Unrestricted
A NASCAR BLOG BY Art Weinstein
TNT’s ‘Wide-Open’ coverage a winner for fans, sponsors
TNT once again rolled out its “Wide Open” coverage of the Coke Zero 400 last night, and after watching the race, I feel compelled to say this: That should be the model for all NASCAR race coverage, not just because fans get to see more of the action, with limited commercial interruptions, but because it would probably be more effective for advertisers as well.
Time and time again last night, I found myself actually watching the commercials that ran in an inset box in the lower right-hand corner. Not that I have some inherent interest in commercials, but as I watched the race action during the “commercial breaks,” the commercials really stood out.
So as I watch Tony Stewart lead a pack of cars into a turn, thinking that anyone who underestimated that guy this year must be an idiot, I’m also thinking, yes, a dose of Viagra would make me want to take my significant other to a hut on a lonely tropical island. Maybe when that couple gets inside the hut, they turn on the TV to watch a NASCAR race. I don’t know. I never had much of an imagination.
I do know I spent more time thinking about the commercials during this race than any other race this year. During a normal race, when a commercial starts, I go do something, knowing I have two or three minutes before the action returns.
Other sports feature plenty of regular breaks in the action that are seemingly made for commercial interruption. In NASCAR, the breaks are unpredictable in their timing and duration. The advertisers pay for the broadcast, so the commercials have to run. The only question is when.
TNT figured out a brilliant solution for that problem. The network took a chance on its limited commercial coverage. It’s time for the other networks to give it a shot.
Art Weinstein
Managing Editor Art Weinstein has been covering NASCAR since 1995 and has worked at NASCAR Scene for 11 years.
Latest Tweets
Poll PositionView All
Which NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner from the past two seasons is most likely to earn his first victory of 2009 in the next three races?
Promotions
-
Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!
-
Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.
-
Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.
-
Cast your vote for the NASCAR Illustrated 2009 Person of the Year, presented by Old Spice.
-
Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.
Comments
17 responses to "TNT’s ‘Wide-Open’ coverage a winner for fans, sponsors ". Post a Comment.
nomlasder said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 10:09 AMThanks to Coke Zero, Coors Lite (which were going down well),and Subway for a better way to see all the action and all the advertising. I never felt the urge to channel surf.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportGermcleaner said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 10:46 AMIf any network that does or wants to cover a race and wants an example to see how it's done, watch a replay of the Coke Zero 400. Not once did I change channels. Great coverage ! Now if Budweiser would just bring back Frank & Louie (the lizards).....
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reporttodd625 said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 12:16 PMTNT's coverage last night was awesome! They could do it all season as far as I am concerned. I found myself watching the commercials as well. usually I flip channels or find something to eat,drink.
Report as AbuseThe Tony Stewart Burger King commercials were funny as HECK!
GOOD JOB TNT and #14
Report Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportsundaemunny said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 12:55 PMTNT has set the standard for race coverage...and not just the 'wide open' package. they have consistantly covered more than 8 or 10 drivers on the track, used more wide shots to keep a perspective of what's happening over the entore race, and given us 3 guys in the booth that make you feel as if they're right in the living room with you. I hope the 'other networks' pay attention and actually learn something about how to cover a race properly. My thanks (and patronage) to those advertisers who made the coverage possible.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportosbornk said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 1:23 PMThe race made my DVR almost useless. I had to watch the commercials to see the race. I even watched the commercials as I watched the race action. I think the sponsors get more bang for their buck with the wide open coverage. Best race coverage I have seen in years. I hate that ESPN is coming in a couple of weeks. We will go from the best directly to the worst.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportwolverine-2009 said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 1:55 PMI was a channel surfer.
Report as AbuseThe race was the Coke Zero 400. The excitement was anticipated.
Will race fans have the same euphoric feeling for the race in Chicago?
What is anticipated in Chicago?
Report Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportgwen_susie388 said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 2:04 PMI liked the "Wide Open," Coverage too! I was watching the race and my husband was watching the race and laughing at the commercial's. Works for me!!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportzharris5 said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 2:23 PMI watch NASCAR every week. This is the FIRST race I watched all the way through. I didn't change the channel once or surf. Sometimes the commercial breaks bother me so much, I end up watching something else on TV because when there are commercial breaks I check out other stuff -- and sometimes don't come back. Why this doesn't happen on all races is beyond me. Most people have wide TVs that can handle this kind of coverage. Shoot, I even watch IRL because there are no commercial breaks.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportSS396Chevelle said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 6:23 PMWorked well for me too. I have a DVR and found out I only needed it a few times during the entire race. Why can't every race be covered the same way?
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportboudruxbone said:
Jul 5, 2009 at 9:54 PMT.N.T. Is actually trying to cover the sport. Kyle Petty and the boys in the booth was absolutly terrific. I got to watch raceview for the cool inside the car shots and to hear what Smoke and Grubby was figuring on. I used to hate T.N.T. because they showed 10 laps of racing and 25 minutes of commercails. That was the coolest coverage of a Nascar race I've ever seen! We gotta' figure out a way for them to cover the whole season next year!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmatthewallenhughes said:
Jul 6, 2009 at 11:05 AMI never really liked TNT's coverage before, but they've stepped it up this year. I'm glad Bill Weber is gone because I think that that makes their coverage a 100 times better. Ralph Sheheen does a great job up there. They did a spectacular job this past race. I really enjoyed all the commericals too.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportOLD_GUY said:
Jul 6, 2009 at 11:41 PMThe Daytona coverage was significantly better than their past efforts. however, take a peek at http://www.scenedaily.com/blogs/jeffgluck/Some_fans_wont_miss_Bill_Weber_in_TNT_booth.html to see where they have been below par in their prior attempts.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmanzytrophygirl said:
Jul 7, 2009 at 4:26 PMTotally enjoyed the TNT coverage...standing up cheering most of the time...just like at the track...and Ralph is doing a terrific job!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportydarlene said:
Jul 7, 2009 at 7:00 PMPLEASE KEEP THE WIDE OPEN COVERAGE. IT WAS SO NICE TO SEE A WHOLE RACE.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report88Lemming said:
Jul 8, 2009 at 1:04 AMI especially liked the ads that had the drivers in them. A very clever idea. I did however mute the commercials I have seen several times before. That is my norm, however now I could continue to watch the race. Race did not seem quite as long and boring.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportSTP43FAN said:
Jul 8, 2009 at 1:24 PMThere is no evidence the sponsors are getting more for their money with Wide Open coverage. It's basically a time buy like Indy cars has.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportnictmb said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 11:25 PMi know i loved it to...!!! it sucks that its only one time a year!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report