We lived on this in the early-mid 80's The intro music, the shows, how SIMPLE things were back then, coverage-wise.
And back then all the guys covering it KNEW racing, whereas today they shoehorn people in that are 'entertainers' that don't know the sport NEAR as well. I don't mean the retired former racers they use as 'color' guys today, I mean everyone else, it just seems more like a Hollywood production today...
I remember when Diamond P Sports basically owned drag racing coverage on TV. I have quite a few of their videos.
I was a Producer and Director with Diamond P from 1990 to 2001. Did almost every NHRA event plus the whole gamut of other events from Swamp Buggy races to sprint cars, motorcycle races and the so forth. Live and tape delayed. Worked alongside Brock Yates, Don Garlits, Dave McClelland, Steve Evans, Bob Frey and many other racing experts...all of them knowledgeable, entertaining and wonderful people. Best decade+ of my 50 years in the business.
Yeah, McClelland, Evans and Frey did a great job covering the NHRA. I don't find the coverage today nearly as pleasant to watch.
+1000. As with NASCAR, when the product is weak, sell the hype. And, unfortunately, most all of racing has headed down this slippery slope. BHW
