91 replies to this topic

[TheSaltire]

Speed Channel will once again be covering Formula One this year. Here is the broadcast schedule for the Australian Grand Prix:

Feb 28 11:00 pm FORMULA ONE PRACTICE
Mar 1 9:00 pm FORMULA 1 QUALIFYING
Mar 2 9:00 pm FORMULA 1 PREVIEW
Mar 2 9:30 pm FORMULA ONE - AUSTRALIAN GP

[troyf1]

Will the commentators be the same as last year??

[Zeus]

I'd take the old crew at the point, anything to avoid Ralph Shehen who did the commentary from the Sweedish Rally and proved himself to be a total moron, even when reading from a script.

Bob Varsha is still with the SpeedChannel so I don't see why they wouldn't use him. Hobbs, Matchet and Posey, who knows. I like Matchet, even though much of his knowledge is frozen in time from when he worked in F1, and things have surly gone forward since then, but he's affable at any rate.

Posey need to keep quiet and let BV do the play-by-play, and then occasionally chime in with some color. If Hobbs would show up sober that would be a plus.;)

[CONOSUR]

Their complete schedule has been listed here.

It's also been stated that the broadcast crew will be the same as last year's only w/o Steve Matchett .

[stevew]

Originally posted by CONOSUR
Their complete schedule has been listed here.

It's also been stated that the broadcast crew will be the same as last year's only w/o Steve Matchett .

I always had mixed feelings about Matchett. It was very interesting to hear his comments, but sometimes he rambled on for far too long. Seemed like he didn't really know how to get to the point.

[Scudetto]

Originally posted by CONOSUR
It's also been stated that the broadcast crew will be the same as last year's only w/o Steve Matchett .

I liked Steve's tech insights. But then again, he wasn't there half of last season, anyway. Not that big a difference really.

[Ivan]

Originally posted by stevew

I always had mixed feelings about Matchett.

Really, I thought he was a blessing.
All we need are Varsha and Matchett the rest can be put to sleep.

[Lateralus42]

http://www.speedvisi...a&cat=17&id=337



Looks like earlier reports of only 13 races were wrong. 16 LIVE races and enhanced coverage of the USGP sound good to me. Speed is also over the 50 million home mark, I think they will reach their goal of 80 million homes eventually.


Also it looks like Bob Varsha will only be doing CART races. Anyone kow who Rick DeBruhl is?

[Eric]

Never heard of him either. I wonder what's up with Posey? I hope he's not too sick. I wasn't a huge fan of his in-race coverage, but his intros were first rate.

Eric

[goGoGene]

I agree, S.Posey's intro were first rate, and I have to admit that his commitment to/history within motorsport finally sold me on him. I hope that he's doing well.

ggg

[Punisher6]

Don't know who he is. But, it looks like no Sam Posey!
That's good news, no more hearing about Montoya's great run at the "Argentine" GP or any of the other stupid sh*t he says. And before someone jumps me over his medical condition, sorry it's not an excuse for his stupid comments.

[CONOSUR]

I think Rick DeBruhl used to be a pit guy for CART/IRL(?). Don't remember for sure. His voice is OK, but his knowledge of F1 will leave you gasping for air (or something to throw at the TV). Hopefully he'll brush up on his new subject matter and not come out of the box like Jason Priestly. Be prepared for names to be slaughtered during the early part of the season, and for lots of comparisons to CART, NASCAR and the IRL. They have a huge(?) new audience to train and it looks like they're going to retrain everyone, whether we like it or not.

'Course, that's just my opinion... I could be wrong.

[Mrv]

You want to hear Posey's dumbest comment over his F1 commentating career. He once said that Wurz had this special surgery that shaved abit of inches off his hip so that he could fit in the cockpit more comfortably. Yikes!!!! Good news to see him finally gone, but what happened with Bob Varsha? Varsha was really good. The best fellow in the booth is Steve Matchett (Former Benetton mechanic when Schumi was at Benetton).

[Ricardo F1]

Steve Matchett

Speed Channel

[Mrv]

So now we have a Cart fellow and No Murray Walker. Great. I have to listen to that horrible biased Mclaren fellow Steve Allen. I hope ITV demote he from the broadcast booth. He is a horrilble commentator, but an excellent Pit Reporter. With all of his fuel calculations it is interesting.

[John Katos]

Sam Posey most likely will not be doing the Speed Channel broadcasts do to the fact that the studio moved from Conn. to South Carolina. His illness made the much longer commute intolerable.

[Xodiac]

Well they put Ralph Sheheen (sp) on the Rally coverage, so why not stick DeBruhl on F1! I geuss they are trying to incorporate the NASCAR crowd and see if they will bite.

[lindej]

Hmm - this press release lists the practice time at 9:00 pm EST, but the TV Guide and SpeedChannel's guide list it at 11:00 pm. Does 9:00 pm make more sense?

[jaisli]

WOW! I just sent email to the SpeedChannel and received a response from Jim Liberatore all of five minutes later. See below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Varsha will do some of the F1 races, but we also have a new CART deal and he
is our lead guy there. We felt the rest of the F1 crew was great so we
moved Bob over. Now you need to watch both! You are going to be amazed at
how fast we are answering your e-mail, but I just saw your question pop up
and I had the answer so ....Voila'.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeffrey Jaisli
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2002 2:28 PM
To: 'viewermail@speedtv.com'
Subject: Bob Varsha


Just read the article posted today about the F1 coverage! Wonderful. I'm
so pleased that you've officially confirmed coverage of the Formula 1 season
and glad the staff and crew from last year will be back--especially Steve
Matchett's wonderful technical insight.

One BIG problem. Not to prejudge Rich DeBruhl but what happened to Bob
Varsha? Since his days at ESPN, Mr. Varsha has practically become an icon
to American F1 fans and your coverage won't be the same without him. His
dedication and genuine enthusiasm to the sport will be sorely missed.
Please don't drop Bob from the line up.



Jaisli

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

So there you have it.

[MP4/?]

It's incredible that some people here in the US are celebrating that Speedvision (Speed Channel) is carring the F1. This channel doesn't allow us to see races but commercials. The "acura prerace show" is about 25 min of commercials in 30 min. Commercials every four laps. This is sad. A great country as this having this garbage...

[aportinga]

Having the pleasure of meeting Varsha I can only tell you that he is an ENORMOUS F1 FAN. I will go out on a limb and say that regardless of anything out there on the web, that he will be in the both for F1 this season!;)

[Punisher6]

Originally posted by MP4/?
It's incredible that some people here in the US are celebrating that Speedvision (Speed Channel) is carring the F1. This channel doesn't allow us to see races but commercials. The "acura prerace show" is about 25 min of commercials in 30 min. Commercials every four laps. This is sad. A great country as this having this garbage...

Yeah? What's better? Bernie Vision? Well of course it is! Besides that we are very lucky to get practice, qualifying and the race. Most other countries that don't have BernieVision don't get that. Commercials every four laps? Get over it and quit exagerating

[jaisli]

It's incredible that some people here in the US are celebrating that Speedvision (Speed Channel) is carring the F1. This channel doesn't allow us to see races but commercials. The "acura prerace show" is about 25 min of commercials in 30 min. Commercials every four laps. This is sad. A great country as this having this garbage...

Look, I hate Tote-em-pole as much as the next F1 fan. Jeez, I don't even own ONE fishing rod, let alone a whole slew that would necessitate the need for a holder to carry them (whether it floats or not). But at least if Speedvision has to show so many commercials they do it and arrange them in an intelligent way. Get them out of the way while there's little action on the road and then 10-15 minutes commercial free viewing before the checkered flag.

Rather 45 minutes of commercials on Speed than a race of drivel on ABC. I think.;)

best,
Jeff

[mika911]

Well, Speed Channel's website had a new article today about the F1 coverage.

I continue to be confused because the article says practice on Thursday will be live at 9:00pm ET. However, all listings, say delayed at 11:00pm ET. However, on Speed News on Sunday, the graphics said 9:00pm ET - LIVE.

The next point is this:

"Veteran broadcaster Rick DeBruhl will lead the cast of SPEED Channel on-air talent, calling play-by-play, with analysis from former F1 driver David Hobbs and former F1 mechanic Steve Matchett. Peter Windsor will provide reporting from the paddock."

Rick DeBruhl? Not my favorite choice. What about yours? I would much rather have Sam, Bob, or Derek Daly.

[wingsbgone]

Uh, Varsha is the best of the Speedvision lot from my vantage point. Not too keen on DeBruhl, but I'll give him a race or two before passing judgement. Aren't I generous

[random]

Just thank heavens it's not Ralph Sheheen, they're current World Rally commentator. His voice is so annoyingly nasal that I have to mute the volume when watching WRC.

[ForzaF1]

I have head deBruhl before, and I am sure I have must heard him call races before, but I can't put a voice or face tot he name. I suppose it could be worse, i could already know that I hate him!

I like Varsha, and I liked the rest of the announce team from SV, and I'm sorry to see Posey not returning.. at least they could have let him do his intro voice overs at the local FOX station instead of going down to NC.

[911]

IMHO, Rick isn't bad at all. He did several F1 races for ESPN in the early 90s. I'm sure once he gets into the swing of things he'll be okay.

911

[Frank Tuesday]

Of all the people they could have kept, I am truly glad that they kept Matchett and Hobbs on board. I can do without Posey and Daley, though Varsha was good at times. We'll see how Rick DeBruhl does before passing judgement. Hopefully he'll shut up enough to let the other two talk, unlike Mr Posey in the past.

Frank

[AndreasF1]

This is getting better every day! About time Speedchannel rid itself of Posey. Even though he might be a nice guy away from the microphone he was highly enoying when on the air.
I will miss Bob though

AndreasF1

[Lateralus42]

We got 16 guaranteed races on TV and Im very happy with that. Just look at what would have happened if F1 was on ABC/ESPN, most of the nations affiliates are not even showing the IRL race. F1 is on a network that cares and that is all that matters.

[lgbalch]

Originally posted by Punisher6
...no Sam Posey!
That's good news, no more hearing about Montoya's great run at the "Argentine" GP or any of the other stupid sh*t he says. And before someone jumps me over his medical condition, sorry it's not an excuse for his stupid comments.

Why is that when Murray Walker makes mistakes, it's appealingly droll, but when Sam Posey does, it's "stupid sh*t"?

[Punisher6]

Originally posted by lgbalch

Why is that when Murray Walker makes mistakes, it's appealingly droll, but when Sam Posey does, it's "stupid sh*t"?

I don't know, being from the USA, I've never really listened to Murray Walker. Maybe people were so used to Murray that they didn't care ;)

[Lantern]

Originally posted by John Katos
Sam Posey most likely will not be doing the Speed Channel broadcasts do to the fact that the studio moved from Conn. to South Carolina. His illness made the much longer commute intolerable.

The move was to North Carolina. Just thought I would help out

[Kaiser]

Originally posted by jaisli


Look, I hate Tote-em-pole as much as the next F1 fan.

Now wait a second, the tote em pole is great, I can set up a pole with a surface runner, a spinner, crank bait, and one with the old texas rigged rubber worm, throw it over my shoulder, ride my mountain bike down to the lake and I'm all set

[lgbalch]

Punisher6-
My question - Murray Walker/Sam Posey- was really rhetorical, and meant more to question your attitude than anything else.

BTW, Speed Channel is NOT broadcasting 16 F1 races live. Only 13 of them will be live. They will do a tape delay broadcast of Monaco, Canada, and Monza. ABC will do those 3 (as well as Indy) and will undoubtedly do Monaco and Monza tape delay. Speed Channels TD will certainly be later than ABC's. Speed Channel says that "Most races will [also] be replayed on same-day tape at 10 p.m. (ET)"

[CONOSUR]

from dailyf1:
US F1 coverage gets green light

Speed Channel, formerly know as Speed Vision, will again be home to Formula One racing in the United States, announcing it has reached an agreement to air live practice, qualifying and race coverage most events in 2002.

"Formula One racing is an important part of Speed Channel's core programming," said network President Jim Liberatore. "Having just moved past the 50-million household mark, I think it is important that we continue to demonstrate a commitment to being the premier television destination for all motor sports fans, and our F1 package certainly supports that philosophy."

Veteran broadcaster Rick DeBruhl will lead(?) the cast of Speed Channel on-air talent with analysis from David Hobbs and former F1 mechanic Steve Matchett. Peter Windsor will provide reporting from the paddock.

Well, we get a little of what we want, namely Matchett and Windsor, but DeBruhl and Hobbs??? Wait a minute... The elder statesman will blather on, and DeBruhl won't know how to stop him. Hobbs can't survive without Varsha. We need Varsha. Breaking up Varsha and Hobbs is like breaking up Sigfried and Roy, or the Captain and Tenile... OK, two (extremely) bad examples, but you get my point.

I can't belive they're shafting Varsha by consigning him to CART (the future road course version of the spec IRL series ). He's been America's voice of F1 for over 12 years. It's akin to ITV replacing Murray just for shits&grins and replacing him with a so-so pit reporter. Now wouldn't that leave you Brits just a bit tweaked?

Sounds like more SPEED BUMPS.

Well, all I can say is, I hope he acquits himself early... I don't need my F1 broadcast to be an aggravation.

[shoofirbin]

i'm gonna miss posey. he made mistakes, but he was also unafraid to give his opinion. whether you agreed with him or not, he made the commentary interesting. he also had a really dry sense of humor, which i liked. i'm gonna miss varsha as well. he really sucked when he did cart on abc. his style is much better suited to f1. also, he had spectacular hair.

oh sam
oh bob

we hardly knew ye.

baahww huuhuh. huh. bahw hah huh.
(that's me weeping softly)

[CONOSUR]

from dailyf1:

...Veteran broadcaster Rick DeBruhl will lead(?) the cast of Speed Channel on-air talent with analysis from David Hobbs and former F1 mechanic Steve Matchett. Peter Windsor will provide
reporting from the paddock.

There's the lineup, straight from the horse's mouth (Jim Liberatore). By the way, this thread should be combined with this thread.

[jhodges]

Bio on DeBruhl:

Rick DeBruhl
12 News Anchor/Reporter (Phoenix, AZ)




Veteran reporter Rick DeBruhl leads a dedicated Call 12 For Action Team who help 12 News viewers fight back against consumer scams and rip-offs. DeBruhl joined Channel 12 in 1978 as a weekend sports reporter and in his career at the station has reported and anchored on a variety of topics and newscasts for 12 News.

For his hard work, Rick has won three Rocky Mountain Emmys from the National Academy of the Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS.) He has also won numerous awards for his investigative reporting and general news stories.

Rick holds a bachelor degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. After graduation, Rick worked as news director at radio station KATY and then moved to KCOY-TV, where he began his anchor/reporting career.

In his spare time, Rick is very active in his church. He served as a Valley Big Brother for more than nine years and was named Big Brother of the Year in 1986. Rick also loves to sail and cover auto racing for ESPN.

Rick lives in Phoenix with his wife and two sons.





I'm not so sure about this......I think I miss Posey already.

[jhodges]

Originally posted by lgbalch
Punisher6-
BTW, Speed Channel is NOT broadcasting 16 F1 races live. Only 13 of them will be live. They will do a tape delay broadcast of Monaco, Canada, and Monza. ABC will do those 3 (as well as Indy) and will undoubtedly do Monaco and Monza tape delay. Speed Channels TD will certainly be later than ABC's. Speed Channel says that "Most races will [also] be replayed on same-day tape at 10 p.m. (ET)"

Copied & Pasted from the Speed Channel website, bolds mine:

SPEED Channel's Formula One season kicks off Thursday, Feb. 28 with practice from the Grand Prix of Australia at 9 p.m. (ET). SPEED Channel will provide live race coverage of 16 of the 17 events , with enhanced coverage of the United States Grand Prix. Most races will be replayed on same-day tape at 10 p.m. (ET) -- check local listings.

[CONOSUR]

Originally posted by jhodges
Bio on DeBruhl:

Rick DeBruhl

...Rick also loves to sail and cover auto racing for ESPN. Rick lives in Phoenix with his wife and two sons.

I hear the sailing's great in the desert.

[TheSaltire]

I'm actually gonna miss Posey. Those intros with the great video cuts were just awesome. It was 10 seconds of pure emotion to get you ready....

".......the Australian Grand Prix is next."

[Justafan]

Originally posted by MP4/?
It's incredible that some people here in the US are celebrating that Speedvision (Speed Channel) is carring the F1. This channel doesn't allow us to see races but commercials. The "acura prerace show" is about 25 min of commercials in 30 min. Commercials every four laps. This is sad. A great country as this having this garbage...

The reason I have this grey hub-cap mounted on my roof is because my local Cable TV supplier felt it was their duty to run a brace of three "Public Service Announcements" from an outfit called "Environmental Defense.org" in a continous loop during Speedvision programs INSTEAD of those commercials.

When I asked them "Why?", they responded...

"Because we're allowed to..."

They figured since it was oh-dark-30 out here in PDT land, no one would care...

Politics where you least expected...

Gonna miss Posey...

[mika911]

Speed Channel revised the article on the website.

It now says just 13 of 17 races live and it too now lists practice at 11pm ET, so there is no more confusion.

[jhodges]

Originally posted by mika911
Speed Channel revised the article on the website.

It now says just 13 of 17 races live and it too now lists practice at 11pm ET, so there is no more confusion.

Man, first no Posey and now this.

Only 13 live races blows.

[klipywitz]

All we really need out there, besides all races live AND delayed, is to have Chick Hearns call Formula1. That would be perfect!



Chick has been the Los Angeles Lakers announcer forerver now, and there is no guy more likeable or fun than him.

I say we pitch the idea to him! LOL

[lgbalch]

Originally posted by jhodges


Copied & Pasted from the Speed Channel website, bolds mine:

SPEED Channel's Formula One season kicks off Thursday, Feb. 28 with practice from the Grand Prix of Australia at 9 p.m. (ET). SPEED Channel will provide live race coverage of 16 of the 17 events , with enhanced coverage of the United States Grand Prix. Most races will be replayed on same-day tape at 10 p.m. (ET) -- check local listings.

Copied and Pasted from the Speed Channel website, bolds mine:

"SPEED Channel will provide live race coverage of 13 of the 17 events , with enhanced coverage of the United States Grand Prix. All 13 races will air live with replays airing Sunday nights at 8 p.m. (ET) --check local listings or the Speed Channel Program Schedule for times."

See http://www.speedvision.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=17&id=337

[elmerfudd]

Originally posted by mika911
Speed Channel revised the article on the website.

It now says just 13 of 17 races live and it too now lists practice at 11pm ET, so there is no more confusion.

It is what their website says, but...I was watching Speedvision News this weekend, and I really thought they said that they would be broadcasting at 9, 9, & 9 for the three days. They put it on the screen and read it out. I must be wrong though.

Is the Hooter's Pro Cup live? Nope! It was run on February 23 .

From USAR it also says that the race will be broadcast at the same time as SCs listings

Interesting choice. Live F1 practice versus a five-day delayed USAR race. Hmmmm. I suspect that they are doing this to get the maximum production value out of it--all highlights and commercials. Could be good if it's done right. Could be an ad fesitval for headache powders and jockitch medicine though. Maybe they are trying to reel in the USAR folks to increase the fan base?

If this is the worst thing that happens, it is not too bad for me, but for SC they won't get my eyes on the ads, because I might be finally forced to get a DVR and skip 'em.

[elmerfudd]

Originally posted by TheSaltire
I'm actually gonna miss Posey. Those intros with the great video cuts were just awesome. It was 10 seconds of pure emotion to get you ready....

".......the Australian Grand Prix is next."

I will too.