Former drivers defending themselves as members of the media
Following his best finish in more than ten years, Kyle Petty will jump out of his No. 45 Dodge this summer to join the TNT NASCAR broadcast team for six races. Petty is the latest in a string of former active drivers finding a home on the airways.
Petty joins Rusty Wallace and Dale Jarrett as a new breed of host-turned-announcer who the networks hope will bring a fresh, current perspective to their coverage.
Drivers Jimmy Spencer and Kenny Wallace headline the SPEED Channel’s weekly coverage with appearances on shows like “NASCAR RaceDay” and “NASCAR Victory Lane.” Spencer fills a spot for an analyst who is friendly to fans and adds a lighter side to NASCAR coverage. Wallace also wants SPEED’s shows to be fun and interactive, but also offers technical analysis that only a current driver could add.
Dale Jarrett has really been a welcome addition to ESPN 2’s Busch coverage. With Jarrett joining his old friends Dr. Jerry Punch and Andy Petree, the three-man booth makes us feel like we’re right there watching the race with they. I’m almost waiting for Dale or Andy to ask to pass on the chips or popcorn.
Petty will broadcast alongside Wally Dallenbach starting this week. I have seen Petty in numerous interviews and he is always honest, intelligent and passionate about the sport. This should quickly roll out as coverage of the race hits the two hour mark. Hopefully, Petty will help turn off some of the comments Dallenbach makes that turn off some opinions.
Possibly no one keeps one in front of the TV during long runs better than Darrell Waltrip. It looks like Boogity Boogity Boogity will be heard on the air for many years to come, as Waltrip has become a popular broadcaster with fans and media critics alike.
These riders have really paved the way for the current generation of runners to take up a second career talking about their sport. With many guest spots on “Regis and Kelly,” Jeff Gordon would be a natural behind the microphone on a regular basis. There are still many years of good racing left for Jeff, but he’s a great wordsmith. He currently he can have a shoe on satellite radio; Is Tony Stewart honing his broadcasting skills? I have to believe that he would be pretty good.
The season is almost half over; Let’s hope for more great broadcasts and great races.
the week that was
With a big win under her belt, Casey Mears isn’t planning on resting on her laurels. Mears truly believes in his team and plans to validate his victory at Lowe’s with many more.
The race weekend
NASCAR has another first-time winner this season. Martin Truex Jr. won the rain-delayed Autism Speaks 400 at Dover. With Ryan Newman dominating the race from the start, Truex remained patient and closed out the race strongly. Truex received a big congratulations from his DEI teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. in victory lane. Newman had to settle for second place and Carl Edwards finished third. Truex was a big driver in the points going up to thirteen. Mark Martin slides back into the top 12 moving up two places.
Looking to the future
This week comes the Pocono and the Pocono 500. Denny Hamlin should be happy to be back at Pocono, having won both races last year. The 2.5-mile track will host more than 100,000 screaming fans for Sunday’s race. Tony Stewart holds the qualifying record and other drivers who have had success at Pocono include Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon.