Paul Page

[rosco]

I would welcome Paul Page back to the Indy cars in 1 hot second, we need him back home, try listening to the guys they have in the booth now, they are always 1 lap behind and just feed the fans BS

Glad to see some appreciation for Paul Page, as he sure did get a lot of crap here the past 2 years, he is the best. IMO

 

[stanman]

I've had a lot of criticism for Paul since he's been in the booth. But his professionalism and obvious compassion on Saturday were remarkable. He and Gary were phenomenal. Mike did a stellar job under the circumstance as you could see he was barely holding it together.

 

[ProStockJunkie]

PJ, I managed to hang in there until the Kalitta team came to the line and Robert Hight idled away from the tree and slowly down the track. What a beautiful tribute to a true champion...

A great moment for drag racing, in the midst of terrible sorrow
YouTube - Robert Hight Tribute Run For Scott Kalitta

 

[Kati]

PJ, I managed to hang in there until the Kalitta team came to the line and Robert Hight idled away from the tree and slowly down the track. What a beautiful tribute to a true champion...

That did me in too....just too much. And when Wilkerson said he was "tired of burying his friends"....that was the "perfect period" on the situation. This is just beyond ridiculous. I know the faster you go the more danergous it is...but it still dosen't make it any easier. I only met Scott once....at Norwalk (IHRA race) 2003 at the top end when I did TV....but I will now cherish it even more than ever. Man...I need to pull that tape out.....

I would NOT have wanted to be a part of the TV crew, covering the event.

 

[ramblerjay]

the whole espn crew did a very professional job this weekend. absolutely superb.

 

[Stroker]

Thanks to the entire espn broadcast crew in the toughest of circumstances.
And a special thank you to Paul Page for being strong when the rest of us could not.
You are a true professional and I for one am glad you are part of the show.

 

[TAFC 5 81]

I confess I was one of many on this board that was hard on Paul; but I have a new found respect for him now.

 

[The Counterfeiter]

I would welcome Paul Page back to the Indy cars in 1 hot second, we need him back home, try listening to the guys they have in the booth now, they are always 1 lap behind and just feed the fans BS

Glad to see some appreciation for Paul Page, as he sure did get a lot of crap here the past 2 years, he is the best. IMO

Well said Ross. We get to chat with Tom Carnagie (IMS Announcer since 1946) and Ron McQueeny (IMS and IRL Director of Photography) every year at the 500. They have both told us that Paul's enthusiasm and expertise are sorely missed by veteran Indy racers and fans.
After Paul and Gary taking the lead during a very difficult weekend, I'll bet that criticism for an occasional slip will not be taken very well!

 

[Nitrohaulic]

Just for everyones info, Pauls replacement as the announcer of the Indy 500 in 2005 was a very unpopular move at that time. Many were extremely critical of his replacement.............................

Which might explain something. His move over to drag racing might not have exactly been a move up or one that he wanted. While people weren't very fond of him, the feelings might have been mutual! I bet they never thought of that!

 

[mopain]

Up until this weekend my opinion of Paul Page was that he may be one the worst announcers in the history of sports television. That opion was changed with the extrodinary job he did on this weekend's broadcast. The next time he describes a run by saying "Look at that!", I'll just think back to this weekend's broadcast.

 

[none]

Up until this weekend my opinion of Paul Page was that he may be one the worst announcers in the history of sports television. That opion was changed with the extrodinary job he did on this weekend's broadcast. The next time he describes a run by saying "Look at that!", I'll just think back to this weekend's broadcast.

Amen.
Lee
Nitroclovers

 

[john]

i've said it before and i'll say it again paul page is perhaps the best motorsports announcer in the country. it's both a privelage and an honor to work with him.

i had just returned home from covering the cubs/white sox game when the broadcast came on. talk about feeling like you've been punched in the stomach and then when Gary did his report, the reality really set in. just a terrible day and weekend, but watching from home i thought they did a fantastic job in celebrating scott's life.

 

[hellfirejim]

i've said it before and i'll say it again paul page is perhaps the best motorsports announcer in the country. it's both a privelage and an honor to work with him.

i had just returned home from covering the cubs/white sox game when the broadcast came on. talk about feeling like you've been punched in the stomach and then when Gary did his report, the reality really set in. just a terrible day and weekend, but watching from home i thought they did a fantastic job in celebrating scott's life.

John would pass on to Paul, Gary, Mike and the team about this thread??? I would like to add that when I was watching the coverage the thought that came to me was this was done in a very classy manner. Oh and I too lost it while watching...

Please thank all of the guys for us and the racing community for a job well done.
jim

 

[Terry]

John, I heartily second Mr. Burke's request. I really hope Paul, Mike, Gary, and Dave R. (who also did yeoman duty asking tough to ask questions in just the right style) will be able to have you pass on all of the appreciation we all have for the way they covered an extremely difficult situation. They are the best-and they are even better when you are part of the team. Thanks and job well done to everyone.

 

[flash]

A great moment for drag racing, in the midst of terrible sorrow
YouTube - Robert Hight Tribute Run For Scott Kalitta

The video for that link has been pulled.
Try this one. It is footage that I took myself.

YouTube - Robert Hight Tribute Run For Scott Kalitta