As I began writing this post, they had just completed opening race ceremonies for the O'Reilly 300, but viewers didn't get to see it on ESPN2. Instead, they got to see the end of a women's tennis match.This is the second time that ESPN has screwed NASCAR and Busch viewers by grossly misjudging their schedules.
Nothing against women's tennis ... I'm hardly suggesting that they should cease coverage and switch to Busch. But I am suggesting that since ESPN has like a billion channels, they should bump something else off the air and give a live event priority.
Am I wrong?
ESPNA--whatever that is-- was SIGNED OFF. Is it really that difficult to transfer the signal and add a crawl at the bottom of the ESPN2 broadcast telling race fans where to tune in?
NASCAR did compensate somewhat for ESPN's faults with Live Busch Series Coverage, even though it took the dramatic cheesy soundtrack idea to a whole new level.
The race is underway now on both ESPN2 and NASCAR.com. ESPN2 joined in progress--after the engine command. Do they not know that sometimes that's the best part of the race broadcast? So annoying.
Damn, polesitter David Ragan gave up the lead to Kyle Busch after two laps and the caution is out under 10. I see it's shaping up to be a typical series race.
Update: In case you've missed the bulletins. NASCAR.com still sucks. It is trying to do way too much and not doing any of it well. So much for the live stream -- it crashed my computer while I was trying to post while simultaneously watching.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-14-2007 @ 9:38PM
editor said...
Over at TheDalyPlanet.tv, we have talked about the problems facing ESPN and NASCAR with the current TV schedule. This tennis match could have gone at least thirty more minutes easily. What would ESPN have done? The "NASCAR Countdown" show should have been started on ESPN News, ESPN Classic, or ESPN itself, which was showing billiards re-runs. Since ESPN does not have the NEXTEL Cup race this weekend, the Busch Series was the premiere event for the network. It has been promoted endlessly on "NASCAR Now" since Monday. How is it possible that the world's largest sports media company cannot find one outlet on which to begin the telecast on time? Brian France, are you watching?
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4-14-2007 @ 11:44PM
LittleDiva8 said...
Well said TGOM! I feel cheated that we didn't get to see the pre race ceremonies or interviews with drivers - first we're cheated out of qualifying by mother nature then cheated by ESPN - all in the same weekend.
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4-15-2007 @ 10:02AM
Sky said...
As I watched this happen LAST week, I thought..uh oh...
Then AGAIN this week???????
Exactly right TGOM, is this what we are in store for at ESPN????
What happens when a race runs over....will the same "play it until it ends" rule apply? Or because it is NASCAR will it be either cut off or placed on a "lesser" yet "available" channel???
*grumbling to herself*
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