Fox announcers successfully go with late-race flow

0 Comments | USA TODAY, February, 2008 | by Michael Hiestand

Fox's NASCAR coverage seldom lacks enthusiasm. And Fox didn't take long to get in gear as it started a new NASCAR season Sunday.

"I'm about to break my finger squeezing my hand so hard," analyst Larry McReynolds said in the closing minutes of the Daytona 500, which had 33 cars on the lead lap with eight laps to go.

"It's going to get wild, definitely get woolly!" analyst Jeff Hammond said.

In the final moments, lead analyst Darrell Waltrip warned viewers, "Slap down the big TV. She's going to go for a drive!" -- then yelled "pedal, pedal" and driver Ryan Newman closed in on the checkered flag.

And race announcer Mike Joy's call probably resonated with Seinfeld fans: "Hello, Newman!"

The prerace show stressed Daytona's history...