Monday, February 12, 2007

The Great American Race

This Sunday is the Daytona 500.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch it this year, as ironically, I will be driving. Listening to the race on the radio isn't exactly my idea of a thrill.

Anyway, with that in mind, here's some fun video for you.

First, the largest wreck in NASCAR history, taking out 37 vehicles (with no injuries!)



Second, a tribute to Dale Earnhardt, set to Big & Rich, since Sunday would also be the six-year anniversary:



And last, a clip from the movie Cars. For the kiddies:

2 comments:

Jeff Briscoe said...

You'd be surprised if you give it a fair chance. There aren't too many other sports that translate better onto radio than auto racing. And both networks that carry the races (MRN and PRN) do a great job. In fact, I often prefer to listen on radio and am known to turn down the volume on goof balls like Darrell Waltrip in order to follow the radio call.

2 guy usually handle the play-by-play. Since it's a long broadcast, they'll often bring guests/visiting dignitaries into the booth during cautions for interviews. Otherwise you get very dramatic calls of the action on the track, especially during passing. Then you also have reporters stationed in lookout towers in each of the 4 corners of the track who cut in with analysis from their perspectives. Plus you also have a few more reporters on pit road and in the garage. Add in to that the open mics all around the track that mix in the constant sound of horsepower and it's always a very entertaining way to follow a race.

Actually, at NASCAR tracks the radio broadcasts is actually played over the PA system so you can follow the race that way too. So give it a shot, especially in Virginia. There may not be many other options on the Sunday afternoon dial anyway! :-)

Just another reason why NASCAR has become America's 2nd favorite sport and will sustain people like me through 5 months without football and the dog days of a subpar Braves season!

APOSEC72 said...

Listening on the radio and watching it simultaneously is a bit different from what I'll face, though. I've tried listening in the car and it's not something I really enjoy very much.

Alex and Samantha might make an appearance at a track later this year, though, along with Turner Field.

And no, I haven't helped him pick a driver or dressed him up, though if early indicators mean anything he'll be a Jnuior fan because Junior was in his favorite movie (referenced in this post).