Hello. I'm cranky. You've been forewarned.
What I must rant on is 'The Big One.' If you watch NASCAR, you know what this means. Restrictor plate racing + (usually) last laps = huge wreck, aka, The Big One.
It's nothing new, right? Let me tell you what IS new, or what I perceive has gotten worse: The utter elation in the announcer's voice when they *THINK* 'The Big One' MIGHT happen. Somehow, it's become a selling point, a way to attract viewers.
Pause for the WTH &*&^$^* moment.
Throughout much of the race you could HEAR the announcers get almost giddy when someone turned sideways or got loose, and then sound deflated when it didn't happen--something like, "THIS IS IT....ooooh, he got control of it."
I love NASCAR, you know this. I DO NOT LOVE ANYTHING about 'The Big One.'
First, people could get hurt...people have gotten hurt. Why on earth would I want to see something that could hurt Lord knows how many drivers?!
Second, the wrecked automobiles cost an obscene amount of money. Perfectly good cars get literally totaled in one second. Why would I want to see guys drive exceptional races, just to end up in the back and wrecked because of 'The Big One?'
Yes, Dale was caught up in one today. Yes, he drove HARD and was in position to make a move. All of his hard work was wiped out on the last lap...he was left clutching his head in his hands, wincing...all because of 'The Big One.'
What human being enjoys seeing another person in pain or upset? Not this human being.
Just needed to rant. Sorry.
And, as always...GO DALE.
Wait . . . you like sports?! Never would have guessed. LOL
ReplyDeleteI don't watch NASCAR, but I don't like seeing "the big wrecks". I think people are, by nature, gory individuals. In that we can't stop watching a train wreck, we're riveted. As long as it's happening to someone else, anyway. Why else do we bottleneck at the scene of a car wreck?
It's sick, I know. Just think happy thoughts.
LOL LOL LOL!
DeleteYep, you make an excellent point.
Big crashes kill. I'm not sure what part of that escapes rationale during races. I mean, I know it's part of the sport, and I understand that the cars are very, very safe, BUT to get giddy and use the potential for 'the big one' as a way to get viewers really ticks me off. UGH!
Okay, happy thoughts, happy thoughts...um...where are those dang happy thoughts?! lol
We just had our big V8 supercar race here and while our announcers get a bit excited (by way of exclamations)if it looks like a car is going to crash (Or does) they certainly don't use it as a selling point of the race itself.
ReplyDeleteThey also don't sound disappointed if the driver manages to avoid the accident.
I tell you, it has gotten worse over here. I was literally stunned by what I heard. I had to double check with people to see if they heard what I did. Makes my stomach churn.
DeleteIt is pretty sad that disasters, crashes, and injuries have to make for juicy sports events. Why can't we just enjoy the sport for the performance of it--and the abilities of the athletes to use their brains to do the best they can? I guess it's all about ratings=money.
ReplyDeleteExactly. WELL SAID! I literally can't stand seeing wrecks or athletes suffering an injury. Sensationalizing accidents is just plain sick.
DeleteI wish I could commiserate with you, but this weekend was a fantastic one for NY sports! So I'm in exceptionally rare form this Monday morn. :) Still, I agree with you re: The Big One. I could never get excited to see sports professionals placed in harms way. And especially involving flying hunks of metal!
ReplyDeleteGuess we haven't come so far as a society from the gory spectacle days of gladiatorial games.
Oh, I am happy about the Yankees! :) The rest of the weekend was atrocious.
DeleteWOW. PERFECT comparison. It's like a modernized cousin of the gladiator days. WOW. WOW. WOW.
I saw the video of the final lap...gee-whiz!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you on the announcers. Must be an ESPN/TNT thing, 'cause I don't recall the boys on Fox announcing like that the first half of the season. Probably because ol' DW would reach across and whack 'em up the back of the head if they did.
I once heard Darrell Waltrip refer to "The Big One" as The Million Dollar Junkyard.
Unbelievable, wasn't it?! :(
DeleteIt just really stood out to me--how much they seemed to be salivating over the possibility of 'the big one.' It made my stomach churn.
Sad to say, I suspect the possibility of "the big one" is what draws many to NASCAR.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Jason the jet Terry is looking good in Celtics green. I'm really impressed with him. Can't wait for the season to start!
That's sad, if true. To want to see accidents just baffles me...and something I find truly disturbing.
DeleteAww, I'm going to miss Jet SO much! But, I'm glad he's on your team. If he had gone to the Heat or somewhere like that, I may have hurled. lol
Our Ray Allen went to the Heat. Guess he didn't like playing of the bench with the Celtics. I think he'll be playing off the bench for the Heat, though, too. I guess he didn't like Rajon Rondo being the team leader.
DeleteRondo IS the Celtics. I mean, he's THE man, just like Dirk IS the Mavs. Every team has a team leader, but it doesn't mean others aren't appreciated and loved. If he thinks it will be different behind LeBron James or Wade, he has another thing coming.:/
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