The day real racing being broadcast on TV died.

[Blunder]

From
http://www.roadracerx.com/article.php?article_id=1204

On this date in 2002, the Speedvision cable channel was re-launched as the Speed Channel. The change in name coincided with the purchase of the network by Fox and a new emphasis on NASCAR-oriented programming.

[Sport-Touring]

[veefer800canuck]

Blows dead goats.  

I remember when two-wheeled tuesdays meant ALL DAY motorcycle programming.

And the airplane, boat and rally coverage were excellent. Off-road racing, etc, etc, etc.  


Now, it's the 24/7 NAPCAR channel.  


Gawd, could they not have launched their own damn left-turning channel and left Speedvision alone?

[R Doug]

I remember lawmower racing, and it rocked!  

[Fast Eddy]

It was so good back then!!!!

[Alien VFR]

It all went to hell when Speedvision became the Speed Channel.  Speedvision was a much cooler name and the programming was much better indeed.

[Capirex]

Gawd, could they not have launched their own damn left-turning channel and left Speedvision alone?

Now that all the major sports have their own channels (I can't believe it took MLB so long) a NASCAR channel can't be far behind can it?  Maybe then we can get Speedvision back?  I can dream can't I?

[JReazor]

I remember lawmower racing, and it rocked!  

And stuff like this...



Watching the steam pour off of those water cooled brake rotors is just awesome.

[phoenix]

Now, it's the 24/7 NAPCAR channel.  

Not sure what you are watching, but whenever I check the guide, its either yet ANOTHER FUCKING EPISODE of Pinks, or some reality show of that on short fat hot-heads garage, or a few other useless programs.

But yeah, it generally sucks.

[R Doug]

Oh hell yea!  Super Lorry Racing!    

And stuff like this...



Watching the steam pour off of those water cooled brake rotors is just awesome.

[M.Brane]

 Yeah Speed Channel is like the motorsports version of MTV.

 Speedvision's demise is a primary reason I don't have subscription TV.

[scubadoguk]

Its Lorry racing

[R Doug]

Its Lorry racing

Thanks.  

I suppose I was thinking of U.K. actor Hugh Laurie.

[caddydaddy]

I miss watching the WRC on Speedvision!  Now, it's NASCAR, re-runs of Unique Whips and now friggin' Pimp my ride!  

[oldenslow]

Now wait a minute!  They show "Superbikes".  Don't you just love all that really cool stunt riding?  I mean, I just can't get enough of it, really.  The kids like it, right?  And stunt riding is booming, isn't it? At least that's what it says on Speed's website.

[squeezer]

Now that all the major sports have their own channels (I can't believe it took MLB so long) a NASCAR channel can't be far behind can it?  Maybe then we can get Speedvision back?  I can dream can't I?

Sadly, no.  I mean, they don't actually show much NASCAR racing now, and none of the Cup races.  If all the NASCAR races went to a NASCAR channel, Speed would still have "Retired NASCAR Drivers Discuss NASCAR in Parking Lots," "Retired NASCAR Crew Chiefs Discuss NASCAR under Beach Umbrellas," "NASCAR Wives Buy Cornflakes," and eight episodes on Wednesday of "Pimp Your NASCAR Motorhome."

Followed, of course, by more reruns of Pinks.

[naustin]

Nascar, the Wal-Mart of motorsport....  

[Orson]

I see from the NASCAR commercials, rather than touting impressive driving skills, they play up the accidents  

just like Romans going to watch gladiators getting killed  

[phoenix]

Now wait a minute!  They show "Superbikes".  Don't you just love all that really cool stunt riding?  I mean, I just can't get enough of it, really.  The kids like it, right?  And stunt riding is booming, isn't it? At least that's what it says on Speed's website.

 
I swear they filmed Superbikes for a season or 2, and they just run those episodes over and over and over....


The key here really is to get a DVR, set it to record racing and other shows you like, and then watch WHAT YOU want, WHEN you want.  I've got a few AMA motocross races to watch.

[squeezer]

The key here really is to get a DVR, set it to record racing and other shows you like, and then watch WHAT YOU want, WHEN you want.  I've got a few AMA motocross races to watch.

+ hell, yeah.  The days when I could just turn on Speedvision and almost always see something cool are long gone.  But they still show AMA Superbike, WSBK, MotoGP, F1, and some other road racing series that I like.  I spent most of life only reading about such series in magazines, so I'm still grateful I can watch the racing at home.  It just takes a little box...