Every time a new broadcast team is put together there will be some adjustment time as each member of the team learns how to interact with the others. The race in Mexico City was my first real exposure to the ESPN team of broadcasters: Dr. Jerry Punch, Rusty Wallace and Andy Petree. Overall I give the trio a good solid grade of B. My one fault with the trio, is a fault with many sports announcers, they don't know when to shut up!
Rusty Wallace had great insight as to what was happening during the race, but there were several times that he was hitting info overload. Rusty--every once in a while just shut up and let the pictures do the talking.
I thought the pit reporting was solid, if not adventurous. The look in Chip Ganassi's eyes after he talked to Brad Parrott gave the answer to Mike Masaro questions before he asked them. But, to his credit he asked them anyway, then looked as if he wanted to duck in case Chip started swinging.
One other question concerning ESPN's coverage: why did ESPN2 have the english broadcast and the larger viewership of ESPN carried the simulcast from ESPN Deportes? Just a question, not a political commentary.
Rusty--tone it down. Dr. Jerry--good solid job. Andy--fight for some air time dude.
Steve
This broadcast team has the potential to be the best we have evr had covering NASCAR. Rusty talks too much and is, I think, a little nervous, yet. I hear him repeating phrases (thank goodness no, "youknows"). I think as he does more races with these guys, Punch and Petree are great, it will flow. Rusty's enthusiasm to share his knowlege is the greatest asset of the crew. They'll get there.
Posted by: Charlie | March 05, 2007 at 11:41 PM