ESPN vs. SPEED

The battle between the two television networks carrying the bulk of this year's racing programming is going to be interesting to watch. And in the short time ESPN has been back in the fold, I'm impressed by what they've brought to the table.

I have to say that initially I was skeptical of the "NASCAR Now" programming plans, ESPN2's new daily news program. But while it's not anywhere near what the old "RPM2Nite" show was, the new effort is pretty good.

Hose Erik Kuselias isn't a racing person per se, but he's got a deep sports broadcasting background and has toned down his over the top enthusiasm from the show's debut. He basically plays traffic cop on the show, throwing to a variety of reporters and "insiders," raging from the plugged-in Marty Smith to Rusty Wallace and Stacy Compton. Another pleasant surprise has been the contribution of former NBA player Brad Daugherty to the program. A former Busch and truck series owner, Daugherty is knowledgeable and articulate.

The production value is top notch, with the show presented in high definition.

When you compare "NASCAR Now" to SPEED's weekend news offering, the ghastly "Speed Report," it's no contest. The major problem with SPEED's effort is in the co-hosts, who come off as nothing more than plastic-looking teleprompter readers. While the cast of "insiders" is solid, with the likes of Bob Dillner, Bob Varsha and Brian Till in the mix, the show is flat and uninteresting.

I sincerely believe ESPN - with a slate of NASCAR, IRL, NHRA, Champ Car and Outlaws events already on its plate - is putting together a plan to launch a motorsports-only network in the not too distant future, ala ESPNU, its college sports offering. If you're a racefan, that's good news. If you're SPEED, I'd surely be looking over my shoulder - and worried.

 
Posted: 2/28/2007 8:00:00 PM
Comments:
What I think is that I really enjoyed the ESPN coverage of the Daytona 500.    It was such a relief to hear about the race instead of constantly only hearing about Johnson, Gordon, Stewart and Kyle Busch every five minutes.   At least there didn't seem to be any favoritism shown.   Which is the way it is supposed to be.   The announcers are there to announce not to cheer their favorites on.

Hope they do mention the boys in the back once in a while.   Just to let us know that they are still in the race.   Good luck to ESPN - what a welcome change.
Posted On: 2/28/2007 8:00:00 PM
IMO Marty Smith needs to go do X-games or some other non-sport. I see his lips moving but nothing of value ever comes out of his mouth.

Brad Dourghty and Stacy Compton are great. Both are well spoken and insightful.

Rusty is jealous of Kenny. Kenny Wallace is the best color guy ever. Rusty is lame lame lame.

The Busch race in Mexico was awful. How many cars were in the race? With ESPN’s coverage you would have though it was a 4 car race.

MRN has the best race coverage. I mute my tv and tune the radio in every week. I have to give this credit it DW (dip wad) Without his wonderful banter, I would never have found true greatness.
Posted On: 2/28/2007 8:00:00 PM
i agree that ESPN is better and after all they are the original nascar network that i grew up on.  SPEED is also very good and i watch often, but i am so glad ESPN is BACK!!  it is a great time for motorsports tv....
Posted On: 2/28/2007 8:00:00 PM

Report Inappropriate Content

Select the reason that best describes why you think this content is inappropriate, and then click Submit. We'll review the content to determine if action is required. Thanks for your input!
 
Submit
Cancel