A GOOD EXAMPLE

Dave Rieff, ESPN2's NHRA pit reporter and host of NHRA RaceDay, set an example last week that the professional excuse-makers like S. Jarrod ("These Things Happen") England and others should learn from.

Dave had long been scheduled as a media panelist on my The Race Reporters. It was confirmed again last Wednesday morning. Twenty-or-so minutes before the show began, Dave called my cell to let me know his daughter had just broken her wrist, and he and his wife were dealing with that. I, of course, told Dave not to worry about my show. But he said he wanted to be on, and would be on, but would be late. And, that's what happened, he called-in in time to help interview Kenny Bernstein.

Thanks, Dave. I relate this story in hopes others will wake up and act in a similar professional manner.


I've been wondering who would land the first extensive interview with Tony George since his ouster from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. Holly Cain -- a great The Race Reporters panelist (she'll be back June 2) -- wins the award. Congratulations, Holly. I'm sure this caused great heartburn for two competitor writers who must have thought they were more "deserving" of the scoop. The interview came in two parts on AOL Fanhouse.
http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2010/05/04/exclusive-tony-george-unplugged-former-indycar-ceo-speaks-o/

http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2010/05/05/tony-george-answers-was-it-all-worth-it/


Here's a link to my May "Drags, Dollars & Sense" column, now posted at CompetitionPlus.com. It's about respect:
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php/drag-racing/editorials/14144-drags-dollars-a-sense-wondering-what-wally-would-say

And a link to my story in last Friday's Arizona Republic, in which Antron Brown opens-up about the accident last February at Firebird that resulted in a spectator fatality:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/05/06/20100506nhra-driver-reflects-fatal-crash-firebird.html


What was he thinking? (More likely, not thinking, which all-too-often these days is the problem in the media.) Last Wednesday, Washington Post writer Michael Wilbon did an interview with a Phoenix radio station (and, let me note, NOT the local ESPN affiliate) at the exact same time his PTI show was showing on ESPN. One might have logically thought Wilbon wouldn't want to compete against himself for viewers/listeners. One might also have thought ESPN management would expect the same.

Reese Schonfeld, co-founder of CNN, recently warned: "I think CNN is at risk of becoming a bad joke." Latest example of this truth: Last Thursday, amidst historic stock market turmoil, Times Square bombing attempt, oil spill in the Gulf, flooding in Tennessee, British elections and Greece in crisis, Larry King Live spent an hour on Lawrence Taylor's arrest and Bret Michaels' health. Turn out the lights . . .

Included in all the terrible news of the last couple of weeks was this: Drag racer Clay Millican's shop in Tennessee was flooded -- with water levels so high, it reached the cab of the team's semi. Clay talks about it with Larry Henry on Tuesday night's Pit Pass USA, 8 p.m. EDT, on PowerUpChannel.com.

Could some network executive, some producer, some agent, some manager, some publicist, some somebody, PLEASE work with Krista Voda to sharpen her interviewing skills? That's a BASIC requirement of being a pit reporter -- the ability to ask crisp, meaningful questions. Asking Jamie McMurray after Darlington, "Did you have fun?," doesn't cut it for a major network telecast.

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.)

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

May 19 -- Newsmaker: Paul Tracy. Panelists: Mike Mulhern, Kenny Bruce. Plus: Gordon Kirby.

May 26 -- Newsmaker: Randy Bernard. Panelists: Mike Harris, John Oreovicz. Plus: Robin Miller.

June 2 -- Journalists Roundtable on Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Panelists: Holly Cain, Tim May, Al Pearce, Ron Lemasters Jr., Larry Henry.

June 9 -- One Year Anniversary Show featuring original Newsmaker John Force and first panelists Paul Page and Jon Asher. Plus: Special surprise guests from around the racing world.

[ Arie Luyendyk news note Thursday . . . ]

THE BERNSTEINS

Hall of Famer Kenny Bernstein and son Brandon, who drives the Copart Top Fueler in NHRA, were my Newsmaker guests on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. Susan Wade and Dave Rieff joined me.

Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=45507


Here's Susan's CompetitionPlus.com story on the interview:
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php/drag-racing/news/14133-bernstein-doesnt-miss-beat-as-state-of-sport-scores-good-rating


I have mentioned on my show Valvoline/MTS Dodge Charger Funny Car driver Jack Beckman's campaign, which runs through June 2, to help raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Beckman is a cancer survivor. The link to donate is too long for radio, but here it is:
www.ocie.mwoy.llsevent.org/JackBeckman

Please look for my story on Antron Brown in this Friday's Arizona Republic. Antron opens-up about the accident at Firebird International Raceway that resulted in a spectator fatality. You'll be surprised at who has helped Antron get through this difficult time. If you're not in Arizona to buy the paper, look for the story at 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.)

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

May 19 -- Newsmaker: Paul Tracy. Panelists: Mike Mulhern, TBA. Plus: Gordon Kirby.

May 26 -- Newsmaker: Randy Bernard. Panelists: Mike Harris, John Oreovicz. Plus: Robin Miller.

June 9 -- One Year Anniversary Show featuring original Newsmaker John Force and first panelists Paul Page and Jon Asher. Plus: Special surprise guests from around the racing world.

[ more next Monday . . . ]

ALL's FAIR IN NEW MEDIA WORLD

1 PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS: As spotted outside Las Vegas Motor Speedway, telling you all you need to know about what's happened to Indy Car racing in the last 15 years.

Last week I mentioned that Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn't (and maybe still isn't) too happy with Darrell Waltrip for using Twitter to reveal that Junior would be driving a No. 3 Wrangler-sponsored Chevrolet fielded by Richard Childress in the Daytona Nationwide race. This before Junior was able to make the official announcement and car unveiling at ceremonies to honor his late and legendary father.

I'm with Junior in that this is troublesome. Since a few people have been asking me about the ethics involved, let me share a personal story.

Several years ago, an IRL car owner got to using his team's website to share not only his thoughts on his own operation, but to let out as-yet non-public news about what other teams had planned. One week, he took the liberty to say something about a team-sponsor deal that got my attention, because I was working on that project. No surprise, I wasn't too happy.

So, what did I do? I let it be known that if said owner EVER did anything like that again on something I was involved with, I'd leak-out stuff that I knew damn well he didn't want out there.

You know what? I never had a problem with this guy ever again.


A "must read" Jon Asher column:
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13990&Itemid=21

And one from Larry Woody:
http://www.racintoday.com/archives/17294

Please look for my story on Antron Brown in this Friday's Arizona Republic. Antron opens-up about the accident at Firebird International Raceway that resulted in a spectator fatality. You'll be surprised at who has helped Antron get through this difficult time. If you're not in Arizona to buy the paper, look for the story at 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.)

May 5 -- Newsmakers: Kenny and Brandon Bernstein. Panelists: Dave Rieff, Susan Wade.

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

May 19 -- Newsmaker: Paul Tracy. Panelists: Mike Mulhern, TBA. Plus: Gordon Kirby.

May 26 -- Newsmaker: Randy Bernard. Panelists: Mike Harris, John Oreovicz. Plus: Robin Miller.

June 9 -- One Year Anniversary Show featuring original Newsmaker John Force and first panelists Paul Page and Jon Asher. Plus: Special surprise guests from around the racing world.

[ Bernstein news nugget Thursday . . . ]

SIMONA SAYS

Simona De Silvestro, the impressive Izod IndyCar Series rookie, was the Newsmaker guest on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. Jim Pedley and John Oreovicz joined me for the journalists' roundtable and Lee Spencer was on to review Talladega.


Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=45878

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.)

May 5 -- Newsmakers: Kenny and Brandon Bernstein. Panelists: Dave Rieff, Susan Wade.

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

[ more next week . . . ]

THE TALK of TALLADEGA

Talladega always means a lot of talk. And there certainly was plenty of media-related talk before Sunday's annual Sprint Cup crashfest.

Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart haven't seemed too happy with the NASCAR press corps this season. Even before the Daytona 500, Harvick was pegged as a Big Story, because his contract with Richard Childress Racing ends after the season. So, there's been plenty of writing and broadcasting about Harvick's future plans -- especially with loss of his sponsor and then win in Alabama. At 'Dega, he was asked about a shot he took at the media on Twitter:

"If you guys are going to -- most of you are this way -- you line it up with credible backing to your quotes, your sources and your people. If you’re going to quote a source, quote their name. Otherwise, if they’re too chicken to give you their name, don’t put their quote in the paper. It’s that simple. Anonymous sources are crap. If you want real sources go talk to real people.”

Later in his media avail, Harvick was asked where he got his journalism degree.

"I don’t have a journalism degree; I have a common-sense degree. I’m not going to go any further than that."

Yes, Kevin is Kevin, but I've been a bit surprised at his on-going approach, especially considering wife DeLana's PR background. As for unnamed sources, this is always going to be a point-of-contention between newsmakers and those who cover them. I would just point out Woodward and Bernstein and Watergate changed journalism -- for better or worse -- forever. There's no going back.

To be honest, what bothers me a ton more is how many people are so accepting of what is posted on Twitter -- no editor, no filter, no fact checker.

Meanwhile, a line of questioning at 'Dega was what drivers feel when they come to the fast and daunting superspeedway. It was phrased as what drivers think when they arrive at the track and go through the tunnel. I have the impression Stewart, after one year of cooling-his-jets to see what he had to do as a car owner to please sponsors, now feels less restricted. So, in his media gathering, Tony answered thusly:

“I drove across the cross-over on the backstretch, so I didn’t go through the tunnel. It’s just another tunnel. I don’t know how many racetracks you go to each year, but there’s a lot of tunnels and a lot of cross-overs. Most the time by the time we get here it’s dark, so all you want to do is get in there and go to sleep. The good thing is that we could take everybody in the media center and put them in cars here and everybody could drive well on this track."

Elsewhere, Dale Earnhardt Jr. found out about the downside of Twitter, when he was asked to respond to a posting from none other than Darrell Waltrip that Junior will drive a No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet in the Daytona Nationwide race.

"DW sort of blew the lid off of it on Twitter nonetheless but . . . so that kind of ruined our announcement, but we will put together and we will have an announcement real soon, and explain what that whole program is all about and how it came about and what is going down with it. And it’s unfortunate that DW uncovered that and the way it went down because we didn’t want to have to announce it like this so we will do it when we had it originally planned and that is all I can tell you about it.”

FAST LINES: A giant thumbs-down to ESPN for allowing Nicole Briscoe to take the lead in covering the Shell Pennzoil-to-Penske Racing story on last Wednesday's NASCAR Now. Especially the swiss-cheese hole interview with team president Tim Cindric. The questions/follow-ups that SHOULD have been asked were obvious -- as is her massive conflict-of-interest -- Cindric is her husband's boss! BAD DEAL! . . . ESPN's presentation of the NFL Draft certainly was historic -- not only because it was the event's first time in Prime Time. It will forever be remembered for the complete marginalization of Tom Jackson, one of five talking heads on the overcrowded set. While Jon Gruden dominated the chat -- even answering questions directed to other panelists (and the ex-coach couldn't find one single draft choice he didn't like) -- and Steve Young was a close second, Jackson just sat there hour-after-hour and barely got in more than an occasional sentence. By Friday night's second and third rounds, Jackson had obviously given up, pretty much sitting silent. I wonder what Rush Limbaugh was thinking? . . . Good luck to very helpful Phoenix International Raceway PR assistant Griffin Hickman, now with ARCA.

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 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley. Plus, Lee Spencer.

May 5 -- Newsmakers: Kenny and Brandon Bernstein. Panelists: Dave Rieff, Susan Wade.

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

[ Simona news nugget Thursday . . . ]

PATRICK LONG -- A GOOD GUEST

Patrick Long, the Porsche factory sports car driver and winner last weekend at Long Beach, was the Newsmaker guest on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. Larry Edsall and Jonathan Ingram were on the journalists' roundtable and then Matt Yocum previewed Talladega.


Use this link to listen to the entire show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=45343



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 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley. Plus, Lee Spencer.

May 5 -- Newsmakers: Kenny and Brandon Bernstein. Panelists: Dave Rieff, Susan Wade.

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

[ more next week . . . ]

NHRA BEATS THE 'PROS'

Regular readers know I take most of my theories about PR and the media from the world of politics. So, it's likely not a surprise to you that the best political story of the weekend took me to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals

CompetitionPlus.com (I write the monthly "Drags, Dollars & Sense" column) -- Bobby Bennett, Jon Asher and Stan Creekmore -- have led the pack in reporting on the politics and the controversy over four-wide racing as contested the other week in Concord, N.C. I won't repeat all the details here -- go to CompetitionPlus.com for that -- but the PRO organization (representing the racers) voted overwhelmingly after that event not to do any more Full Throttle points competitions using the four-wide format. Reasons listed included safety, confusion, diminishment of sponsor ID (wider ESPN2 camera shots made it more difficult to see corporate names) and -- I loved this one -- "a circus-like atmosphere."

As Jon Asher reported, PRO's line-in-the-sand started washing away last Friday, with backtracking like a nitro car stuck in reverse gear. After a meeting between PRO and NHRA officials Saturday morning, NHRA President Tom Compton came into the media center to announce the Four-Wide Nationals will return in 2011. As a points event, not an exhibition. Compton said improvements will be made to the format to make it more understandable for fans and media (I watched the whole thing on ESPN2 and, must admit, I was confused any number of times), better for sponsors, and more workable on the starting line for the drivers.

Bruton Smith, said to be watching it rain at Texas Motor Speedway, wasn't in attendance. Compton said he had reviewed the decision with Smith. But I also learned that local fan reaction in the Vegas vicinity was not in favor of four-wide at The Strip, so the talked-about job of adding two lanes in Las is much-less-likely to happen. Compton said Charlotte will be the only four-wide event in 2011.

Let's be honest -- NHRA ain't exactly NASCAR when it comes to political horsepower. But the Glendora Group sure came out looking like a PR winner in what was clearly a PR fiasco for PRO.

That's obvious. However, I want to give this entire saga a good, long, hard think, and will have a lot more in my May CP.com column.

P.S. -- John Force, Las Vegas winner, after going zip in 2009. According to PR ace Dave Densmore (Jim Chapman PR Award winner), it was only the third time Force has ever won after qualifying outside the top eight (11th). Also -- Force has made the finals in 37.7 percent of all career Funny Car races he's entered, and won 23.5 percent of all events entered (129 wins in 548 races.) (!!!)

John: Driver of the Year? Comeback Driver of the Year? Story of the Year? Or all of the above? Is fourth driver-returned-to-tuner Mike Neff Man of the Year?



Could someone please explain to me how it's possible to be a NASCAR team "PR" person but never come into the media center to talk to the media?

That was my experience -- AGAIN -- the other week at Phoenix International Raceway. Mark Armijo and I combined to produce more coverage in the Arizona Republic than anyone else in the state. Among those I never heard one word from during my three days at PIR (I was the only reporter in the media center covering the West series event) were reps for: Jimmie Johnson/Lowe's, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Roush Fenway Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Penske Racing, Team Red Bull and not a single -- not one -- Nationwide series team person.

How is that possible?

There were others who knew how to E-mail but apparently believed we waited until Tuesday or Wednesday to start thinking about what stories to write. Hint: That's way too late! I also have no tolerance for those too "busy" to bother to find out who actually will be on-site, and lazily send E "pitches" to the sports director or editor. Hey, ladies and gentlemen, it would take you all of five minutes to get actual NAMES. How's this for an idea: Pick up the phone and call the track PR director. Or ask NASCAR who in Arizona has media hard cards.

I know, that would take a huge amount of thought and effort . . .

It's beyond ridiculous. Are you paying attention, team owners and sponsor managers?

Obviously, not!

Make of this what you will:
http://www.examiner.com/x-20938-NASCAR-Examiner~y2010m4d18-Why-Danica-Patrick-doesnt-suck-even-when-the-media-covering-her-does


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 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long (Long Beach winner!). Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.

April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley. Plus, Lee Spencer.

May 5 -- Newsmakers: Kenny and Brandon Bernstein. Panelists: Dave Rieff, Susan Wade.

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

[ Patrick Long news nugget Thursday . . . ]

MELANIE TROXEL INTERVIEW

Melanie Troxel was the Newsmaker guest on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. A winner in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, Melanie is on a partial schedule this year in the In-N-Out Burger Dodge Charger and will be on the track this weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. John Sturbin and Bobby Bennett joined me for the roundtable and then Peter De Lorenzo and I talked about the state of automakers' involvement in motorsports.

What does Melanie think about the four-wide controversy? Having the resources to compete against John Force and Don Schumacher? What team bonding outing has she scheduled in Las Vegas?


Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=45238




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 21 -- Newsmaker: Patrick Long. Panelists: Larry Edsall, Jonathan Ingram. Plus, Matt Yocum.

April 28 -- Newsmaker: Simona De Silvestro. Panelists: John Oreovicz, Jim Pedley. Plus, Lee Spencer.

May 5 -- Newsmakers: Kenny and Brandon Bernstein. Panelists: Dave Rieff, Susan Wade.

May 12 -- Newsmaker: Arie Luyendyk. Panelists: Mark Armijo, Dave (The King) Wilson.

[ more next Monday . . . ]

WHY DIDN'T GIBBS PULL HAMLIN?

It was a long weekend covering the NASCAR happenings at Phoenix International Raceway for the Arizona Republic and doing a special edition of The Race Reporters live from PIR on Saturday. To me, Denny Hamlin was the big story, racing days after surgery to repair a torn ACL. I don't understand why Joe Gibbs didn't step-up and tell Hamlin to get out of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota when the car lost two laps changing a battery. Gibbs told me he didn't consider it. Hamlin told me he did it to gain respect within his team. Didn't he have that already?

Hope you enjoy some of my stories:

Sunday: Why didn't Gibbs pull Hamlin?
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/10/20100410nascar-denny-hamlin-joe-gibbs.html

Sunday Notebook (PIR likely to keep two Cup dates, etc.):
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/10/20100410nascar-sprint-cup-phoenix-races.html

Saturday Q&A with Kurt Busch:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/09/20100409nascar-pir-kurt-busch.html

Saturday Notebook (Denny Hamlin, new PIR sponsor, etc.):
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/09/20100409nascar-denny-hamlin-knee.html

Kyle Busch Wins Nationwide race:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/09/20100409nascar-nationwide-kyle-busch-phoenix.html

Friday Notebook (Jeff Gordon, West series race):
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/08/20100408jimmie-johnson-foundation-100-eric-holmes.html


Here's a link to my new April "Drags, Dollars & Sense" column on CompetitionPlus.com. It's about the communications crisis in drag racing:
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php/drag-racing/editorials/13798-drags-dollars-a-sense-of-crisis-management-and-communication


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 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.

[ Melanie Troxel news note Thursday . . . ]

FUN WITH MAX & SATURDAY SHOW REMINDER

REMINDER (Part 1): 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 host a special one-hour edition of The Race Reporters Saturday, April 10, live from PIR, starting at 4 p.m. EDT, 1 p.m. Pacific. Guests will include media covering the PIR weekend.

Popular Max Papis was the Newsmaker guest on Wednesday's The Race Reporters. He's driving the Geico Toyota in Sprint Cup and the Camping World Truck Series. Dave Kallmann and Kenny Bruce joined me for the journalists roundtable. LISTEN! It's Fun! Max wants to try dirt track and Top Fuel racing!

http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=45237

REMINDER (Part 2): Mark Armijo and I will have PIR coverage all this week in the Arizona Republic. I'll have notebooks starting Thursday. Look for my Q&A with Kurt Busch on Saturday. If you're not in Arizona, find our stories at http://azcentral.com/ . Here's a link to my Thursday notebook:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/07/20100407nascar-bumping-rules.html

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 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 . . . ]

IT's PIR WEEK for ME

REMINDER (Part 1): 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 host a special one-hour edition of The Race Reporters Saturday, April 10, live from PIR, starting at 4 p.m. EDT, 1 p.m. Pacific. Guests will include media covering the PIR weekend. (Regular show schedule guests listed at end.)

REMINDER (Part 2): Mark Armijo and I will have PIR coverage all this week in the Arizona Republic. Link below is to my Sunday story on the many changes fans, drivers and teams will experience this weekend. I'll have notebooks starting this Thursday. Look for my Q&A with Kurt Busch on Saturday. If you're not in Arizona, find our stories at http://azcentral.com/ .


http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/04/03/20100403nascar-sprint-cup-subway-fresh-fit-600-changes.html



FAST LINES: Good luck to Steve Shunck, new IndyCar Series VP-PR . . . As someone who grew up a Jimmy Clark-Colin Chapman-Lotus fan, and who had the thrill of spending a day at Ketteringham Hall on assignment for Budweiser researching Lotus' planned 1985 CART program, I could not disapprove more of the paint design and graphics on Takuma Sato's KV Racing Indy Car. It's nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors attempt to link to a proud heritage, because there is absolutely ZERO true connection to the legendary Lotus racing effort. As far as I'm concerned, it's a disservice to the memories of Clark and Chapman . . . It's Masters week, so let me include a golf thought here. As I've written before, I don't play, but follow the industry. Under the category of more-is-NOT-better, file Golf Channel's 19th Hole show. I've watched for a few years. It used to be a fun, informative, fast paced, sometimes controversial 30 minutes on Wednesday nights. Now, it's been expanded to one hour, and completely junked-up with crap and gimmicks and panelists so-full-of-themselves they could easily transition to Around the Horn. I, for one, have stopped watching . . . And, I've stopped reading "news" from organizations that either have nothing better to do -- or are so desperate for attention -- they send out stupid April Fools Day releases. Pathetic and beyond ridiculous -- and an unprofessional waste of our time!


Bob Pockrass, the hardest-working man in any NASCAR media center, said it absolutely right in SceneDaily.com last week. Read this:
http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/bobpockrass/Texas_publicity_stunt_went_too_far.html


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.

[ Max Papis news note Thursday . . . ]

REUTIMANN ON DRIVER 'PAYBACKS'

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

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 . . . ]

TIME TO WORK, NOT TWITTER AROUND

REMINDER: Jeff Gordon will be on Wednesday's (7 p.m. ET) The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. For the first time, we'll have two Newsmaker guests. Terry Angstadt, president of the IRL's commercial division, also will be on. Media panelists will be Gordon Kirby and John Oreovicz.



Any legitimate journalist will agree: There's nothing quite like reporting a big, breaking news story.

Unfortunately, I found myself in that situation Feb. 21, covering the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway for the Arizona Republic. You know what happened: A spectator was killed when hit by a tire from Antron Brown's car.

I witnessed Brown's accident from the media center. After watching two TV replays, I bolted for Brown's pit area, where I waited with ESPN2's Dave Rieff. I spent the rest of the day in the pits and on the phone, working the story. If you wish, use the link provided in last week's blog to read my story.

In the aftermath, I've been brain-twisted by the people who have told me I should have been on Twitter, tapping out constant updates. Let me be clear: I do not do Twitter. One reason is personal privacy. Another is I don't presume wide-ranging interest in what I just bought at the supermarket and other such nonsense that are a daily part of Twitter life.

My bigger point, here, however, is the seriousness-of-purpose reporting a major story like this requires -- at least in my experience.

I was in Brown's pits for quite a while. I looked at the track. I sought reaction from others in the pits. I talked twice to Brandon Bernstein. I worked the phone for sources. I was in regular phone and E-mail communication with our Republic coordinating editor and with the news desk, helping a reporter there. I tried to assist some media colleagues around the country who were calling/Eing in search of information. Mark Armijo sent in a quick graph for AzCentral.com and I wrote the first of a few versions of a more detailed story to go up on the website ASAP. I re-wrote and updated the story a few times. Finally, I had to pay some attention to the actual racing, for a separate notebook.

I'll let others decide for themselves, but I'll tell you this: I did not have time to Twitter. Reporting and writing a serious story like this one requires full concentration and attention to detail and awareness of new developments. For me, it gets to a point where the priority is to sit down, organize your material, and write the facts -- not rumor -- with detail and context. That does not allow time for Twitter. At least, not for me, considering how I believe the most important job needs to be done.


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.

[ news notes Thursday . . . ]

BRAD HAS ROGER WEARING BLUE JEANS!

Roger Penske's new NASCAR driver, Brad Keselowski, was the Newsmaker guest on my Wednesday night The Race Reporters. Mark Armijo and Jim Pedley joined me for a news-intensive journalists' roundtable.

Keselowski has Penske wearing blue jeans! No kidding!


Use this link to listen to the show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44177



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 3 -- Newsmakers: Jeff Gordon and Terry Angstadt. Panelists: Gordon Kirby, John Oreovicz.

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 Monday . . . ]

A BAD WEEKEND

As I'm writing this Monday a.m., the NHRA Arizona Nationals still aren't over. Yes, it's raining. I'll guide you to links below for details and, sadly, my breaking news coverage in the Arizona Republic of a spectator fatality Sunday.

As Brandon Bernstein said to me yesterday, no matter how many years one might have been around racing, when big accidents happen -- as with Antron Brown -- you are never truly immune to the strong emotions.

I hope they quickly and safely complete the Top Fuel and Funny Car finals -- as bizarre as this sounds, the final three Pro Stock rounds will be run in Gainesville -- and bring to a close one of the worst promoted, organized, administered and generally run "major" racing events I've experienced in many, many years. And those comments refer to operational matters having nothing to do with safety.

Monday -- Spectator killed
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/02/21/20100221nhra-firebird-raceway-fan-injured.html

and, Pro Stock rounds moved to Gainesville
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/02/21/20100221nhra-pro-stock-firebird.html

Sunday -- Tony Schumacher-Larry Dixon Q&A
http://sunday%20tony%20schumacher-larry%20dixon%20q&a/

Saturday -- news and notes
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/02/19/20100219nhra-at-firebird-international-raceway.html


FAST LINES: Finally, wretched media excess, non-Danica category: ABC, CBS and NBC interrupt regular programming for live coverage of Tiger Woods' statement. The Golf Writers' Board voted to skip the event due to restrictions, including no questions, but that might have backfired when the TV camera focused directly on Woods' went out. For the last several minutes, viewers only had a shot from behind Woods' left shoulder. Journalists were needed then to report, in-person, Tiger's expression because TV didn't show it . . . Don't ever think there isn't a difference in reporting expertise or perspective. When Lindsey Vonn won the Olympic downhill gold medal, NBC's expert analyst used slow-mo replays to show the several technical mistakes Vonn made during the run. But USA Today's reporter wrote that Vonn's run was "nearly flawless" . . . In the diplomatic equal to a racing publicist allowing his/her driver to be interviewed with a Port-a-John in the background, the Dalai Lama was photographed leaving the White House last week with several plastic trash bags lining the walkway. Nice image! . . . What's the "value" of "news?" Ponder this:
http://valleywag.gawker.com/5472169/ap-business-desks-pact-with-the-devil#update1


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.)

February 24 -- Newsmaker: Brad Keselowski. Panelists: Mark Armijo, John Sturbin.

March 3 -- Newsmakers: Jeff Gordon and Terry Angstadt. Panelists: Gordon Kirby, John Oreovicz.

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, TBA.

March 31 -- Newsmaker: David Reutimann. Panelists: Dustin Long, TBA.

[ Brad Keselowski news nugget Thursday . . . ]

POMONA WINNER LARRY DIXON

Pomona winner and two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon was the Newsmaker guest on Wednesday's The Race Reporters on PowerUpChannel.com. Alan Reinhart, Stan Creekmore and Larry Henry joined me for journalists' chat.

I asked Larry to describe the rivalry he and his team have with Tony Schumacher and his team. Is it like the Yankees vs. the Red Sox? Or just hype?

Listen to the entire show by using this link:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44194



REMINDER: Mark Armijo and I will be covering this weekend's NHRA Arizona Nationals for the Arizona Republic. I have a notebook in today's paper.

With sadness, I acknowledge Roger Jaynes' death. The former Milwaukee Journal sportswriter and Road America publicist was 63 when he died Feb. 6. Roger and I enjoyed many fun times, especially during May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and evenings at St. Elmo and in Jim Chapman's hospitality suite. Along with Cooper Rollow of the Chicago Tribune, Roger and I were part of one of the media world's best practical jokes. That was back around 1982 or '83 while in Indy. Roger was also a great pal of Bobby Unser. God bless, Roger, and these few words recognize your many contributions to motorsports and journalism.

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.)

February 24 -- Newsmaker: Brad Keselowski. Panelists: Mark Armijo, John Sturbin.

March 3 -- Newsmakers: Jeff Gordon and Terry Angstadt. Panelists: Gordon Kirby, John Oreovicz.

March 10 -- Newsmaker: John Daly (editor, The Daly Planet). Panelists: Steve Byrnes, Mike Kerchner. TBA.

March 17 -- Newsmaker: Ashley Force Hood. Panelists: Corinne Economaki, TBA.

March 24 -- Newsmaker: Bryan Sperber (president, Phoenix International Raceway). Panelists: Mark Armijo, TBA.


[ more next Monday . . . ]

IT's GETTING WORSE

It's getting worse.

In the last three months, we've witnessed Tiger plunge off the cliff of public opinion. His agents at IMG aren't spin doctors but have badly played ones on TV and in private. I went to the NASCAR awards ceremony in Las Vegas, stood back, and watched PR people talk among themselves in their insular world, not bothering to outreach and build new media relationships. Next came the GoDaddy dud of a Danica announcement, with self-described "PR specialists" Katy Kelewae and Nick Fuller not even contacting the two most prominent motorsports writers in their home state. The names changed but the dumbness was the same as the IRL introduced its new CEO in Indianapolis on the same day the home-town Colts were involved in Super Bowl Media Day. Of the numerous mistakes made by the Delta Wing group in showing-off its prospective new Indy Car -- one of which was not properly preparing what is left of the hard-core fan base for the reasons such a radical change is needed (looks to me like something Craig Breedlove would have driven at Bonneville) -- the true folly was unveiling it in Chicago during Daytona 500 week. (Hint: Have news? Go to where the media are!) NHRA opening against the Daytona 500 was no better.

This stuff is so dumb, so stupid from a PR standpoint, you could not possibly make it up.

Then, last Wednesday, along came S. Jarrod England. He works in "Partnership Management & Media Relations for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, LLC." That organization's published Mission Statement reads: "To be the most professional, and most-admired team in motorsports who consistently wins races and competes for championships in every effort we make, and who also cultivates and maintains mutually beneficial and long-term partnerships with world-class sponsors providing them with a valuable return on their investment."

In brief, weeks ago, I contacted him and confirmed Jamie McMurray as Newsmaker guest for The Race Reporters. Not to the surprise of those who know me, I followed-up numerous times, including a few hours before the scheduled live interview. In a confirming E-mail, again, just hours before the scheduled interview, he wrote to me: "Really too bad not every radio host/media member is as good as you are at helping to remind on these obligations!"

The time arrived; McMurray did not call the studio as promised. We tried McMurray's and England's cells and got voice mail for both. McMurray did finally call -- with one minute left in the 14-minute segment, as I was thanking my media panelists and setting-up the next guest and topic -- too late to even get one word.

At first, I heard nothing from his "PR" person. He, in fact, only called and E-mailed me after I shamed him into it. His instinct was not the common courtesy to apologize, but rather, to express a mindset of "these things happen." Exact quote. (Something tells me that's not what Ganassi said to Justin Wilson after the Rolex 24.)

Which, of course, only made the situation worse.

Compare that to his employer's Mission Statement. I should have known, in that I've noticed he's one of those who don't come into the media center (in my case, at PIR) to introduce himself and offer information or assistance. That's about as basic at its gets.

According to his own published public profile, this is a person of modest experience. This much, however, I've learned in four decades of professional life: Some people get it. Some never will. (If that Twitter photo is legit, well, it's hopeless.)

Congratulations to McMurray, but Sunday's result doesn't change a single above fact.

More to come, including -- in my Constitutionally-protected opinion -- a theme song for these clowns.

In the once proud and honorable PR profession, it's getting worse.


FAST LINES: One thing we learned last week was that ESPN didn't learn the credibility-bending downside of wretched excess. One might have thought a review of the network's 2005 Danica slobbering would have been in order pre-Daytona. Proving that our society now leans even more in the direction of celebrity, ESPN went even further off the deep-end in hyping Danica's NASCAR debut. A Danica "ticker?" Please. Only the Todd Harris and Jack Arute gushings were missing from five years ago . . . The diminished knowledge of major print media journalists was shown again in the Feb. 15 Sports Illustrated. In yet another puff-up-Danica story, Lars Anderson wrote that her signing with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Junior Motorsports "has allowed JR to attract two new sponsors and contend for the Nationwide title with driver Kelly Byers." First of all, Lars and editors, it's BIRES. Secondly, guess who wasn't in the Daytona Nationwide field due to lack of sponsorship -- BIRES . . . MSNBC showed a graphic listing Sarah Palin's public events into March. But they left off her visit to the Daytona 500. I don't think that was accidental . . . Hey, Harry Connick Jr. When allowed the great honor of singing the National Anthem, take off your cap!


I'll join Mark Armijo in covering this weekend's NHRA Arizona Nationals for the Arizona Republic. Watch for our stories beginning Thursday. Here's a link to my lengthy piece on John Force, which ran in last Sunday's Republic:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2010/02/14/20100214nhra-john-force-going-forward.html


Jeff Gordon will make his first appearance on my The Race Reporters on March 3. For the first time, we'll have two Newsmaker guests, with IRL commercial division president Terry Angstadt also on that program.


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.)

February 17 -- Newsmaker: Larry Dixon. Panelists: Alan Reinhart, Stan Creekmore. Plus, Larry Henry.

February 24 -- Newsmaker: Brad Keselowski. Panelists: Mark Armijo, John Sturbin.

March 3 -- Newsmakers: Jeff Gordon and Terry Angstadt. Panelists: Gordon Kirby, John Oreovicz.

[ Larry Dixon news nugget Thursday . . . ]

A BAD -- NO, A DUMB -- START

I do not know Randy Bernard. But I wish him well in his role as new CEO of the Indy Racing League, because the American open-wheel sport -- where I spent much of my professional life -- desperately needs him to be successful.

Fair or not, Bernard has a lot of prove, and needed to get off to a great start.

Which is why I say this of last Tuesday's introductory news conference:

I'm not sure it is humanly possible to do anything dumber.

You see, while most of the Indy media huddled in Miami, cheerleading for the home-town Colts to win the Super Bowl, Bernard's introduction took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Super Bowl week coverage is always going to dominate in any city with a team in the Big Game, but especially so in a town like Indy. Not only that, but Bernard's newser happened while the Colts were participating in that spectacle of wretched excess and nonsense otherwise known as SUPER BOWL MEDIA DAY!

They teach this in PR pre-school: If you have a major announcement, one that is supposed to be good news, a positive, something you want bold headlines for, news to energize all of your constituency groups, you schedule it for maximum exposure value.

Attention IRL: The above means NOT vs. your local team Super Bowl week and especially NOT on Super Bowl Media Day. (!)

I suspect Bernard didn't pick the day -- it wouldn't surprise me if it was done to suit the Hulman-George family's schedule (we did learn Josie George is calling the shots) -- but what was supposed to be such an important event should never have been left to what was convenient for anyone or anything other than the purpose of max media. Bernard, credited with building Pro Bull Riders into a success, should have staked-out his turf on Day One and said, "No. This is a mistake."

Let me repeat, and I said this on last week's The Race Reporters: I'm not sure it's humanly possible they could have done anything dumber.

I wonder if Izod executives -- in obvious need of a Jim Chapman -- noticed.

Sadly, for two decades, this is what we've come to expect from Indianapolis.



Who got more publicity last weekend? Danica . . . or . . . Sarah?


Here's a link to my new February "Drags, Dollars & Sense" column on CompetitionPlus.com:
http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php/drag-racing/editorials/13226-drags-dollars-and-sense-the-national-time-trials-days-have-come-and-gone


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.)

February 10 -- Newsmaker: Jamie McMurray. Panelists: Lee Spencer, Reid Spencer. Plus, Phil Burgess.

February 17 -- Newsmaker: Larry Dixon. Panelists: Alan Reinhart, Stan Creekmore. Plus, Larry Henry.

February 24 -- Newsmaker: Brad Keselowski. Panelists: Mark Armijo, John Sturbin.

March 3 -- Newsmaker: Terry Angstadt. Panelists: Gordon Kirby, John Oreovicz.

[ Jamie McMurray news nugget Thursday . . . ]

SAID on the SHOW

A very interesting guy, NHRA Funny Car driver Bob Tasca III, was Newsmaker of the Week on Wednesday night's The Race Reporters. Tasca won his first two Funny Car events last season and is a rock-solid Ford guy and dealer. Jim Pedley and Jeff Burk were on for the journalists' roundtable and Dave Rodman previewed NASCAR in the last segment.

Hear what Tasca said about four-wide racing at Charlotte, John Force, the Business of Racing, and much more.

Be sure to listen to the first few minutes of the journalists' roundtable.

Note who Rodman says could be a Daytona 500 pole favorite. (!)

Use this link to listen to the show:

http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vepisode.aspx?aid=44058

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.)

February 10 -- Newsmaker: Jamie McMurray. Panelists: Lee Spencer, Reid Spencer. Plus, Phil Burgess.

February 17 -- Newsmaker: Larry Dixon. Panelists: Alan Reinhart, Stan Creekmore. Plus, Larry Henry.

February 24 -- Newsmaker: Brad Keselowski. Panelists: Mark Armijo, John Sturbin.

[ more Monday . . . ]