Commentators

[amp88]

Which past or current motorsport commentators do you like, which don't you like and why?

I like:

Martin Brundle (ITV, Formula One) - Was a very talented racing driver (gave Senna a good run for his money in F3), had a long career in F1 and has a great amount of motor racing knowledge. Can provide great insights into what's happening inside the cockpit of the car and what's happening within the team. Authoritative style, rarely makes mistakes and is usually quick to correct his mistakes and admit he's wrong. Quick-witted and humorous.

Neil Crompton (Network Ten, V8 Supercars) - Same as above, really. Knows exactly what he's talking about and he's also good at explaining things for people who don't watch V8 Supercars a lot.

James Hunt (BBC, Formula One) - Again, authoritative style, knew exactly what he was talking about and wasn't afraid to voice his opinion either. Could really visualise how a race was going to turn out.

Murray Walker (BBC/ITV Formula One) - He's Murray Walker. What more can be said?

Steve Matchett (SpeedTV, Formula One) - Was a mechanic and rear jack man for the Benetton F1 team from 1990 to 1998. Has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things F1. Understands the relationship between drivers and mechanics exceptionally well. Writes good books too.

Bob Varsha (SpeedTV, Formula One) - Has a great knowledge of F1 and also has a good 'race' mind, he can keep track of a lot of different things throughout a race.

Jenson Button (ITV, Formula One) - Only stood in for one race when his car had been banned. Great commentating style, very similar to Martin Brundle but also has first hand experience of current F1 cars. Would be good if he steps in beside Martin Brundle when he retires from racing.

Richard Nichols (Various, Various) - Great knowledge of all things motorsport and probably the most flexible commentator. Covers everything from F3 to Rallycross.

Robbie Head (ITV?, WRC) - Knew exactly what he was talking about, great insights into the driving side of WRC.

I don't like:

James Allen (ITV, Formula One) - Too technical (even for me). Provides insights that aren't really helpful. Named his son Enzo.

The CBS Team (Formula One) - If you need to ask why you've never heard them.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

I don't like:

James Allen (ITV, Formula One) - Too technical (even for me). Provides insights that aren't really helpful. Named his son Enzo.

What??? James "feckless moron" Allen too technical??? No, that can't be right. He steers clear of technicalities so banal that a chimp could understand them. Perhaps you don't understand what he says because it's so idiotic and usually wrong. Trust me, Allen is brainless cretin who should be taken to a large pit and dropped in it.

 

[Touring Mars]

I didn't like Martin Brundle at first because his voice kept breaking and he sounded like a pubescent schoolboy - but that aside, he really grew on me, not least because he provided the perfect straight-man/counterfoil to the highly entertaining Murray Walker... I'm no fan on James Allen, esp. now I know that he called his son Enzo... , but I think that is largely based on jealously since I think every child who grew up watching F1 wanted Murray Walker's old job...

 

[YSSMAN]

I've always been a Darrell Waltrip fan when it comes to the broadcasts for the NASCAR events. Given that he is a former driver, knows for the most part what he is talking about, and has the classic southern attitude about things, it makes the races entertaining to listen to.

Dr. Jerry Punch is another one of my favorites, but he is generally more of a reporter than a commentator in most circumstances for ABC sports. Thankfully with NASCAR going to ABC next year, we get to hear more from him once again.

 

[red70mach1]

In the CBS F1 commentary team Ralph Sheheen stands out because he is originally from my town (actually Citrus Heights).

Dr. Punch was worked at short track, so it didn't surprise me thatg he had some knowledge in racing.

For James Allen, is he the same person who covered F1 for ESPN at least a decade ago?

 

[Layla's Keeper]

I've always been a fan of ABC's brilliant Indy 500 broadcast team, whose combination of wit, knowledge, and formal dignity have always given the event the treatment deserving of the world's finest auto race.

Bob Jenkins, Paul Page, Chris Economacki, Jack Arute, these men have long been "The Voice of the 500".

 

[xXSilencerXx]

Benny Parsons is usually pretty good even though he hasn't driven in awhile.

Darrel Waltrip is ok at times but he tends to annoy me after awhile.

 

[miss_schu]

Bring back Murray Walker! Would have liked to have know his thoughts on the Schumi/Monaco incident!

Murray and Brundle commentating together were a cool duo!

Took ages for me to get used to James Allen! I don't really think much of him, especially when he first came on to the scene, but he is thawing out a bit now and is getting much better at the job! Still hasn't changed my mind much towards him though!

Also, ever since Sky Tv took over the F1 Coverage rights from Tv One, I find that Aussie presenter dude really annoying! Bring back Geoff Brian! He was way cooler!