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Not long left for the best commentary team in motorsport

Started by ghinzani , Oct 18 2008 08:36

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49 replies to this topic

#1 ghinzani

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Posted 18 October 2008 - 08:36

Sadly this weekends the penultimate round of Moto GP and this means the magnificent reign of Toby Moody and Julian Ryder is shortly to finish. Next week at Valencia is the final hurrah due to the inexplicable decision by Dorna to make Moto GP only available to national terrestrial broadcasters, despite the fact that Eurosport could be regarded as Europes combined broadcaster. This mornings 250 GP practice session was another perfect example of why these guys (and Randy Mamola) are the best commentary team in any sport since Johnston, Arlott, Agnew et al were on Test Match Special together. They dont just commentate on the racing, they commentate on life. For me it will not be the same after next weekend, and my interest will wane. The burks on BBC cant hold a candle, in fact their commentary is an insult after the sublime Britsh professionalness of Messers Moody and Ryder. :up:

Thanks guys, its been a constant joy - never again will I get up on a friday morning at 5am to listen to their wise words.

#2 john ruston

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Posted 18 October 2008 - 08:49

Yes they are the best.Unfortunately they havn't got much to beat in any form of motorsport.

#3 Doug Nye

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Posted 18 October 2008 - 09:02

Ditto - more sad news today...

DCN

#4 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 18 October 2008 - 09:08

Hopefully they can at least transplant Julian and Toby to the WSBK coverage.

#5 Bjorn Kjer

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Posted 18 October 2008 - 09:09

You are so right Ghinzani. Unfortunately I live in Denmark and have to watch Eurosport (Scandinavia) which translate to my own laguage. Whatever the Danish commentators occupation is(journalists ????) , it is so bad you wont believe it. The Germans are reasonable (not nessesarily Eurosport) , but of what I have "heard" this year , the Danes on a 1-10 scale close to ZERO , the Germans 5 but the MRM trio is just top ! They commentate racing AND life in such a pleasurable way that I can nothing but enjoy. Only its so seldom I hear them , in facts just when the technics fails and I do not get the silly Danes on ! Very sad!
It is absolutely crazy what that spaniard is doing to MotoGP , the former Road Racing !
I wish the trio all the best , hope to "hear" them again some time.

#6 COUGAR508

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Posted 18 October 2008 - 10:41

I remember Julian Ryder's commentaries from the early 1990s on Eurosport. He was always humorous and thoughtful. I think Keith Heuwen was with him in those days.

#7 Gav Astill

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Posted 18 October 2008 - 19:13

This is a total farce. These guys are so good, even my wife is now totally hooked on MotoGP!

Not that this will get me anywhere at all, but I will be writing to the BBC to ask the simple question "How do you justify spending my money to the end of giving me less coverage"

I'll keep you all posted.....

#8 Toby Moody

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 02:18

Humbled of the Commentary box...

Many thanks for your comments and emails over the past few weeks.

Working hard on next year's options to keep something going!

Let's hope the last two races are close, exciting and enjoyable.

Best

Toby

#9 Hoofhearted

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 03:40

Oh Lord!!! Am I really reading this? We get the Dorna broadcast on Speed (which definitely needs to be renamed) and while we don't get the pre-race or much of a post race I am most grateful for the knowledge of the commentators. This year we got three of the race on NBC. He might be a nice guy for all I know but Ralph Shaheen is clueless when it comes to GPs. His usual partner is Kevin Schwantz which helps save the day somewhat. Ralph Shaheen's biggest drawback is he thinks he is speaking to a deaf audience. I have turned the tv off on occassions and you can still hear him. Guys, I've never met either of you but I feel I know you from listening all these years. Thanks for great, knowledgeable, insightful, and humorous commentry. You will be missed. Good luck for the future.

#10 RTH

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 06:34

Unbelievable !

This is without any doubt the best double act of motor sport commentary bar none , probably in history.

It is essential they stay together and reappear somewhere soon. ( pity they would not switch to car racing , they would be brilliant ! )

#11 Doug Nye

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 09:22

Let's look on the bright side - in Formula 1 there's only one race left for the ITV team...and their ---------- ad breaks... Together with "Stellar" - "Solid" - "Fro'le" - "...got to do in Brazil what he done here..." - etc.

:rolleyes:

DCN

#12 Gav Astill

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 09:22

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Hopefully they can at least transplant Julian and Toby to the WSBK coverage.

To be fair Jack Burnacle and James Whitham are another brilliant British Eurosport double-act, so I wouldn't want to see them go.

The best scenario is that the utterly clueless Charlie Cox and Steve 'older I get the faster I was' Parrish are removed in favour of Toby and Julian. Maybe Randy and Miss Perry could be a pit lane double-act.

#13 ghinzani

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 09:28

Originally posted by Gav Astill

To be fair Jack Burnacle and James Whitham are another brilliant British Eurosport double-act, so I wouldn't want to see them go.

The best scenario is that the utterly clueless Charlie 'SUCKS' Cox and Steve 'older I get the faster I was' Parrish are removed in favour of Toby and Julian. Maybe Randy and Miss Perry could be a pit lane double-act.

Agreed, Whitham punctures Burnacles self-admitted anorakness beautifully. The best bet would be to get the guys onto the Beeb, Ryder would fit in nicely at the BBC bar - "doubles all round"!

#14 RTH

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 09:32

Originally posted by Doug Nye
Let's look on the bright side - in Formula 1 there's only one race left for the ITV team...and their ---------- ad breaks... Together with "Stellar" - "Solid" - "Fro'le" - "...got to do in Brazil what he done here..." - etc.

DCN

How true, we ought to plan some sort of celebration ! what joy it will be !!

#15 renzo

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 10:01

i agree, they will be missed ,good luck to you toby and the bearded one :up:

#16 Tim Murray

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Posted 19 October 2008 - 18:45

Half the reason I deliberately schedule things so I can watch Moto GP is to listen to Toby, Julian and Randy. If they go I shan't bother too much - probably pick up the odd race or three next year, but it won't be the same. Many thanks for your informative and entertaining commentary, guys.

#17 Gav Astill

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Posted 21 October 2008 - 20:38

There is an on-line petition relating to this (not my doing, I should add).

Filling it in may not make a difference, but not filling it in certainly won't....

http://www.petitiono...e.com/13193346/

#18 carrotcruncher

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Posted 23 October 2008 - 14:31

Hear Hear to all that has been said before on such an important subject.
NEVER MIND THE CUSTOMER,JUST DO WHAT WE WANT!
I signed the petition, not that I expect it will make a scrap of difference.

#19 Rob

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Posted 23 October 2008 - 14:50

It's such a crying shame that they can't continue, after all they've done for MotoGP, especially the 125 and 250 cc classes. Now we'll be forced into watching them live because you can't record the red button :rolleyes:

Sometimes this year, the 125 and 250's weren't even on the list of red button programmes when the BBC had advertised them previously.

Inevitably this means I'll be missing the flyaway races because I'm not waking up in the middle of the night for a sub-standard commentary team.

Why give exclusivity to a channel that doesn't really want to bother? If anyone was going to get exclusivity (and I'm against the principle anyway), it should have been Eurosport.

Farewell Toby, Julian and Randy. You'll be missed.

#20 Paul Parker

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Posted 23 October 2008 - 15:38

carrotcruncher
Hear Hear to all that has been said before on such an important subject.
NEVER MIND THE CUSTOMER,JUST DO WHAT WE WANT!
I signed the petition, not that I expect it will make a scrap of difference.

This is what happens when the accountants are in charge.

Customers/viewers are nowhere on their list of priorities, only the bottom line, as experience teaches us all again and again.

#21 john ruston

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Posted 23 October 2008 - 19:13

If the gossip sites are correct the FIA are trying to stop Martin Brundle joining the Beeb.Been a bad week for the best commentators.Lets hope people will not be castigated just because their opinions are occasionally out of step with the establishment.

#22 simonlewisbooks

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 09:43

Originally posted by Gav Astill

To be fair Jack Burnacle and James Whitham are another brilliant British Eurosport double-act, so I wouldn't want to see them go.

My good lady (not a motor sport fan...) remarked, on first hearing these two excellent northern gentlemen in full flow

"God... it's Last of the Summer Wine!"

Myself, I really enjoy their banter and their boundless (and sometimes unbounded) enthusiasm. Jamie lacks a little of the polish of some ex-competitors who take up the mic', but to my mind that's a definite bonus and a little like the much-missed James Hunt, you never quite know what he'll say next! :up:

#23 simonlewisbooks

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 09:47

Originally posted by john ruston
If the gossip sites are correct the FIA are trying to stop Martin Brundle joining the Beeb.Been a bad week for the best commentators.Lets hope people will not be castigated just because their opinions are occasionally out of step with the establishment.

I don't think Martin will be in the least surprised by this if it's true. During interviews and articles in recent months he's more or less said he expects it for being 'off message' ... :rolleyes:

#24 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 10:23

Brundle rarely says anything interesting enough to be considered controversial.

#25 Bjorn Kjer

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 14:00

As Eurosport is enlargening their Superbike/Supersport program (World and British) might we hope for the Toby Trio? (Now that Ezpeleta nearly has killed the 250's and the big one still are full of techno there is less to watch).

#26 john ruston

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 14:11

I understand Mr Brundle upset FIA in a big way over his Times Article about last years Mclaren situation to the point where FIA were due to take action against The Sunday Times.

#27 Derwent Motorsport

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 14:38

It is totally wrong that the FIA should have any say on who commentates or writes about their events, does anyone other sport have this level of "control" over free speech?

No wonder many think FIA stands for ferria International Asssitance!

#28 Derwent Motorsport

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 14:40

Ferrari International Assistance of course - why does this forum not have an edit facility?

#29 Gav Astill

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Posted 24 October 2008 - 16:44

Originally posted by Toby Moody
Humbled of the Commentary box...

Many thanks for your comments and emails over the past few weeks.

Working hard on next year's options to keep something going!

Toby

Do "next year's options" include Test Match Special by any chance? We think you would make an excellent team ;)

#30 Doug Nye

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Posted 26 October 2008 - 14:12

In response to the Eurosport team's farewell comments a minute or so ago, from Valencia - thanks a million, Toby, Julian and Randy. It's been a pleasure for this viewer too. And yes - you did convert this four-wheeled follower to the two-wheeled cause. Mrs Nye is thrilled...

DCN

#31 Kilted Wanderer

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Posted 26 October 2008 - 15:35

A big thank you to Toby, Julian, Randy and Dennis - Sundays will never quite be the same. Unless of course an alternative platform is being prepared - is there any hope?

Which direction might we need to point Jodrell Bank towards for continuation of the best motorsports commentary of current times?

#32 Toby Moody

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Posted 27 October 2008 - 18:32

Again, thank you all. (Mr Dent reminded me of this thread earlier). Messages and emails overwhelming...

Shame it was a duff race to sign off with, but 125s might have made up for it.

VR did his bit for us on the grid too, never normally talking to anyone, not even the Italians.

Had a glass or two last night.

Might have time next year to get the 0.16sec I need for that Shelsley record, but I'll be back somewhere!

Just remember Laguna 2008 as the best.

TM

#33 Option1

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Posted 27 October 2008 - 19:43

A belated thank you to Toby, Julian and Randy. You will be missed from MotoGP.

Neil

#34 picblanc

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Posted 27 October 2008 - 20:49

Originally posted by Rob
It's such a crying shame that they can't continue, after all they've done for MotoGP, especially the 125 and 250 cc classes. Now we'll be forced into watching them live because you can't record the red button Sometimes this year, the 125 and 250's weren't even on the list of red button programmes when the BBC had advertised them previously.

Inevitably this means I'll be missing the flyaway races because I'm not waking up in the middle of the night for a sub-standard commentary team.

Why give exclusivity to a channel that doesn't really want to bother? If anyone was going to get exclusivity (and I'm against the principle anyway), it should have been Eurosport.

Farewell Toby, Julian and Randy. You'll be missed.

Cant record the red button? I can and have. :confused:

Yes good luck to Toby & Julian/Randy.
Eurosport brought us Motorcycle GP racing when it wasn't popular (pre Valentino!!)
I hope you can carry on in some form, maybe WSB/BSB, you will be missed. :wave:

#35 Rob

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Posted 27 October 2008 - 20:50

Originally posted by picblanc

Cant record the red button? I can and have.

I have Sky+. If you could tell me how you do it I'd very much appreciate it.

#36 picblanc

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Posted 27 October 2008 - 20:54

Originally posted by Rob

I have Sky+. If you could tell me how you do it I'd very much appreciate it.

Ahhh!! Rob,
I have free view, and with BBC you can record it, sorry for any confusion.

#37 ghinzani

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Posted 19 January 2009 - 12:38

Widespread condemnation from the punters on the BBCs decision to retain the morons they currently employ for their extended coverage next year. Please dont talk during the 125s and 250s Cox...

http://www.crash.net...-a/content.html

#38 GD66

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Posted 19 January 2009 - 20:05

........" back across the stripe " ........ hasn't the Dorna administration of corrupt clowns got enough gunshot wounds to the foot yet ? :evil:

#39 ghinzani

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Posted 26 February 2009 - 13:51

A partial victory for the people I feel... Sky plus for Eurosport and allows me to free up Moto GP Sundays without having to suffer the BBCs drivel...

http://www.crash.net..._eurosport.html

#40 Ivan Astikoff

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Posted 26 February 2009 - 15:42

Not sure I like the bit at the bottom that says the commentators are yet to be confirmed....are you out there Toby, can you enlighten us?

#41 Rob Ryder

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Posted 30 March 2009 - 11:37

Good news.. yesterday I watched the official MotoGP test from Jerez LIVE on British Eurosport!

It seems Toby Moody/Julian Ryder/Randy Mamola will be back for another season (2009) on Eurosport :clap:

Did anyone notice that some of the photos in the Autosport Gallery from the Jerez test were credited to Toby Moody

Rob

#42 Nigel Beresford

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Posted 30 March 2009 - 11:51

Originally posted by Rob Ryder
Good news.. yesterday I watched the official MotoGP test from Jerez LIVE on British Eurosport!

It seems Toby Moody/Julian Ryder/Randy Mamola will be back for another season (2009) on Eurosport

Did anyone notice that some of the photos in the Autosport Gallery from the Jerez test were credited to Toby Moody

Rob

Sadly I don't think Randy will be involved this year.

#43 Twin Window

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Posted 30 March 2009 - 12:30

No, Randy isn't involved as you say.

Toby & Jules are co-commentating for eight races, but will only be present at the circuit for two of them.

The commentator for the balance of the season is... Carlton Kirby :rolleyes:

#44 Rob Ryder

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Posted 30 March 2009 - 13:27

Originally posted by Twin Window
The commentator for the balance of the season is... Carlton Kirby

... and I thought it was good news :cry:

Carlton Bloody Kirby Posted Image

#45 ghinzani

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Posted 30 March 2009 - 14:59

Originally posted by Twin Window

The commentator for the balance of the season is... Carlton Kirby

Is that an early April fools? The blokes a useless c**k who's self appointed and false knowledge of Motorsport makes Eurosport look like a bunch of f***ing amateurs. So I am assuming you are having us on Sir!

#46 Tim Murray

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Posted 30 March 2009 - 16:56

Originally posted by Twin Window
The commentator for the balance of the season is... Carlton Kirby

Gawdelpus!! :down:

#47 Black Star

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Posted 30 March 2009 - 21:10

Originally posted by Twin Window
No, Randy isn't involved as you say.

Toby & Jules are co-commentating for eight races, but will only be present at the circuit for two of them.

The commentator for the balance of the season is... Carlton Kirby

On Which venues would that be, Twinny?

Thanks in advance,
Yigal.

#48 ghinzani

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Posted 24 April 2009 - 15:52

Originally posted by Twin Window

The commentator for the balance of the season is... Carlton Kirby

Oh God it wasnt aprils fool - the arse Kirby is doing the Motegi coverage. Its so bad I might have to go back to the BBC.

#49 Nigel Beresford

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Posted 25 April 2009 - 12:38

Originally posted by ghinzani

Oh God it wasnt aprils fool - the arse Kirby is doing the Motegi coverage. Its so bad I might have to go back to the BBC.

Yeah, he mentioned the oval at Motegi and recalled that it had been used the once for a NASCAR demo, overlooking all the CART or IRL races held there since '98.

#50 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 25 April 2009 - 12:44

Oh man, the NASCAR race, I'd forgotten about the Motegi visit. The one that always stuck in my mind was Suzuka the year they had full wet practice (or qualifying?). Seeing stockers trying to go into that flat out first turn in the wet was just... :lol: