I mainly lurk here, but I had to chime in.
I’ve read a lot of complaints on the Nitromater about the ESPN2 broadcasts. I’ll admit, I also get agitated when the race broadcast gets delayed by tiddlywinks or curling. I’m not super crazy about Paul Page (although I think he is improving). I also get frustrated when the race broadcast gets turned into the “Ashley Force Show” while other worthy drivers get no coverage. Having said all that, I think that ESPN2 does an overall great job broadcasting the NHRA.
For anyone who doesn’t like the ESPN2 broadcasts, I’d like to make a helpful suggestion:
On February 17th, FOX will broadcast the Daytona 500—please attempt to watch it in its entirety. If you can make it through the yammerings of Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond in addition to the 10,000 non-stop commercials plus the incompetent bumbling of NASCAR race officials along with the punk-like attitude of many of the “star” drivers without pulling your hair out, well, you have truly accomplished something. I promise, it will give you a new, very thankful outlook on the NHRA shows. Hearing Paul Page will be like listening to Beethoven after being tortured by Brittany Spears. The grass will seem greener and the air will smell fresher. You get the idea…..
I used to be a hard-core NASCAR fan, but, for various reasons, they drove me away—now I watch drag racing exclusively. The NASCAR broadcasts are just the most god-awful brainless drivel any more—it seems like the mission of FOX is to punish the viewer for being a race fan. When I started watching more NHRA, I was really pleased by the quality of the shows—I actually looked forward to them. Still do.
I’m serious with my suggestion—I hope it didn’t come across as smart-alecky. The NHRA on ESPN2 will be a breath of fresh air after watching any modern-day NASCAR broadcast.