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| DW needs to show fans more respect |
When Darrell Waltrip isn’t raving about NASCAR’s Gen 6 race car, he’s busy praising/defending Kyle Busch. Or telling us how great Danica Patrick is doing. It’s gotten to the point where it is ruining the race.
Saturday night Waltrip spent the first couple of hundred miles of the Darlington 500 talking about what a great race it was (if you were watching, you know it wasn’t) because the new cars could run low on the track. Fans know a good race when they see it, they don’t have to be told. And fans are used to long green flag runs at the start of Darlington. They know the action is packed into the final 100 miles. But it’s an insult to be repeatedly told what a great race we’re watching when clearly it isn’t.
Then Waltrip and his cohorts went on and on about how much race leader Busch has changed this year, how much more mature he is and how badly Busch felt about crashing Kasey Kahne at Talladega the week before. And after Busch caused Kahne to crash again, Waltrip spent the rest of the race saying the pair never touched and it wasn’t Kyle’s fault. Kahne didn’t see it that way.
"He blew that entry into one,” Kahne said after the race. "I was like, ‘Oh shoot, oh shoot.' The car moved and then just spun out. I don't know if he actually touched me or not. If he would have just entered normal like he entered the whole race there would have been no issues and I would have been leading off two. He just didn't want that to happen, so he blew turn one. Whether he hit me or not, he still caused that whole deal with screwing up and just mind fade. He's had a few of them this year when I've been around him.
“He needs to quit. I’ve never touched the guy in my life as far as on the race track.”
I couldn’t tell if the two touched or not. And I don’t blame Busch for racing him hard. But I don’t want to listen to Waltrip defending Busch for the rest of the race either.
We don't know how Busch felt. He spent the final laps of the race yelling at his crew over the radio as his car slowed, later traced to a cut tire. The more “mature” Busch bolted afterwards without talking to reporters, leaving it to crew chief Dave Rogers to defend his driver (again).
“He's pretty tore up that they're racing hard and Kahne tore up another car,” Rogers said. “This is the third time we've been involved in an incident with Kasey and all of us over here have a ton or respect for that program. Kyle thinks the world of Kasey Kahne.
But again, this isn’t about Busch. He behaved just as we have become to expect him to behave.
It’s about Waltrip, telling us how the great the racing is and the Gen 6 cars are when it isn’t and they aren’t. And it’s about Waltrip continuously defending Busch and saying how he’s changed – when he hasn’t.
There are two more races on Fox – Charlotte and Dover – before the Sprint Cup broadcasts move over to TNT beginning at Pocono. I’m looking forward to more Kyle Petty.
In the meantime, give the fans a little credit Darrell. They’re smarter than you think.
Thanks Art for stating the obvious. Fox has blessed us with TWO Waltrips at times which is way too much. And way tooooo much Danica.The brainwashed little girls who idolize her don't actually watch 500 mile races.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else noticed.... The same JR Motorsports car that Danicant drove for the last 2 yrs and always seemed to either wreck or finished LAPS down... that SAME CAR... Regan Smith has jumped into this year and HE IS LEADING THE POINTS.... With that SAME CAR that Danicant couldn't do ANYTHING with...!?!?!
Deleteeveryone that knows racing knew Smith would do what that other driver never will
DeleteDarrell Waltrip needs to retire and go away. Tired of his mouth, period! Tired of hearing about Princess Sparkle Pony too! NASCAR as a whole needs some shake ups including qualifying! Time to have hear races, or qualifying "sessions" when a certain number of cars are out on the track at the same time!
ReplyDeleteI whole heartedly cannot agree more. In fact I stopped watching the races and am waiting until FOX is done. It is a constant push for Toyota (Dw and Mikey won in only GM cars) and anyone who drives them.
ReplyDeleteFox coverage and Waltrip are too loud, cant watch a whole race because my ears start ringing!!!!! and endless commercials!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would be happy if Waltrip wouldjust shut his mouth and I mute the start of cup race's
ReplyDeleteDarrell waltrip is so dale Jr and Jimmy Johnson I'm wondering if he has man crushes on them or something else...poor Stevie
DeleteFrom the top down nascar could be scripted by the writers of "jackass". Professional is not a word that nascar, fox, or the drivers know the meaning of.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your "profession"?
DeleteI turn the volume off on a Fox broadcast
ReplyDeleteDW is out of touch! nobody cares how he won races in the 1980's because it is a totally different game now. Nobody cares that in the last five years of his career Darrell Waltrip had to use the champions provisional every week to race.
ReplyDeleteFOX has a huge conflict of interest with both Darrell and Michael Waltrip. Since they are either tied to sponsors or won teams in the race. This goes for ESPN with Brad and Rusty as well.
I cannot listen to the Waltrip's content yammering away about shit that does not matter. Danica is a back marker and telling us that she is "still learning" doesnt wash anymore. When you get to NASCAR's top series the "learning" is over. You should know what your doing and I dont care who her boyfriend is either.
I hope when Jeff Burton retires FOX will dump Ole DW and put him in the booth.
Well put. You learn in the lower series and have no business being in the top series until you are qualified to be there.
Deletegreat comment, id love to see "the governor" take DWs spot anyday. And why cant DW just say somethin like "The Southern 500 is green!" like others do. Too tired of the waltrips on FOX.
DeleteAlways thought the boogity talk was really embarrasing. I'm really it's sounds like baby talk. What do new viewers think when they hear that. It , in my opinion taints the credibility of the whole sport. Taking the green flag is more deserving than boogitity .... Waltrip and his brother are so ego driven. If Fox fails to point out how many wins at a certain track DW has his little brother brings it up and lets us know. I can't imagine how the powers at be think these two lend anything anymore to the broadcast. And on a different note, why do we have so much tv coverage of pre race and we are lucky to hear from four drivers from pit road after the race. In the little time we do get after the race we have to hear what Dw and crew think of the race. Geez they just had four hours to comment on it, can't I hear from 10-12 drivers and crew chiefs about the track conditions or how hard so and so raced or how they missed the air pressures or bad set of tires or who's pissed off. After watching for hours, enduring the waltrips, why cant we be given a proper race wrap up?
ReplyDeleteYes it is time to pack the WANDERING WALTRIP brothers away for another season.
ReplyDeleteNascarJeff,
ReplyDeleteyou claim that learning is over when you get to the top division (Sprint Cup).......i beg to differ. Remember how many cars Jeff Gordon tore up when he started? What about Tony Stewart? You learn every week, a little something, in this sport. As far as Darrell Waltrip goes, he does need to stop the Boogity boogity crap, its worn out. And speaking of "out of touch" I think that maybe can be used to describe you. I am not a Danica fan, but to say she should not be supported is just stupid. It's kind of a big deal to have a woman running (sometimes competively) in NASCAR and needs to be talked about. It can be toned down, sure, but she deserves some publicity, it grows the sport and draws fans. Without growing, NASCAR = gone......
NASCAR needs competitive races, which includes the best drivers in the best equipment. That my friend is what will determine the future of our sport. The true RACE fans have always been and always will be the backbone of NASCAR's success. Artificially exagerating the talents of a consistent top 30 driver is insulting the true supporters of the sport. I'm personally hoping that she finally gets the experience she needs and also that she truly has the talent at that point to run well but until then let's talk about the drivers and teams based on results. I'm in total support all drivers trying to enter our sport being treated fairly. That my friend means that the drivers that finish ahead of Danica should be given the opportunity to promote their sponsors as well (remember, sponsors are hard to come by and having a negative effect on the sport).
DeleteIt's okay to mention Danica when she's running 29th 300 laps into the race. Let's make it fair and give the same coverage to the cars running 28th and 30th. We all know why that doesn't happen.
DeleteWaltrip and Waltrip...GO AWAY AND DON'T COME BACK. You two are destroying the races for 90 percent of the viewing public.
ReplyDeleteonly if they take the TOTALLY USELESS (in all fox sports,not just nascar) chris myers with them
DeleteWell, I've already taken my break from the Waltrip Brothers show, they aren't funny and worse, they aren't professional in their broadcasts. The blatant favoritism has worn out my interest and I'm no longer willing to be annoyed each week. Having an ACTIVE owner in the booth was the final nail in it for me. Now I follow the races via my computer using trackpass, twitter and the radio feed. No, I don't see the pictures, but then again, the race broadcasts for the past several years have been more commercials, less racing anyway, so I don't miss much by not watching. If something happens, I'll hear them say so on the radio, I can switch the channel and see it on replay. Most of the time, Fox, TNT or ESPN wouldn't have caught it live anyway - they'd be away in commercial or blathering on about nothing.
ReplyDeleteBoth brothers are snake oil salesmen, always have been and always will be!!!!
ReplyDeleteDW thinks he's a NASCSR PR guy and doesn't appear to be interested in being an unbiased race commentator. FOX needs to change this or they will continue to lose viewers. I've been a NASCAR fan since the early 70's and was a DW fan when he was a driver. I appreciated the way he communicated to the fans through the media and that he could backup his comments. DW as a race car driver "thumbs up" (thanks for the memories) - DW as a race commentator "not so much".
ReplyDeleteI too am very tired of Darrell Waltrip and his hokey, cornpone antics. I'm also very tired of the constant commericials during Fox broadcasts. But please give credit where it is due, NASCAR has improved the product by a significant margin this year with the introduction of the "Gen 6" car.
ReplyDeleteGreat column expressing what we fans feel. With all the people
ReplyDeleteavailable, I can't understand why FOX doesn't get rid of their
stale presentations. The FOX management has no clue how stupid
the Waltrips sound to knowledgeable fans. They also don't understand the in-ground and fixed position cameras, along
with the in-cars are not what the fans want to see. Show us the
racing and get rid of the Waltraps!
Im glad someone has finally pointed this out. Tired of hearing about the new Kyle Busch, and Darrell defending him at every turn, and yes all they talk about is the Toyotas.......enough
ReplyDeleteIt is quite obvious that they (NASCAR, FOX, Toyota etc) are trying to get the Old School, Loyal fan to buy in to the new fads.
ReplyDeleteThese fads being Danica and Toyota.... FOX and the Waltrips are trying to win these people over by beating these fads to death.
I've watched the sport since the 70's and commentators have always had their favorites. You could tell this but they didn't let their bias overshadow the racing.
After the Talladega race and Mikey saying how major Penske's rules violations were and how minor Toyota's were (2.5 grams at 8,500 rpms for 3.5 hours is a tad over 9,000 pounds less mass) I can no longer invest the time in watching.
They are insulting to your intelligence and trying to manipulate you liking things which must not be the gaining popularity expected.
If you like Danica fine... If you don't fine. If you like Toyota fine... If you don't fine.
Don't tell us what/who we should like
Did you guys know the car is 150 pounds lighter this year too?!?-D.W. (Thanks again for the 184th time)
ReplyDeleteDo like I do, turn the TV sound down and turn up MRN radio. Ya, MRN mentions all of the sponsors, but they broadcast in a calmer, more even tone.
ReplyDeleteListen to what DW say's at the beginning of a race and then listen in the second half of the race how he back tracks on nearly everything he say's in the beginning. It's so obvious that he truly believes it is the DW show. He believes he's the shining star but in reality is an old buffoon.
ReplyDeleteEvery driver is "my buddy". He knows what every driver is thinking. He is supposed to be an analyst and an announcer but how often does he talk about more than the top maybe ten drivers, how often does he talk about those from 20th on back if their name isn't Danica? Why does he think he needs to extrapolate on every comment Mike or Larry make? Doesn't he get that his constant comments on how he did things, how he'd race a track, are not how things are today? His constant babble is not as an analyst but that of a show off who can't see that his time is past and still Need's to be a star. His constant talking down to the fans is insulting. He simply has no respect for the fans that made this sport probably actually believing that he has the credit for that. Sorry DW, the fans made NASCAR what it is today and made you what you were. Our money from tickets, from buying the sponsors products, are what made NASCAR and you and we are no where near as ignorant about the sport as you believe we are.
Then after an hour of DW babble we get switched over to Mikey and Chris. We get to be blessed with that screeching witch like voice and comments that make DW's babble sound almost informative. And what is this bromance between Mikey and Chris? For some reason they cannot talk without touching each other, it borders on the creepy.
There once was the Ned and Benny talent in the booth added to Squire, Economaki, Joy, Jenkins, and Punch and Jarrett on pit row, we had those few folks that were analyst's and announcers bring the races to the fans they respected. They were humble and appreciative in their roles. None thought they were the stars of the show. That's where DW, Mikey, Rusty, Brad (why is he even there), the myriad of blonds that at least add to the aesthetics. Where are the idea people at fox that are so far off in presenting a show for the fans? Hard to see where they even give a damn. Where is NASCAR in all this? Stupis is as stupid does.
being a long time fan (early 60s)now not so much no broadcast team has done it better with far less BS than early espn with basically only bob Jenkins & larry nuber
DeleteSo sick of dw i quit watching live now tape and buzz the race so i do not have to listen to the waltrips (badtrips)
ReplyDeleteDarrel Waltrip has always been insufferable and Michael Waltrip is even worse. They are shameless NASCAR "yes men" who go on and on about themselves and how great the racing is (even when it isn't). I have eyes and a brain and I can think for myself. Beyond this Michael Waltrip is also a two faced hypocrite snake in the grass who puts on an "aw shucks" act but would stab his mother in the back if it would help him. He's not fooling anyone.
ReplyDeleteThis guy couldn't be more correct. I've found that they only way I can watch a NASCAR race is to mute the TV sound and listen to the call on a MRN radio station. The idiot DW is forever cheer leading for the greatest female race car ever, no matter that she consistently runs in the upper 20s or lower 30 positions. How many other drivers back there get their names mentioned. And the "Boogity..." is just so low class that I'm surprised the networks let him continue with it. Give me Buddy Baker anytime over Jaws.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think DW should just adopt Danica and Kyle, that way he can worship them all to himself. The Waltrips unfortunately are making a mockery of NASCAR the way they report.
ReplyDeleteWTF is "boogity" anyhow? my gosh is he annoying!
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more. DW needs to shut his pie hole and retire already. The boogity boogity crap isn't flying anymore with let's go racing boys and girl" as he said this past Saturday night. The Danica and Kyle references all night is awful. What is he going to say when Kyle plants Dancia into the wall one day. There are a lot of racers out there that would love to have the financial backing and opportunity thrown at her feet. Wish TNT had the whole year.
ReplyDeleteI rarely watch races that FOX does and if I do the sound is turned down. I know they used to call DW "jaws" back in the day but it was mostly because he thought he was the best ever. He never stops talking during a broadcast. Go search some races on youtube that had exciting finishes and watch the last 5 laps. He screams and talks and rambles and says the most idiotic stuff. I hate comparing different teams, but did Jarrett and Squire blab the whole time or did they let the action play out? No matter what sport I watch, if the color commentator won't shut up and keeps talking over the play by play guy it is just plain annoying. Mike Joy is the ultimate pro for not ever sounding like he wants to throttle the two mental midgets he has to spend all weekend with.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more! I'm so tired of the Waltrip show and I was unaware that it was now being said "let's go racing boys and girl" because at the drop of the green I scramble for the remote to hit the MUTE button before idiot spouts his boogity boogity. Definitely time for some changes. I can remember when I would really look forward to Daytona in February, now I just can't get past the stupid announcers. (Coopetition, boogity, extree, etc)
ReplyDeleteThank you and I agree. My wife and I laugh at how when it's not his turn to talk you can see him moving around like a little boy that has to use the bathroom waiting for the opening to say something that has nothing to do with what is being talked about.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that as well. He thinks he's the smartest and should be doing all of the talking. When others are talking and he isn't, it's obvious he is MISERABLE!!
DeleteAlways glad to see the Fox portion of the season end. Way too much of the Waltrip brothers for my taste. The pre-race show is just about un-watchable. I DVR the race and start watching a half hpor or so after the green flag drops. I can skip most of the inane babble that way.
ReplyDeleteFinally the incredibly obvious in print. Please someone, PLEASE make sure motor mouth gets the message, some how send him this link or something. No need for him to go away mad, but please just go away!
ReplyDeleteEverybody is commenting how DW loves Danica and Kyle. What about Dale Jr ? Dale Jr. is a middle aged man, but DW refers to him as June Bug. "I love me some June Bug!" Sounds like something Herbert would say on Family Guy.
ReplyDeleteIt's OBVIOUS, as much as I cannot stand the Waltrip brothers and how they totally ruin my NASCAR races, I seem to have loads of company here and elsewhere. Most of my thoughts on those two schilling buffoons has been well said here.The article and almost every comment reflects my feelings about how aggravating and ignorant they both sound on air.How come FOX and NASCAR can't seem to notice this?
ReplyDeleteI tweeted to DW and asked him to view this article and read these comments. I'm sure he won't read it, but even if he did he would ignore the comments because in his mind he's the best TV broadcaster ever. If he did read and address these issues, would be a pipe dream for me. One can only hope!! Wayne
ReplyDeleteI can guarantee you he won't. DW only responds to "positive" comments. He only answers tweets that tell him he is wonderful. LOL, I know, cuz if I send a question, he ignores it and I am always polite with my questions. I tweeted to ask him why he didn't answer my questions and some other person (a female based on the name), tweeted back that "DW doesn't like haters". Funny how that is the standard response to criticism these days. You can't "disagree" with someone, if you do, you are a "hater".
DeleteDW doesn't want to change and apparently Fox and NASCAR are good with that. Well, then I'll keep doing what I am, which is voting with my remote and watching LESS NASCAR on TV.
Both Waltrips are AWFUL! I can't wait for the Fox races to be over. I haven't listened to the start of a NASCAR race in over two years just because I cant stand the thought of big mouth and the boogity crap. Mikey is the only thing worse than DW. Please FOX.....get rid of these two so America can enjoy racing on TV again.
ReplyDeleteI think both Waltrips had a boyfriend in KY.I think he may have owned a furniture store.They may fool some people but not all.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you, I thought I was alone when it came to not wanting to listen to these spud Waltrips. OMG! I feel like shooting myself in the head when they come on. Danica this and Danica that. And I swear if I have to listen to "here comes Kyle" one more time I'm going to jump off a bridge.
ReplyDeleteLet me pile on here, can't take DW and his constant yammering, sometimes I think he just makes stuff up. Then add his brother - knife to the temple. Argh, make them stop.
ReplyDeleteAnytime DW is talking, or MW for that matter it's fast forward right on through
Really looking forward to TNT taking over.
Yes, it is time for a change for Fox. Mike Joy and the waltrips dumb it down so much it is crazy! Allen Bestwick and Andy Petree on ESPN are way better! Same with Wally on TNT.
ReplyDeleteLet me say one thing, Mike Joy is a darn good PXP guy. Left to himself, he could call the races very well, but I'm sure he has instructions these days to let DW yack as much as he wants and now it is the Waltrip Brothers show.
DeleteHeaven forbid that the fans should hear the PXP on the race. Naw, didn't you know? What the fans really want is more commercials and lots of lots of DW & Mikey.
DW's lack of being prepared to work a four hour sports event is obvious, and when they are in Bristol, it's hours upon hours of "Darrell you were pretty good here weren't you?" -Mike Joy or Larry Mac serves it to him on a plate. And "Hey big brother , didn't you win here a few times?" and of course the graphic is shown with his 12 wins or whatever. He was a great driver, but he needs some humble pie. A new face in the booth would be a nice change.
ReplyDeletefinal lap at richmond. harvick charching like a mad man on the inside. dw says... look at edwards charge the outside. 99 finished what, 10th?
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at how many people here feel as I do. I grew up watching great short track racers, some of whom made it to the big time. No more local drivers making it big though. Logano was raised in Ct but never ran steet stocks at Stafford. Ron Bouchard paid his dues running modifieds all across New England, the fans loved him when he won Talledega. Now what has Brian France got for an up and comer, Danica Patrick????? It's a sad day for racing.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, does my heart good to see what we all have been complaining about to no avail. Now...why hasn't Fox or Nascar done anything? Clearly this is nothing new with real fans finding anything Waltrip offensive? King Brian doesn't care, he got his $$$$ from the networks deal and the idiots at Fox don't give a darn about real race fans, their "target" audience is something totally different..but as usual, they don't know real racing fans..tuning out is what's happening. Trying to jam Danica down our throats, Mikey going nuts in the booth calling Logano everything in the book when he dared to trade paint with a Toyota..unprofessional and makes you wonder how that man has a job? You can say that for most of those booth people, another butt kisser for Nascar..Rusty Wallace..bias beyond bias, but yet he still sits, reminding you all the time how great he is (cough cough). The whole thing has turned rotten, so we are tuning out.
ReplyDeletethe thing is that NASCAR is not drawing in the "new" fans and demographic they want, so they've developed a lose/lose scenario for the sport.
Deletehowever, apparently the TV money still spends the same in Brian France's world, so there's no reason to care if no one watches the races.
agreed!
DeleteThe juvenile boogity thing that "Jackass " does before the race starts is just as irritating as his parlour room comments as the race progresses! He talks like he is in a private room with a couple of friends! Sounds like he has no respect for the fans, which is evident the way he runs his mouth! In the past,some of the best commentators helped you gain an overall satisfaction while watching Nascar races! You enjoyed their comments and appreciated there serious times and there humorous times, They also offered real facts, not one man's opinion on situations at and around the Track! There were a few good men in the booth in the past! Ned Jarret is one i remember best for his enjoyable commentating! He was a big part of the feel good Sunday races! These days we are irritated instead of feeling good!
ReplyDeleteRacing is dead because of these clowns. Just look at the empty stands.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you every time he says that boogie I want to punch the TV I wish it was his face I hope he reads this to see what a ass he sounds like
ReplyDeleteI guess Kyle has matured some since you wrote this piece, eh?
ReplyDelete