Thursday, September 26, 2024

Announcers, Can we Please Stop Yelling!

As I’m already excited without you Screaming at me over Who’s the Winner! Like isn’t that what winners do, take the chequered flag?

 

There has been much debate over who should be FOX’s IndyCar Announce lineup next year. And it’s funny how our personal preferences effect us, Righto?

 

Although I’ve got absolutely nothing against Kevin Lee the person. I’ve been lamenting here upon No Fenders for years how I cannot stand His nauseatingly FAKE enthusiasm, ergo Yelling!

 

Yet AZ Buruea Chief Snowbyrd’ MJ just told me that She really enjoyed Kevin Lee during the Nashville season finale and His “infectious” enthusiasm.

 

Perhaps you’ve heard about six senses? And that Blind people have Super Powers! Like exceptional hearing, Uhm what did Yuhs say Sonny? Speak up Eh!

 

Although Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary ellen would tell you that my hearing sucks! Presumably from either one too many RUSH concerts or the plethora of IndyCar, Formula 1, Sports Cars, MotoGP or Vintage Races I’ve partaken over the decades…

 

Although if I had to guess, it would be from hearing a pack ‘O 3.0-litre normally aspirated Shrieking V-10 Formula 1 lumps’ one too many times over the years, but I digress…

 

AnyHoo, I simply cannot stand Kevin Lee’s FAKE, phony, manufactured excitement! Which sounds Horrific to my ears! And yes, I’m aware that other announcers also YELL at us, for no apparent reason.

 

As is this something taught at Journalism classes around the Globe? Since Sky Sports Formula 1 lead Presenter Kroftie’ (David Kroft) is a Screamer! And so is TNT Sports MotoGP lead Presenter Gavin Emmett!

 

While I’d have to say that my favourite International announcer, Err Presenter would be former Seattle Sounders FC great Arlo White! Who quickly got poached by NBC to head up their Premiere Soccer TV coverage. Whom I cannot recall ever Yelling…

 

This led me to try coming up with  a veritable top ten of motor racing announcers. For which I’ve only listed the trios I could recall below.

 

“Top 10” Motorsports Announcing Trios

1. Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett: Formula 1

2. Paul Page, bobby Unser and Sam Posey: IndyCar

3. Bob Jenkins, Benny Parsons and Ned Jarrett: NASCAR

4. Bob Jenkins, Robbie Buhl and Jon Beekhuis: IndyCar

5. Bob Varsha, Dorsey Schroeder and Calvin fish: Sports Cars

6. Ken Squire, Ned Jarrett and David Hobbs: NASCAR

7. Leigh Diffey, Paul Tracy and Townsend Bell: IndyCar

8. Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Larry McReynolds: NASCAR

9. Bob Varsha, Dario Franchitti and Steve Matchett: Formula E

10. Ken Squire, Buddy Baker and Dick Berggren: NASCAR

11. Alan Bestwick, Benny Parsons and Wally Dallenbach Jr: NASCAR

12. Bill Webber, Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach Jr: NASCAR

 

Hands down and no contest, Varsha, Hobbs and Matchett were simply the best ever! While I’d probably put Varsha, Franchitti and Matchett as second best with Page, Unser and Posey rounding out my mythical podium.

 

Whilst my list doesn’t include the likes of Jim McKay, Brian till or Adam Alexander as lead Play by Play Announcers…

 

As for Mwah, Jim McKay would be one of my “Gold” standards, but I didn’t list Him because as far as I can tell, McKay only ever worked as a “Twosome” in the TV Booth alongside another stellar Announcer voice; that being Chris Schenkel.

 

Brian till, whom I’ve always thought was excellent, seemingly has served as a backup lead Announcer over His long television career.

 

And Adam Alexander, who gets my nod to be the lead Announcer of FOX’s IndyCar broadcast next year has always been “enjoyable” to Mwah. As I know He was the lead Announcer for TNT’s NASCAR Summer series Wayback’ when. As I think He was teamed with Kyle Petty and perhaps Wally Dallenbach Jr? Knowing He’s worked with both of those Colour Commentators. But I couldn’t find out His exact NASCAR top tier booth “buddies”.

 

Alexander would seemingly check All of FOX’s “Boxes” (requirements) for a lead Announcer, being only 51 years old and well seasoned in this role, along with being employed by FOX.

 

Whilst I was unaware that Adam actually worked for the IndyCar Radio Network during the 2000’s. Being the Turn 3 Announcer for the Indianapolis 500 between 2004-06.

 

Since unfortunately, I’m Arse-suming FOX will continue the tradition of selecting “Youthful” looking, Easy on the Eyes Announcers. Which would make me think that both Brian Till and Alan Bestwick will be overlooked. Even though both would bring instant creditability to the announce booth. As these would be my first two choices for lead Announcer.

 

Rick Allen also comes to mind, although I don’t know if He’s locked into the Xfinity series broadcast?

 

While another voice I’d enjoy as the lead announcer would be Nicky Salt’ Yeoman from IndyCar Radio. As I feel He does an excellent job as the lead announcer of Indy NXT and IndyCar in general. But I think He’s Mark James Heir apparent and going nowhere…

 

As the only two consensus choices seem to be James Hinchcliffe as a Driver Analyst/Colour Commentator and Georgia Henneberry as a Pitlane Reporter. Which Kevin Lee would also be aptly suited for working the Pits. Just not as the lead Announcer, please!

 

Townsend Bell would fit well with FOX’s over the top mentality. And if you really wanted to spice up the Booth. Bring back Derek “Hang Onto your Hollyhocks!” Daly…

 

And that’s my two pesos worth on the subject. Since somehow I don’t think any FOX Executives will be calling me anytime soon for this lowly blogger’s opinion! Especially since the Cellphone reception’s really bad in my Mum’s basement…