I know it’s supposed to benefit the series to have the occasional race on ABC, but the difference in the quality of the viewing experience is astounding. The quality of the announcing crew is worse, the commercials are far too numerous, and in general, it’s hard to grasp a feel for the flow of the race.

My wish would be for the Versus crew to do all the races, but I know that’s not gonna happen.

By the way, Musberger may have gone over the top during the game, but he certainly does have good taste in women!

I’ve always thought that Musburger needed to be replaced as host – if a host is needed. This just further cemented what I already thought.

I rarely respond to any comments here and twice in one day almost never happens. I try to never attack readers, unless they act uncivilized and/or attack loyal readers. Without readers like yourself, there is no reason to be doing this. – GP

I do like the “host” part of the broadcast, but it has to be someone with credibility. List below:

Mixed feelings on Dr. Jerry. Classy and knowledgeable, though IndyCar needs to differentiate itself from NASCAR.

I would like Paul Page, but he has no national cache.

Bob Jenkins is a classy and dignified man, but overrated as a broadcaster, and not a host.

I don’t think Marty Reid is great, but he’s better than a lot of the people mentioned here. At least, give him credit for how well he handled Vegas 2011.

Those who remember how blatantly biased and unprofessional Jack Arute was during the CART-IRL war, would find him hosting the 500 laughable.

Jamie Little adds minimal, if any, unique content to broadcasts.

Gary Gerould was dynamite in the pits, but host seems odd to me.

Darrell Waltrip? Tony Hulman would do another 360 in his grave, if “boogity boogity” was uttered at the 500.

Al Micahels is not a racing guy but a fabulous broadcaster, who never talks above the moment. Sadly, he’s no longer with ABC.

I’ll make an outside the box suggestion: Jackie Stewart. Pure class, great voice, use to cover the 500, is fabulous on air.

Brian Carroccio
The Chrome Horn and AR1

As for the perfect host, Page as a host / racecaller would be splendid. But that’s not going to happen. Nor will a Larry Henry. Best to live with a Musburger, who at least lends a sense of occasion to the non-racing fan for one day a year.

Is it really necessary to dissect a headline word for word in order to figure out what the writer was really going for? For crying out loud. Headlines are written to lure people in. I think that’s what he was going for. Good Lord!

I think what Brent did was a little over the top but harmless. But I do agree with your point about the broadcasters. I really don’t care about age (unless it affects their work). But I want someone who knows the sport and can give insights into the workings of the race. I think that is part of the reason everyone loved Dan Wheldon’s limited work on Versus. Not only was he a joy to listen to with his enthusiasm, but he knew what he was talking about and provided insights you did not often get from others.

The thing that always impressed me the most in the 80′s, 90′ and beyond is the excellent job the Indy radio network does. The way they cover the race, switch from one area to another, and know what they are doing and talking about. If we could get a little bit of that on TV, it would be great!