for more information and directions to Diamond Lakes just outside of Augusta, Exit 7 off the Bobby Jones Express Way. There is a charge for the Friday night banquet but I have been there the past four years and can personally vouch for the great food and the wonderful company. It is a great time.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. The Historic Speedway Group will host its annual "Celebration of the Automobile" in Hillsboro, NC. There will be a car show and drop in on Friday evening which, in itself, is a huge event, but the happens on Saturday are not to be missed by anyone who truly loves historic racing. It would be almost impossible to list who will be there but I'm betting on at least TWO living NASCAR Hall of Fame members or Inductees, and another ONE family of one being inducted. So many folks will be there who can provide so much personal reference to the early days, including Bill Blair, Jr., who is always ready to talk history and to show it to you before your very eyes. This is one event that is a "must do" for the serious fan of racing history.
Once again, an excellent post of historic proportions!!! Loving these stories and loving these photos. You guys are awesome.
Hope you find one Bill. I'm looking through my old photos now but 1969 was before I was getting pit passes and press credentials.
