Lee Beard at Indy

[beltguy]

I first started working with Lee during the Ormsby days when we were investigating blower belt failures and setting up a test program. I continued to work with him for several years. It was always a good relationship and I was so impressed with his knowledge and willingness to share that.

However, his interviews on the Indy shows were pretty bland. I don't know if they throttled him so that the newer folks would not get lost, or if he just did not feel comfortable.

I really liked the concept of a crew chief perspective, but they seemed to waste the opportunity. I was also surprised not to see him in the race day broadcast.

Thoughts?

Jim

 

[Sandman]

I was happy to see and hear Lee's notes and reasoning process. He could have been a touch more animated I guess, but still, it's Lee Beard. The man could have read the phone book and I'd have been thrilled to hear it! Hope they continue that feature.

 

[NITRO JUNKIE]

I first started working with Lee during the Ormsby days when we were investigating blower belt failures and setting up a test program. I continued to work with him for several years. It was always a good relationship and I was so impressed with his knowledge and willingness to share that.

However, his interviews on the Indy shows were pretty bland. I don't know if they throttled him so that the newer folks would not get lost, or if he just did not feel comfortable.

I really liked the concept of a crew chief perspective, but they seemed to waste the opportunity. I was also surprised not to see him in the race day broadcast.

Thoughts?

Jim

I thought it was good it’s his first time I hope he does it again full time!
Every body gets better at things over time.

 

[mikebcurve]

I first started working with Lee during the Ormsby days when we were investigating blower belt failures and setting up a test program. I continued to work with him for several years. It was always a good relationship and I was so impressed with his knowledge and willingness to share that.

However, his interviews on the Indy shows were pretty bland. I don't know if they throttled him so that the newer folks would not get lost, or if he just did not feel comfortable.

I really liked the concept of a crew chief perspective, but they seemed to waste the opportunity. I was also surprised not to see him in the race day broadcast.

Thoughts?

Jim

He is probably so smart he has a hard time dumbing everything down. I would bet the NHRA wanted it that way since we usually get treated like first time viewers every race. I've seen him working the shows a few years back and I thought it came across a lot better.

 

[I was NITRO BREATH]

awkward is the word that comes to mind.

 

[MHayes]

awkward is the word that comes to mind.

Exactly! Just like when Whit Bazemore gave it a shot a few years ago. Sometimes, or should I say many times, having knowledge does not directly translate into good TV.

 

[Sean D, shondoo]

He is probably so smart he has a hard time dumbing everything down. I would bet the NHRA wanted it that way since we usually get treated like first time viewers every race. I've seen him working the shows a few years back and I thought it came across a lot better.

That's pretty much how I looked at it, Mike. Couple that with the fact that it was his first go 'round and the jitters that likely comes with that, and I give him a pass. I enjoyed it, and like others have said, hope it continues. Not necessarily with just Beard, but maybe other guest color commentators.

I understand your second sentence and sometimes feel that way myself, but I'll say this; my gal LOVES those portions of the broadcast. She can be sitting on the couch reading a book and will always look up during those portions. And while I think that's necessary to a certain degree to keep it simple for the new fans, I also feel like those portions of the broadcast have gotten quite a bit better at no sounding so watered down.

Sean D