Seat Swap - Stewart vs Hamilton-Page 2: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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June 17, 2011 6:07 a.m. Wally SuperDork

coll9947 wrote:

And I know this is a weird one, but I just don't think a British accented commentator (Windsor included) helps F1's case in America. British accents on American TV are used for two things: selling me stuff on infomercials, and judging reality TV talent shows (American Idol etc.). I'm not saying this as a xenophobic American, just someone who wishes to see F1 gain more popularity in the states. It doesn't help the sport's perceived image as being elitist and aloof.

I don't think that's a problem. David Hobbs and Jackie Stewart were both Nascar commentators for years and noone seemed to mind.

As far as the constant explaining of the differences from Nascar you are right. My wife watches with me from time to time and has figured out on her own that these cars are a bit different, as are prototypes and gt cars.
June 17, 2011 8:47 a.m. Kramer HalfDork

wbjones wrote:

hmmmmm I am obviously remembering it differently ... and can't find anything to back me up... my memory was that Jeff would have qualified mid-pack in that yrs Indy F1

Either way, Gordon was evidently driving 10/10ths (in a car set up for someone else), or he's an damn good driver. And he drives in the series that is mischaracterized as being full of rednecks and poor drivers.

I was at the Gordon/Montoya Trading Paint session, and not at the Stewart/Hamilton show (nor did I follow or research anything about it, other than this thread), but I hope these two drivers weren't under strict orders to go half-fast. I'm sure each respected the others' machinery, but these guys are racers.

If I get another chance to race my Miata at my local hometown track, I plan on calling my extended cousin, Travis Gregg, and inviting him to drive it (it's his track). He's a former IndyLights driver, and I would fully expect him to drive it balls-out. If it breaks or gets wadded up, that would suck, but it's just a car. It would be a great story. Kinda like the story if Tony Stewart balled up an F1 car...
June 17, 2011 9:22 a.m. Giant Purple Snorklewacker SuperDork

Wally wrote:

As far as the constant explaining of the differences from Nascar you are right.

I love the "explaining the differences" part.

Stuff like "In Formula 1, the lap counter counts down". Really? Thank you Capt. Obvious. You mean we didn't really start on lap 53?
June 17, 2011 9:38 a.m. joepaluch Reader

One think I hate about FOX coverage is that they dumb down the commentary to try to appeal to new audience.

Not sure if works as I have been wathing F1 for 15 years and know about it already. Certainly detail sporting or tech regs changes that occur or changes to graphics from FOM or weekly car changes are good to know, but I have basics covered.
June 17, 2011 10:00 a.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher

F1 will have a hard time gaining real popularity in the U.S unless their television coverage improves radically.

Having only one T.V. feed, and announcers who aren't even at the track leads to poor broadcasts.

One of the reasons NASCAR gained so much popularity is the T.V. companies threw huge budgets at the race production. Suspension cams, tons of camera views of the race, detailed analysis, etc.

Sure I could do without 6 hours of pre-race, crappy country singers, and "Digger" WTF? Overall though, NASCAR television coverage is better than F1 coverage by a long shot.
June 17, 2011 10:17 a.m. oldsaw SuperDork

In reply to Joe Gearin:

With a couple of exceptions (in England and Germany), the only source available is the "world feed" and that's controlled by the FIA.

Having the broadcast team reporting from off-site might be an issue, but Speed/FOX won't allocate a big enough budget to find out.
June 17, 2011 11:14 a.m. Giant Purple Snorklewacker SuperDork

Joe Gearin wrote:

Sure I could do without 6 hours of pre-race, crappy country singers, and "Digger" WTF? Overall though, NASCAR television coverage is better than F1 coverage by a long shot.

Can you even say "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity" in an english accent? I think you would break your tongue.
June 18, 2011 2:11 a.m. CanadianTercel New Reader

I was pretty disappointed, i remember watching montoya/gordon tradin' paint, and i had thought it was pretty intensely competitive or atleast quick, and then i waste an hour of my time on youtube watch these two Bob Costas foot it around the glen? SORRY, but i wouldn't want the gates open if that's the case.. i was planning to go, glad i didn't... not to mention, who cares if they wad it up a bit, there is enough money to fix it.. just don't let lewis -'kubica himself..
June 18, 2011 8:41 a.m. erohslc Reader

Hey, they 'guest swapped' drivers, how about 'guest swappiing' the commentators? Let Darryl do the commentary as a NASCAR guy that's new to, but enthusiastic about F1:

' ... and hey, y'all, make no mistake, them boys is flyin 'round them corners, ...'