DR. JERRY PUNCH OUT OF ESPN BOOTH
ESPN and ABC’S NASCAR coverage will have a new lead voice.
Per the network, Dr. Jerry Punch will move out of the booth and back to pit reporter. Marty Reid will join Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree on the Sprint Cup announcing team. Here’s the canned quote from the ESPN PR machine.
"This group gives us the most versatile and comprehensive team in motorsports, and strengthens us in the booth," said Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president for studio and event production."We play to the strengths of our announcers, and Marty's strength is calling the tactical aspects of the race while deferring to the analysts. And from the early days of our NASCAR coverage, Jerry helped evolve the significant role that reporting from the pits plays. He will bolster our already-strong stable of pit reporters."
Reid has been with ESPN since 1982. Last year, he called Nationwide and IRL races. The statement suggests Reid will remain on the mic for most 2010 Nationwide Series events.
So is this a good or bad move for ESPN? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments section below.
Reid to call Sprint Cup races for ESPN (ESPN)
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ESPN could not have picked a worse replacement for the near perfect Dr. Jerry Punch. If they were looking to "dumb down" to reach what's perceived as the Nascar fans of today,well I guess they did a great job.I for one miss Dr. Punch every time the very,very dimwitted Marty Reid makes his endless mistakes during the prerace show.He has more during 1 race than any high school commentator during an entire season.Please wise up ESPN,soon. Trust me,we "racin" fans can understand Dr. Punch far better than the mindless dribbling of Mr. Reid. Please, please bring back Jerry.
Jerry is one of the smartest, most articulate, thorough announcers of any sport, much less Nascar. I enjoyed the crew the last 3 years, but am also happy to see Jerry as a pit broadcaster. I hope they go to him 30 times/race, though. He is one of my favorite parts of raceday.
Always liked Jerry, but the sausage fest is getting old, you want ratings, how about Wendi V or Jamie Little in the booth I have always said. FOX football picked up a few viewers with Jillian Barberie.
I met Jerry Punch a few times. I have yet to come across anyone who says he isn't one of the nicest guys you'll meet in sports or life.
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Reid is just another talking head. Dr. Jerry Punch brought a low-keyed personality to the booth. I believe Bob Jenkins (always liked him) works almost exclusively for Indianapolis Motor Speedway.