David Reutimann, who drives Michael Waltrip Racing's Aaron's Toyota in Sprint Cup, was the Newsmaker guest on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters show on PowerUpChannel.com. Dustin Long and Ron Lemasters Jr. joined me for the journalists' roundtable.
David was an EXCELLENT guest. Pay special note to his comments about driver "paybacks" in the second half of our intereview.
Use this link to listen to the entire show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44774
REMINDER: PowerUpChannel.com will have four hours of exclusive live programming from Phoenix International Raceway Saturday, April 10, starting at 3 p.m. EDT (noon Pacific), leading up to the Subway Fresh Fit 600k NASCAR Sprint Cup event. I'll do a special The Race Reporters at 4 p.m. EDT, 1 p.m. Pacific.
Check out my story on the many changes drivers, teams and fans will experience at PIR . It will run in this Sunday's Arizona Republic. Mark Armijo and I will have PIR coverage all next week. You can find our stories at http://azcentral.com/ .
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ more next week . . . ]
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
RAINY DAYS and MONDAYS
HEADLINE NEWS: PowerUpChannel.com will have four hours of exclusive live programming from Phoenix International Raceway Saturday, April 10, starting at 3 p.m. EDT (noon Pacific), leading up to the Subway Fresh Fit 600k NASCAR Sprint Cup event. I'll be a part of this with special The Race Reporters segments.
Rain, rain, well, Sunday, it didn't go away in Martinsville or St. Petersburg or Charlotte.
NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA all plan to race Monday . . . when -- if ever -- has THAT happened?
The Izod IndyCar Series was quick to herald the improved TV numbers for its opener in Brazil on Versus, but the ratings for Sunday's run in St. Pete would have been much more important for sponsors left to ponder their investment in the sport. It was an ABC network telecast, late afternoon, with a NASCAR rainout, with competition from -- among other events -- NHRA's Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte.
In the on-going debate on how best to rebuild the once-great series, one topic that always seems to find its way into the talk is a return to Phoenix International Raceway. Indy machines first ran the Arizona one-mile oval in 1964 -- A.J. Foyt won -- and PIR became a legendary stop on the trail. And a hugely popular one, too. But years of decline ultimately resulted in an end after the 2005 event, won by Sam Hornish Jr.
PIR President Bryan Sperber was the Newsmaker guest on my The Race Reporters show last week. Mark Armijo asked about the possibility of a new IndyCar try. For the record, here's how Sperber answered:
"I have not spoken to Randy (Bernard, new ICS CEO) as of yet. Anytime we've had conversations with the IRL after they dropped us from their schedule, we've always entertained the possibility of returning. It is something we are interested in. But, as I've said to them, each time we've revisited this, it has to make sense for all parties involved. That includes the League, television, etc. It really includes the fans here in the Valley, first and foremost. We've got to figure out a time on the schedule that makes sense. That's been the stumbling block, it continues to be the stumbling block, at least as of about two years ago, when we last looked at it. Maybe if something has changed with the IRL, and there's more flexibility there, something could get done. As of today, there's no discussions."
"I think the IRL, for all the good things it could bring, it would be a challenge. Let's not kid ourselves: This is a series that certainly has had some difficulties as of late. Returning to a market where the series has left -- in the way that they left, which was flat-out dropping us -- they've got a tough sell-job with fans. I'm probably the easiest guy to deal with. It's the fans that they're going to have a long road to hoe and building back their confidence. This would not be an easy item to schedule on their calendar . . . Time heals all wounds, but I think the IRL has to go the extra mile and show they're sincere with the fans here in the Valley."
Here's the audio link for the full show and interview:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44773
FAST LINES: One factor in Danica's NASCAR adventure is IndyCar's increasing number of road course events -- especially street races. Don't doubt that . . . For once Indy team owners did something smart -- electing Gil de Ferran as their rep to the advisory committee for the new car formula . . . Here are three words Milka Duno and Brian Barnhart need to learn pronto -- Start-and-Park . . . The broadcast facility at zMax Dragway has been dedicated to the memory of Steve Evans. Thanks to Paul Page for helping to make it happen . . . I warned a few months ago that sports coverage will never be the same with TMZ.com getting involved. We saw an example last weekend with the TMZ report of Arizona Cardinals' linebacker Joey Porter's arrest . . . Absolute must read: "Confessions of a Sportswriter," by Frank Deford, in the March 29 Sports Illustrated.
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ David Reutimann news note Thursday . . . ]
Rain, rain, well, Sunday, it didn't go away in Martinsville or St. Petersburg or Charlotte.
NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA all plan to race Monday . . . when -- if ever -- has THAT happened?
The Izod IndyCar Series was quick to herald the improved TV numbers for its opener in Brazil on Versus, but the ratings for Sunday's run in St. Pete would have been much more important for sponsors left to ponder their investment in the sport. It was an ABC network telecast, late afternoon, with a NASCAR rainout, with competition from -- among other events -- NHRA's Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte.
In the on-going debate on how best to rebuild the once-great series, one topic that always seems to find its way into the talk is a return to Phoenix International Raceway. Indy machines first ran the Arizona one-mile oval in 1964 -- A.J. Foyt won -- and PIR became a legendary stop on the trail. And a hugely popular one, too. But years of decline ultimately resulted in an end after the 2005 event, won by Sam Hornish Jr.
PIR President Bryan Sperber was the Newsmaker guest on my The Race Reporters show last week. Mark Armijo asked about the possibility of a new IndyCar try. For the record, here's how Sperber answered:
"I have not spoken to Randy (Bernard, new ICS CEO) as of yet. Anytime we've had conversations with the IRL after they dropped us from their schedule, we've always entertained the possibility of returning. It is something we are interested in. But, as I've said to them, each time we've revisited this, it has to make sense for all parties involved. That includes the League, television, etc. It really includes the fans here in the Valley, first and foremost. We've got to figure out a time on the schedule that makes sense. That's been the stumbling block, it continues to be the stumbling block, at least as of about two years ago, when we last looked at it. Maybe if something has changed with the IRL, and there's more flexibility there, something could get done. As of today, there's no discussions."
"I think the IRL, for all the good things it could bring, it would be a challenge. Let's not kid ourselves: This is a series that certainly has had some difficulties as of late. Returning to a market where the series has left -- in the way that they left, which was flat-out dropping us -- they've got a tough sell-job with fans. I'm probably the easiest guy to deal with. It's the fans that they're going to have a long road to hoe and building back their confidence. This would not be an easy item to schedule on their calendar . . . Time heals all wounds, but I think the IRL has to go the extra mile and show they're sincere with the fans here in the Valley."
Here's the audio link for the full show and interview:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44773
FAST LINES: One factor in Danica's NASCAR adventure is IndyCar's increasing number of road course events -- especially street races. Don't doubt that . . . For once Indy team owners did something smart -- electing Gil de Ferran as their rep to the advisory committee for the new car formula . . . Here are three words Milka Duno and Brian Barnhart need to learn pronto -- Start-and-Park . . . The broadcast facility at zMax Dragway has been dedicated to the memory of Steve Evans. Thanks to Paul Page for helping to make it happen . . . I warned a few months ago that sports coverage will never be the same with TMZ.com getting involved. We saw an example last weekend with the TMZ report of Arizona Cardinals' linebacker Joey Porter's arrest . . . Absolute must read: "Confessions of a Sportswriter," by Frank Deford, in the March 29 Sports Illustrated.
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ David Reutimann news note Thursday . . . ]
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
PIR's BRYAN SPERBER
Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber was the in-studio Newsmaker guest on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters on PowerUp Channel. PIR is one of the few tracks to increase its race distance, up to 600k for the April 10 Subway Fresh Fit 600k, due to NASCAR's new, earlier starting times. More laps mean the race will still end at night. Mark Armijo and Bob Pockrass joined me for the journalists roundtable.
Use this link to listen to the entire show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44773
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ more next week . . . ]
Use this link to listen to the entire show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44773
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ more next week . . . ]
Sunday, March 21, 2010
INDY NEEDS REPORTING, NOT CHEERLEADING
For over 15 years, American open-wheel racing has suffered from too much cheerleading instead of journalism. When Tony George announced his mistake-for-the-generations Indy Racing League, starting with the 1996 season, many media people took sides with either the IRL or CART/Champ Car. Fans -- and the industry -- were done a disservice in the name of self-interest.
That, as a wise man once told me, is a True Fact.
It's a sad commentary that, even with unification and Tony G's dethronement by his own family, not enough has changed on the journo front. Except, of course, that due to the Indy sport's diminishment in attention and prestige, there's a lot less coverage.
And even less actual, honest-to-God, reporting.
More microscopic, yet, is the absence of Business of Racing-informed analysis. Foreign adventure, as expanded by numerous CART/Champ Car managements, further eroded the domestic fan base -- to NASCAR's gain. One of the biggest PR BS lines was that profit from international events would help the series re-build in the U.S. NO! The sanction's slice of those hefty fees was revenue to help offset sizeable overall financial losses.
So, now, the IndyCar organization has gone to Brazil. And that same line has been trotted out yet again -- unchallenged (until now). And, once again, precious USA market turf has been yielded to others.
I could only shake my head when one writer put at the top of his "what I learned" list after the Sao Paulo trip: "Brazilians love IndyCar racing."
I'm glad some fan population does. Good, then. Move the ICS headquarters to Rio and make it a South American -- rather than American -- series. Then, the new business model would make Indianapolis and Long Beach "international" stops on the tour.
FAST LINES: We pretty much knew Bristol's streak of 56 consecutive Cup sell-outs would end, but the number of empty seats Sunday was STUNNING . . . So, as of March 15, Versus is back on DirecTV. Where's one of the first places you heard that was in the works -- maybe THE first place? The Race Reporters, on March 2 . . . Good for IndyCar the Brazil race beat last year's Versus ratings. Meanwhile, ponder this: While the League is on Versus April 11, Tiger Woods (unless he misses the cut) will be playing in the final round of The Masters. It will take MIT's most powerful electron microscope plus Hubble to find a viewer. NASCAR runs that Saturday night at Phoenix . . . What happens when a network news president also heads the sports division? Conflict of interest! Thus it came to be that Tiger's return was the LEAD STORY on the March 16 CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. The other net news shows rightly led with the historic health-care debate in congress. But with CBS televising The Masters, and with Sean McManus in charge of both news and sports, the black-eye net went with Woods. When the time comes -- and it will -- CBS senior management should be held accountable, along with Couric -- for the failure of her newscast . . . Since The Masters tightly controls media access, watch for all the second, third, fourth and even fifth-level so-called Tiger "friends-of-friends," and "associates-of-associates" to make themselves available to writers and broadcasters who show up in Augusta but don't have credentials -- going for their 15 seconds of fame . . . I made the mistake of turning on NASCAR Now last Wednesday. First up? Nicole Briscoe introducing Brad Daugherty for "Bristol Bracketology." Click . . . ALMS opened at Sebring and, sadly, Speed brought back the same terrible trio of pit reporters. Jamie Howe -- the Brienne Pedigo of sports car racing -- had this sharp question for one winner: "How was it?" Given the absence of prototypes, the series has no choice but to hype-up the competitive but second-level GT class, which is like NHRA trying to grab attention with Pro Stock instead of the nitro classes. Porsche vs. Ferrari vs. Corvette vs. BMW is good, but the PR line that it's better than the 1970s Trans-Am is bogus. I was around in those days and the likes of Dan Gurney, Mark Donohue and Parnelli Jones were wheeling for Ford, Mercury, Chevrolet, AMC, Dodge and Plymouth. Sorry, guys, no comparison! . . . As a former member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, I wonder: Why can't hockey come up with it's own version of the SAFER wall?
The American Media, March 2010: An AP story about a Navy officer being relieved of command included this -- "(The officer's) phone number is unlisted. He didn't immediately return a Facebook message seeking comment."
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ Bryan Sperber news nugget Thursday . . . ]
That, as a wise man once told me, is a True Fact.
It's a sad commentary that, even with unification and Tony G's dethronement by his own family, not enough has changed on the journo front. Except, of course, that due to the Indy sport's diminishment in attention and prestige, there's a lot less coverage.
And even less actual, honest-to-God, reporting.
More microscopic, yet, is the absence of Business of Racing-informed analysis. Foreign adventure, as expanded by numerous CART/Champ Car managements, further eroded the domestic fan base -- to NASCAR's gain. One of the biggest PR BS lines was that profit from international events would help the series re-build in the U.S. NO! The sanction's slice of those hefty fees was revenue to help offset sizeable overall financial losses.
So, now, the IndyCar organization has gone to Brazil. And that same line has been trotted out yet again -- unchallenged (until now). And, once again, precious USA market turf has been yielded to others.
I could only shake my head when one writer put at the top of his "what I learned" list after the Sao Paulo trip: "Brazilians love IndyCar racing."
I'm glad some fan population does. Good, then. Move the ICS headquarters to Rio and make it a South American -- rather than American -- series. Then, the new business model would make Indianapolis and Long Beach "international" stops on the tour.
FAST LINES: We pretty much knew Bristol's streak of 56 consecutive Cup sell-outs would end, but the number of empty seats Sunday was STUNNING . . . So, as of March 15, Versus is back on DirecTV. Where's one of the first places you heard that was in the works -- maybe THE first place? The Race Reporters, on March 2 . . . Good for IndyCar the Brazil race beat last year's Versus ratings. Meanwhile, ponder this: While the League is on Versus April 11, Tiger Woods (unless he misses the cut) will be playing in the final round of The Masters. It will take MIT's most powerful electron microscope plus Hubble to find a viewer. NASCAR runs that Saturday night at Phoenix . . . What happens when a network news president also heads the sports division? Conflict of interest! Thus it came to be that Tiger's return was the LEAD STORY on the March 16 CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. The other net news shows rightly led with the historic health-care debate in congress. But with CBS televising The Masters, and with Sean McManus in charge of both news and sports, the black-eye net went with Woods. When the time comes -- and it will -- CBS senior management should be held accountable, along with Couric -- for the failure of her newscast . . . Since The Masters tightly controls media access, watch for all the second, third, fourth and even fifth-level so-called Tiger "friends-of-friends," and "associates-of-associates" to make themselves available to writers and broadcasters who show up in Augusta but don't have credentials -- going for their 15 seconds of fame . . . I made the mistake of turning on NASCAR Now last Wednesday. First up? Nicole Briscoe introducing Brad Daugherty for "Bristol Bracketology." Click . . . ALMS opened at Sebring and, sadly, Speed brought back the same terrible trio of pit reporters. Jamie Howe -- the Brienne Pedigo of sports car racing -- had this sharp question for one winner: "How was it?" Given the absence of prototypes, the series has no choice but to hype-up the competitive but second-level GT class, which is like NHRA trying to grab attention with Pro Stock instead of the nitro classes. Porsche vs. Ferrari vs. Corvette vs. BMW is good, but the PR line that it's better than the 1970s Trans-Am is bogus. I was around in those days and the likes of Dan Gurney, Mark Donohue and Parnelli Jones were wheeling for Ford, Mercury, Chevrolet, AMC, Dodge and Plymouth. Sorry, guys, no comparison! . . . As a former member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, I wonder: Why can't hockey come up with it's own version of the SAFER wall?
The American Media, March 2010: An AP story about a Navy officer being relieved of command included this -- "(The officer's) phone number is unlisted. He didn't immediately return a Facebook message seeking comment."
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ Bryan Sperber news nugget Thursday . . . ]
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
ASKING ASHLEY
One of America's most popular drivers, Ashley Force Hood, made a return visit to The Race Reporters Wednesday night on PowerUp Channel. Holly Cain and Corinne Economaki joined me to talk with last season's Funny Car runner-up and U.S. Nationals winner.
With Carl Edwards-Brad Keselowski still in the headlines, I asked Ashley this: Who is your biggest rival? Hint: It changes during the season!
Listen to the entire show using this link:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44771
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ more next week . . . ]
With Carl Edwards-Brad Keselowski still in the headlines, I asked Ashley this: Who is your biggest rival? Hint: It changes during the season!
Listen to the entire show using this link:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44771
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: John Sturbin, Bobby Bennett. Plus, Peter De Lorenzo.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ more next week . . . ]
Sunday, March 14, 2010
COINCIDENCE or TREND?
REMINDER: She's back! Ashley Force Hood returns to The Race Reporters Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDT, on www.PowerUpChannel.com. Ashley will stay with us for the entire second half-hour. Holly Cain, of AOL Sports, and Corinne Economaki, president and publisher of National Speed Sport News, will be on the roundtable.
Coincidence . . . or trend?
A pothole stopped the Daytona 500 -- twice. As yet not fully explained track problems forced NHRA to run the last three Arizona Nationals Pro Stock rounds in Gainesville, Fla. Twice, the yellow warnings lights mysteriously turned themselves on at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Here's a theory: Tracks have reduced their maintenance budgets, due to the economy. We just might be seeing the result.
Other than the principals, the most embarrassed party in the stalled-before-it-ever-started so-called "U.S." Formula One team should be SPEED. The F1 host channel cheerleaded, not covered, this enterprise. I wrote the following March 2, 2009, after SPEED put on the team's introduction announcement live:
Here are BASIC things we still don't know about USF1 even after last week's live "news conference" (and cheerleading) on SPEED:
1. It was said team founders Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor sold an ownership stake. Who was the buyer? What percentage? How much? Is the money in the team's bank account, or just promised?
2. It was said a visual presentation existed for display to investors. How many more investors are needed? What additional percentage of the team ownership will be sold? How much more funding is needed?
3. Is Bernie Ecclestone, either directly or through a company he owns/controls, financially involved in USF1?
4. The budget has been reported as $62 million. Is that accurate? If so, how much is actually in the bank, vs. pledged funds?
5. Sponsors?
6. Marco Andretti was promoted as a potential driver. The Andretti family position, from Mario to Michael to Marco, has been it would take a ride with one of the "top" teams to make the switch from Indy Cars. Are they saying USF1 will be considered a "top" team right from the start?
7. What is the actual deadline, go/no-go, date to ensure the team is on the grid for the 2010 season opener?
8. Oh, and why weren't the above seven questions asked?
There was valid reason to doubt the reality of this operation from Day One. Real American F1 fans would have best been served with some actual JOURNALISM from SPEED. Credibility counts . . . and it also wasn't helped by a recent and massively misjudged column on who does good PR.
As I've written before, SPEED should have an Ombudsman. ESPN does.
FAST LINES: IndyCar -- which has been heavily hyping its business relationships in Brazil -- saw its Sao Paulo race week begin with Brazil setting the stage for a potential trade war with the U.S. Brazil moved to raise tariffs, starting next month, on a wide range of American goods . . . In a series where many teams are gasping for sufficient sponsorship, IndyCar management thumbed its nose at those who are involved by introducing its version of the victory lane Terrible Towel. Honda and Firestone -- the series would be up-the-creek without them -- were among the sponsors who had their driver uniform ID stolen Sunday. Sponsors rejected such uniform ID cover-ups by unanimous vote at a meeting before the 1985 CART season. I was there. Of course, no one at the ICS -- a series built on the history of the Indy 500 -- bothers to learn such Business of Racing history . . . Meanwhile, instead of asking Ryan Hunter-Reay about the last-minute pass that cost him victory, Jack Arute's journalistically-challenged question was about the series sponsorship . . . GREAT competition -- and PR -- move by Sarah Fisher to put Graham Rahal in her Dollar General car for St. Pete and Alabama . . . I could not help but laugh over the media angst over what NASCAR would do following the Carl Edwards-Brad Keselowski incident at Atlanta. Typical was the self-headlined writer "expert" who typed NASCAR didn't have "any choice but to suspend Edwards."(!) . . . A SPEED writer recalled: "Those who saw the blood on the ground in the grandstands after the Keselowski-Edwards crash at Talladega last year won’t soon forget it." That didn't stop producers from using the video as "eye candy" entertainment . . . Congratulations to Angelle Sampey, racing's winningest female driver, who announced her retirement last week . . . Proving, once again, there's one born every minute: Reports of talks for an ALMS race in downtown Oklahoma City. A race "has the potential to deliver an economic impact comparable to hosting a Final Four,” event partners were quoted as saying. You betcha! The only question is if city officials will do more than the sort of rubber-stamp due diligence Phoenix City Council performed for the aborted 2007 Champ Car fiasco . . . ESPN's choice of Hall of Fame TV production and management executive Don Ohlmeyer as its new Ombudsman was brilliant, as proven again by his most recent monthly column.
This is from a news release issued March 9 by the owner/producer of The Race Reporters. My great thanks to all of you:
Michael Knight is host of the top-rated radio program on the Power Up Motorsports Channel. His program commands an audience share of over 25% of the channel’s total audience and is consistently growing in exposure since its debut in June of 2009.
“We are honored to have a host like Michael Knight on our team.” said Jeff Spenard, President of World Talk Radio, LLC, which manages operation of the Power Up Motorsports Channel. “With Michael’s experience as a journalist, combined with his connections in the Motor Sports industry, there is absolutely no question as to why he is one of the fastest growing programs on our network. By facilitating an exclusive interview with Jeff Gordon, Michael is proving that his program has the big names in the industry taking notice.”
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: Bobby Bennett, TBA.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ Ashley Force Hood news note Thursday . . . ]
Coincidence . . . or trend?
A pothole stopped the Daytona 500 -- twice. As yet not fully explained track problems forced NHRA to run the last three Arizona Nationals Pro Stock rounds in Gainesville, Fla. Twice, the yellow warnings lights mysteriously turned themselves on at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Here's a theory: Tracks have reduced their maintenance budgets, due to the economy. We just might be seeing the result.
Other than the principals, the most embarrassed party in the stalled-before-it-ever-started so-called "U.S." Formula One team should be SPEED. The F1 host channel cheerleaded, not covered, this enterprise. I wrote the following March 2, 2009, after SPEED put on the team's introduction announcement live:
Here are BASIC things we still don't know about USF1 even after last week's live "news conference" (and cheerleading) on SPEED:
1. It was said team founders Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor sold an ownership stake. Who was the buyer? What percentage? How much? Is the money in the team's bank account, or just promised?
2. It was said a visual presentation existed for display to investors. How many more investors are needed? What additional percentage of the team ownership will be sold? How much more funding is needed?
3. Is Bernie Ecclestone, either directly or through a company he owns/controls, financially involved in USF1?
4. The budget has been reported as $62 million. Is that accurate? If so, how much is actually in the bank, vs. pledged funds?
5. Sponsors?
6. Marco Andretti was promoted as a potential driver. The Andretti family position, from Mario to Michael to Marco, has been it would take a ride with one of the "top" teams to make the switch from Indy Cars. Are they saying USF1 will be considered a "top" team right from the start?
7. What is the actual deadline, go/no-go, date to ensure the team is on the grid for the 2010 season opener?
8. Oh, and why weren't the above seven questions asked?
There was valid reason to doubt the reality of this operation from Day One. Real American F1 fans would have best been served with some actual JOURNALISM from SPEED. Credibility counts . . . and it also wasn't helped by a recent and massively misjudged column on who does good PR.
As I've written before, SPEED should have an Ombudsman. ESPN does.
FAST LINES: IndyCar -- which has been heavily hyping its business relationships in Brazil -- saw its Sao Paulo race week begin with Brazil setting the stage for a potential trade war with the U.S. Brazil moved to raise tariffs, starting next month, on a wide range of American goods . . . In a series where many teams are gasping for sufficient sponsorship, IndyCar management thumbed its nose at those who are involved by introducing its version of the victory lane Terrible Towel. Honda and Firestone -- the series would be up-the-creek without them -- were among the sponsors who had their driver uniform ID stolen Sunday. Sponsors rejected such uniform ID cover-ups by unanimous vote at a meeting before the 1985 CART season. I was there. Of course, no one at the ICS -- a series built on the history of the Indy 500 -- bothers to learn such Business of Racing history . . . Meanwhile, instead of asking Ryan Hunter-Reay about the last-minute pass that cost him victory, Jack Arute's journalistically-challenged question was about the series sponsorship . . . GREAT competition -- and PR -- move by Sarah Fisher to put Graham Rahal in her Dollar General car for St. Pete and Alabama . . . I could not help but laugh over the media angst over what NASCAR would do following the Carl Edwards-Brad Keselowski incident at Atlanta. Typical was the self-headlined writer "expert" who typed NASCAR didn't have "any choice but to suspend Edwards."(!) . . . A SPEED writer recalled: "Those who saw the blood on the ground in the grandstands after the Keselowski-Edwards crash at Talladega last year won’t soon forget it." That didn't stop producers from using the video as "eye candy" entertainment . . . Congratulations to Angelle Sampey, racing's winningest female driver, who announced her retirement last week . . . Proving, once again, there's one born every minute: Reports of talks for an ALMS race in downtown Oklahoma City. A race "has the potential to deliver an economic impact comparable to hosting a Final Four,” event partners were quoted as saying. You betcha! The only question is if city officials will do more than the sort of rubber-stamp due diligence Phoenix City Council performed for the aborted 2007 Champ Car fiasco . . . ESPN's choice of Hall of Fame TV production and management executive Don Ohlmeyer as its new Ombudsman was brilliant, as proven again by his most recent monthly column.
This is from a news release issued March 9 by the owner/producer of The Race Reporters. My great thanks to all of you:
Michael Knight is host of the top-rated radio program on the Power Up Motorsports Channel. His program commands an audience share of over 25% of the channel’s total audience and is consistently growing in exposure since its debut in June of 2009.
“We are honored to have a host like Michael Knight on our team.” said Jeff Spenard, President of World Talk Radio, LLC, which manages operation of the Power Up Motorsports Channel. “With Michael’s experience as a journalist, combined with his connections in the Motor Sports industry, there is absolutely no question as to why he is one of the fastest growing programs on our network. By facilitating an exclusive interview with Jeff Gordon, Michael is proving that his program has the big names in the industry taking notice.”
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: Bobby Bennett, TBA.
April 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.
April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley.
[ Ashley Force Hood news note Thursday . . . ]
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
JOHN DALY, STEVE BYRNES, MIKE KERCHNER
John Daly, of The Daly Planet TV commentary site, was Newsmaker of the Week on Wednesday's The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. Fox pit reporter and SPEED host Steve Byrnes was a first-time media panelist, along with Mike Kerchner of National Speed Sport News. YES, we talked about Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski!
Plus, in pre-recorded comments, Jeff Gordon gave his view on the Delta Wing car, Michael Schumacher's return, and on the general topic of athlete retirements.
Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44769
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: Bobby Bennett, TBA.
[ more next week . . . ]
Plus, in pre-recorded comments, Jeff Gordon gave his view on the Delta Wing car, Michael Schumacher's return, and on the general topic of athlete retirements.
Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44769
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
April 7 -- Newsmaker: Max Papis. Panelists: Kenny Bruce, Dave Kallmann.
April 14 -- Newsmaker: Melanie Troxel. Panelists: Bobby Bennett, TBA.
[ more next week . . . ]
Sunday, March 07, 2010
MORE WITH JEFF GORDON
I enjoy -- in the more relaxed and less time-pressured atmosphere of away-from-the-track gatherings -- asking questions beyond the typical "how is your car running this weekend?"
Especially with someone smart, and with a wider world view.
Such an op presented itself last week when Jeff Gordon visited Phoenix for a NASCAR Winner's Circle program appearance on behalf of Phoenix International Raceway's April 10 Subway Fresh Fit 600k.
I recorded an interview with the four-time Sprint Cup champion, which aired on last Wednesday's The Race Reporters. Video and audio link here:
http://www.boomboxvideo.net/VoiceAmerica/PowerUp/Modules/boombox1.aspx
Then, I talked with Jeff for an Arizona Republic story, and Mark Armijo joined in for RacinToday.com.
Here are two Q&As from our conversation that go beyond the usual:
Jeff on the Delta Wing car:
“I thought it was a joke. Is it not a joke? I thought it was the Batmobile. It looks a little too Batmobileish to me. I’m hoping that’s a concept and that something realistic comes out of it that is unique and different. I give them credit for being ambitious. But I think that’s a little too ambitious.”
Does it look like something you'd want to drive?
"No. On the Salt Falts, I might try it."
Jeff on Michael Schumacher coming out of retirement:
"I think it's awesome. I was fired-up to see him come back last year and, when it didn't happen, I was bummed-out. I'm a big F1 fan. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. I don't think he's lost a thing. I actually did a go-kart event in Brazil that I was invited to with Felipe Massa and Michael was there. He's as quick as anybody and serious about it and that was just a little go-kart event. If he wants to commit to it, I believe he'll be very competitive. He's one of those guys who brings interest and excitement to the sport. But I think (Lewis) Hamilton, with McLaren, is going to be the one to beat.
"I said four or five years ago I wasn't going to race past 40, and things change. We're all entitled to that. What I don't agree with is this whole, 'I'm retired' thing. Why do we have to say we're retired? What is retirement, really? One day I might not race the full schedule in the Cup series, but I don't think that means I'm retired from racing. Maybe I'd be retired from a full season. I think you find out how much you love racing when you step away from it.
"I don't like what happens, like with the Brett Favre thing. It gets like a black eye on the sport and him. But, at the same time, I love what a competitor he is. He's still got it and still wants to do it. The situation (it) created, whatever kind of mess it turned out to be, but how do you prevent that but continue to do what you love to do?"
You will be able to hear the above actual sound bites on this Wednesday night's The Race Reporters. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Eastern, on PowerUpChannel.com.
FAST LINES: Why did SPEED bother to put Scott Russell in the booth for the Daytona 200? Twice, Russell didn't know the rules for situations that occurred at the start. Hey, Scott, that's part of the JOB! . . . Was there anyone -- ANYONE -- in the grandstands Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Grand-Am race?
Here's a link to my new March "Drags, Dollars & Sense" column -- about how maintaining one-on-one business relationships can pay off -- in CompetitionPlus.com:
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php/drag-racing/editorials/13474-drags-dollars-a-sense-its-all-about-maintaining-the-relationship
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 10 -- Newsmaker: John Daly (editor, The Daly Planet). Panelists: Steve Byrnes, Mike Kerchner.
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
[ John Daly news note Thursday . . . ]
Especially with someone smart, and with a wider world view.
Such an op presented itself last week when Jeff Gordon visited Phoenix for a NASCAR Winner's Circle program appearance on behalf of Phoenix International Raceway's April 10 Subway Fresh Fit 600k.
I recorded an interview with the four-time Sprint Cup champion, which aired on last Wednesday's The Race Reporters. Video and audio link here:
http://www.boomboxvideo.net/VoiceAmerica/PowerUp/Modules/boombox1.aspx
Then, I talked with Jeff for an Arizona Republic story, and Mark Armijo joined in for RacinToday.com.
Here are two Q&As from our conversation that go beyond the usual:
Jeff on the Delta Wing car:
“I thought it was a joke. Is it not a joke? I thought it was the Batmobile. It looks a little too Batmobileish to me. I’m hoping that’s a concept and that something realistic comes out of it that is unique and different. I give them credit for being ambitious. But I think that’s a little too ambitious.”
Does it look like something you'd want to drive?
"No. On the Salt Falts, I might try it."
Jeff on Michael Schumacher coming out of retirement:
"I think it's awesome. I was fired-up to see him come back last year and, when it didn't happen, I was bummed-out. I'm a big F1 fan. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. I don't think he's lost a thing. I actually did a go-kart event in Brazil that I was invited to with Felipe Massa and Michael was there. He's as quick as anybody and serious about it and that was just a little go-kart event. If he wants to commit to it, I believe he'll be very competitive. He's one of those guys who brings interest and excitement to the sport. But I think (Lewis) Hamilton, with McLaren, is going to be the one to beat.
"I said four or five years ago I wasn't going to race past 40, and things change. We're all entitled to that. What I don't agree with is this whole, 'I'm retired' thing. Why do we have to say we're retired? What is retirement, really? One day I might not race the full schedule in the Cup series, but I don't think that means I'm retired from racing. Maybe I'd be retired from a full season. I think you find out how much you love racing when you step away from it.
"I don't like what happens, like with the Brett Favre thing. It gets like a black eye on the sport and him. But, at the same time, I love what a competitor he is. He's still got it and still wants to do it. The situation (it) created, whatever kind of mess it turned out to be, but how do you prevent that but continue to do what you love to do?"
You will be able to hear the above actual sound bites on this Wednesday night's The Race Reporters. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Eastern, on PowerUpChannel.com.
FAST LINES: Why did SPEED bother to put Scott Russell in the booth for the Daytona 200? Twice, Russell didn't know the rules for situations that occurred at the start. Hey, Scott, that's part of the JOB! . . . Was there anyone -- ANYONE -- in the grandstands Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Grand-Am race?
Here's a link to my new March "Drags, Dollars & Sense" column -- about how maintaining one-on-one business relationships can pay off -- in CompetitionPlus.com:
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php/drag-racing/editorials/13474-drags-dollars-a-sense-its-all-about-maintaining-the-relationship
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 10 -- Newsmaker: John Daly (editor, The Daly Planet). Panelists: Steve Byrnes, Mike Kerchner.
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
[ John Daly news note Thursday . . . ]
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
JEFF GORDON and TERRY ANGSTADT
Jeff Gordon and Terry Angstadt were my Newsmaker guests on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. A passionate Gordon Kirby and John Oreovicz were the media panelists.
Gordon on his future plans: "I'd like to win that fifth championship. And I'd like to do it before Jimmie Johnson!"
Breaking News? Angstadt indicated a favorable resolution to the Versus-DirecTV issue may be near.
Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44538
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 10 -- Newsmaker: John Daly (editor, The Daly Planet). Panelists: Steve Byrnes, Mike Kerchner.
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
[ more next week . . . ]
Gordon on his future plans: "I'd like to win that fifth championship. And I'd like to do it before Jimmie Johnson!"
Breaking News? Angstadt indicated a favorable resolution to the Versus-DirecTV issue may be near.
Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44538
Upcoming The Race Reporters guests:
(Show is live Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET, downloadable, and available on-demand at no cost. Click on TRR page logo in upper right-hand column.)
March 10 -- Newsmaker: John Daly (editor, The Daly Planet). Panelists: Steve Byrnes, Mike Kerchner.
March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Holly Cain, Corinne Economaki.
March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, Bob Pockrass.
March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, Ron Lemasters Jr.
[ more next week . . . ]
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