NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 07:34AM
In my initial article I said I didn't have any comments on the production value of the show. Well, that's not entirely true. We're going to take a quick look at the announcers.

I'd love to hear your comments and critiques of the announcers, whether we need a third (or even fourth, or maybe just one), but remember, these guys are real people and they are dedicated to the sport. Be nice. Feel free to give constructive criticism and helpful comments, but please don't use this as a bashing session to rip these guys a new one. They are people too and they love this motorosport just as much as you or I. You may not like someone's style, catch phrase, etc… and that's fine, we all have a right to our opinions, but simply saying someone stinks isn't productive.

I hope you enjoy the article, and feel free to agree, disagree, and comment in a civil manner.

NFMS Opinion Article Part 1: freshening the show
NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: a look at announcing

One last note: If you haven't voted in the NFMS poll, click here. It only takes a few seconds to vote.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 07:38AM
I feel like for the most part they do a pretty good job.





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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 08:13AM
Jake you've hit it on the head for the most part. Our two biggest pulls of their kind BG and Louisville have vastly different approaches to announcing. Louisville needs at least one, maybe two more announcers, rotating in and out of service through the evening in the way BG has done. Believe me that comment is not a knock at Butch or Dave, it's a pretty hard job. I see their job as a lot like the presence needed for teaching; you're on your feet monitoring the group, recapturing their attention when it wavers (and it will). The task of engaging and encouraging a group be it 15 or 15 thousand is a monumental task. Doing it for four hours straight, well, they're better men than me in that respect.

Who to add? Miles is a good addition, and I think he's carved out his own niche in the sport without the "He's Butchs' son" question to be raised. Dan projects very nicely, and like Miles is a walking-talking wealth of pulling knowledge.

Simply put, there needs to be an effort to get those persons in line to assist Butch and Dave, and Dave you did a much better job this year. It's past time to get you all some help!
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 08:55AM
I havent been able to attend the NFMS since 2008, unfortunately. I miss going, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience every year. I enjoyed the farm show aspect as equally as I did the tractor pull. I didnt attend necessarily just for attending the farm show, but rather to attend the pulls. I have always wanted to attend the entire week and catch every pull session. That hasnt happend, so when I did attend, it was Friday Night, Sat Afternoon and the Finals. I attended the pulls not because of what classes were pulling, what pullers or vehicles were in what session, but rather because out of my love for the sport. I can attend a local county fair, a regional or national event, and still feel the same way.

The last time I attended the NFMS, Butch & Harold were the announcers. I believe a 3rd announcer would benefit this historic event. I read your "Opinion Article", Jake Morgan, and agree with your comments on the qualities an additional announcer should possess. I think roaming the track, staging area, Broadbent Arena, the crowd, track crew, sled operator, track officials and tech officials would be a nice touch. Getting the behind the scenes action with interviews would add a new aspect to the show to keep the crowd engaged and entertained while a vehicle isnt taking on the sand pile. I believe any announcer for any pull (county fair State organization hook through the NFMS and Grand National events) MUST have a wealth of knowledge about tractor pulling in general (some people attending the pull may have never been before and may not know the objective of a pull) as well as history of the sport, background on the makes, models, engines, frames, etc that make up the pulling vehicles. A knowledge of the pullers themselves is a must.

In my personal opinion, I firmly believe an excellent addition to the NFMS Announcer Staff, would be "The Bulldog", Art Downs. Art has been announcing for a long time, a long time staple in the pulling history of Illinois. He announces many events here in IL, and I am sure has done his fair share in neighboring States as well. He is a walking text book/encyclopedia when it comes to pulling. He knows the specs behind everything from an alchy to diesel tractor engine, and all the automotive type engines as well. He knows the history behind the "sheetmetal" seen on the pulling tractors (the specs that tractor originally came with from the factory in its previous life). He also knows the drivers and vehicles very well.

I have witnessed him many times, take his microphone with him as he gets saddled up in his Pro Stock Pulling Semi. That announcing continues as he gets the truck fired up, hooked to the sled, and continues at the end of his run. Then you see him casually find his way back to the announcers stand. The Bulldog isnt afraid to take his announcing out of the box.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2012 08:57AM by igtpull1.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 09:46AM
I believe it would be interesting if Butch had a different color man announcing for each class. Maybe an actual puller that currently runs in that class, but not pulling that night. Also a few years ago Lee Greenwood showed up and sang his song live. That was really stirring. Possibly have a few more celebrities appear at the pull.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 10:02AM
Need Doc Riley he would be a good compliment to Butch . Doc knows his stuff and has a great voice and has been around pulling for many many years. Bennetts jokes get old after awhile its about all a guy can take hearing them all summer we know Dave your mother inlaw is fat but thats your problem move on they are not funny anymore.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 10:33AM
To be fair, Dave hasn't told a mother-in-law joke in three years.


Jake Morgan
Owner, PULLOFF.COM
Independent Pulling News


This page is a free service. The cost is covered out of my pocket. It takes a great deal of time and a fair amount of money to keep this website going. Donations for: photos, classified ads, forum discussion, etc... are appreciated.

Side Note: We are no longer accepting PayPal donations. They have changed their terms of service and stated they would fine PayPal users for spreading "misinformation" and "hate, violence, racial or other forms of intolerance that is discriminatory". PayPal did not provide definitions for some of these vague terms. Woke corporate policies regarding "misinformation" could result in an automatic fine of $2,500 which would have been removed directly from the customer’s PayPal account. PayPal did backdown from some of their policies but quietly implemented portions of them in later terms of service. A financial institute has no right to monitor social media accounts or speech. This is unacceptable and I'll no longer do business with PayPal.

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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 11:10AM
I havent been to Nfms in 3 years he must be saving them up for the summer tour.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 06:33AM
Ted,
As pullers that run on certain circuits we tend to see the same announcers over and over. We had one years ago that my wife got very tired of listening to as we heard the same jokes and comments over and over. But as I pointed out to her, the fans are hearing it for the first time and most announcers only have so much stuff in their arsenal of things to talk about.

I tend to give an announcer a pass on some of that stuff if they are good at letting the fans know what is happening out on the track and a little info about the pullers and what they do(I have discovered that I don't like my age being given out any longer,it sounds really old when it is given over a loud speaker to thousands of people :-).

We have heard some really bad ones over the 30 years that we have been pulling but we have also heard some very good ones. I would put these guys at the NFMS at the top of the game. I think one thing I like about bringing in Dave is that I learn more about the western pullers.

We see some very good announcers in R/N 2 but one that I would think could do a good job as the background Interviewer is Tom Hartsell (sp) in Mi. He seems to ask interesting questions and do good interviews. Now don't the rest of you guys that we see all summer get your panties in a bunch, I love you all but Tom seems to have a good angle on the questions and explanations as to how things work.

S'no Farmer
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 12:57PM
I hear what you are saying Sno and understand what you are saying but you only get to hear Dave for what 4 sessions and at Nfms he has a companion for most of it but by the time summer is over ive heard enough of Daves Jokes. How about we make a trade Dave for who ever you have over your way for a summer and when the season is over we can decide who had it worse. The best announcer we ever had was George Hendrickson yes he told alot of jokes over and over like the little red wagon joke and the trooper bringing his wife back and such but he had a certain way that they never got old even after hearing them over and over rest in peace George.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 26, 2012 12:38AM
I can't stand Dave's poor grammar.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 10:12AM
Honestly, I feel as if Harold had a better chemistry with Butch than Dave does. Maybe it will just take a while, but only time will tell. Butch has announced the Farm Show for 34 years (if my math is right) and he is the key-component of the announcing team--you can have the "interchangable parts" just keep Butch as the core and I will be happy. I just wish that Dave would learn that you don't have to yell into a microphone. I understand that his goal is to get the crowd pumped up, but my goal is to leave the show and not have my ears bleading because of the PA system. I will agree that he is great at making sure there isn't much dead air--which is very important as an announcer.

(I did love when the guy responsed that he came from his "momma". Dave really got one pulled over on him then.)

I also think that two is just the right number--anymore than that and you'd run the risk of two people trying to talk at once. Though you do make an excellent argument for why there should be three (or more).
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 24, 2012 12:10PM
I think 3 would be perfect at Louisville. I agree with the comment Jake made about Butch being a thoroughbread. I have been to the show the last two years and both years Butch was out of voice midway through the finals. Art Downs is usually the same way at Gordyville. They are both very good announcers but 3 and 4 nights of it will take a toll on everybody. I actually like Dave as well. I missed the first year he was announcing and read all the stuff posted about it. Once the first night of NFMS 2 years ago started I was pleasantly surprised and curious what everyone had been talking about the year before. I enjoyed him at the show but really began to appreciate him the following summer at Jefferson City. He did an excellent job informing the crowd about tractors and points chases that he doesn't see much of. I think that either the third announcer needs to be on the starting line or they need to get the announcers up on a platform so they can see the starting line. The reason for this is everytime someone slides back in whether be from a problem or dropping the test hook they can't see it and just go by the program. It really isn't their fault as they can't see the line tucked in that corner. As far as the candidates for the third spot I like your suggestion on Miles. I agree completely that he has plowed his own path and is both technically and knowledge sound. I can't comment on Dan as an announcer but he definaetely knows his stuff based on pulling-reference.com. Either would help. Just my .02 cents.
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Re: New Opinion Article on the NFMS (and a quick Poll) February 24, 2012 03:05PM
The announcer is terrible. Shut up sometimes, telling stories that did not relate to the pull. I remember why I don't go anymore. He has alot of knowledge but not everyone there cares. He talks from the time it starts to the very end! Sorry I had to rant.
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Re: New Opinion Article on the NFMS (and a quick Poll) February 24, 2012 04:57PM
I see nothing wrong with the announcers.At this pull and now the pull in KC we have something we don't have all summer.These huge big screens that we can take advantage of and go in the pits during the afternoon and interview these drivers and maybe show some highlights of their summer pulls.I would like to know more about them.What they do?We do not need more announcing.These guys do a good job.Just like Nascar,NFL,Baseball(bad subject right now)MMA,heck even Wrestling which is fake.The more we learn and get to know the people behind the sport,the more we want follow the sport.Louisville has the largest stage of fans and potential fans. Why not use the equipment that is available to them?
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 01:38AM
I agree about using the big screen more, but who's going to do the pit interviews and give you more behind the scenes info? Are you suggesting that the Dave and Butch spend all day in the pits doing interviews and then spend all night announcing the pulls? That's more than a full workload.

Personally I think these guys don't need more on their plate, but less. Talking for 3 or 4 hours non-stop is not easy and it's not just something everyone can do successfully, if it was we'd have plenty of quality announcers rather than a shortage. I agree with the ideas you've suggested but this is exactly the type of thing a third announcer should be doing. You don't see Al Michaels down on the sidelines doing interviews; they have other announcers for that. Even the pre-taped interviews are usually done by someone other than the play-by-play and color commentator.

I personally think your ideas are great but I also think they actually bolster my argument and need for a third announcer. I saw Dave in the pits most of the weekend getting info from pullers and having a relaxed conversations, if Dave and Butch are getting formal interviews for the big screen it's going to take a ton of time (even the interview on Rural TV with myself and Bryan Lively took two takes and we spent time before the interview talking about the types of questions she should ask. It took much, much longer than the minute that aired). My point is that if Dave and/or Butch are doing the formal pit interviews it means they don't have nearly as much time walking the pits to talk with numerous people and to get inside info. It means they don’t get do develop relationships with people and find out about new pullers. Meaning that during the event they'll have much less info to share with the crowd.

Just thinking out loud… The only other complication with your ideas is now we need a daytime camera crew following the announcer through the pits to get the interviews. We also need someone who's going to edit the interviews and splice the interview together and make it look seamless and professional. I'm not saying I don't like your idea, but I'm just thinking out loud about the additional logistics involved. It seems like a third announcer could accomplish the exact same thing at the starting line with much less additional equipment (since numerous camera men are already filming the event and it occurs in real time).


Jake Morgan
Owner, PULLOFF.COM
Independent Pulling News


This page is a free service. The cost is covered out of my pocket. It takes a great deal of time and a fair amount of money to keep this website going. Donations for: photos, classified ads, forum discussion, etc... are appreciated.

Side Note: We are no longer accepting PayPal donations. They have changed their terms of service and stated they would fine PayPal users for spreading "misinformation" and "hate, violence, racial or other forms of intolerance that is discriminatory". PayPal did not provide definitions for some of these vague terms. Woke corporate policies regarding "misinformation" could result in an automatic fine of $2,500 which would have been removed directly from the customer’s PayPal account. PayPal did backdown from some of their policies but quietly implemented portions of them in later terms of service. A financial institute has no right to monitor social media accounts or speech. This is unacceptable and I'll no longer do business with PayPal.

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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 01:44AM
Spot on Jake. A third announcer who stays in the staging area would be great.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 03:20AM
I think one thing that is overlooked in pulling is a good secession plan. Both Butch and Dave are not in their 30s or even 40s, where does the NFMS or any other pull plan on getting their next generation of announcers? Or even for that matter what if one of the two current announcers were to get sick or have some other situation that prevents them from doing the show. I think I remember a few years ago that Butch was under the weather and he toughed thru the entire show, rough going.

Pulling needs to start breaking in the next set of announcers for the sport. What better place than the NFMS as a sideline person.

Pulling some times really struggles to look more than 20 feet or in this case 20 weeks down the road. Time to step back and look at the BIG picture..


Dick Morgan

www.PULLOFF.com
Independent Pulling News
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 03:22AM
Yes,I agree this job should not be for Dave and Butch as you make some very good points.I do however think it is not to much to ask to get the camera crews and spike the interests more about the drivers that in turn gives the fan some attachment to the sport and driver.I know this costs money.It is a strange sport that my family and I love.Like a disease almost.These drivers put at least $200,000 in their tractors and rigs to go for 1st place and a $1000 check at most events and hope they don't break an $8000 part. I do not have all the answers and know I have got off the subject.Jake,thanks for bringing up these issues to bolster the sport.Some change has to made at times just like in all sports to keep the fans and add new ones.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 11:03AM
I think they do a good job but i also like to hear the guy with the history and the guy that knows how these things work. A good anouncer up here is kenny mac with the ntpa region 3. but he cant run from one end to the other to do interviews. He knows the rules the history and the pullers. and hes got the voice to go with it. as for the father son aspect there was a pull up here that tried that. Wow did it sound corney, dad was in the booth and the son was on the track, im surprised he didnt get hurt because at times he was literaly on the track. Just sounded like a little kid calling for his dad all the time, i heard it from a few people it was wierd. it is nice hearing from the pullers on what they are thinking before they make there pass but being a puller myself i think it would be a little distracting to have a microphone shoved in your face when your trying to get ready. just my 2 cents worth
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 03:43PM
Quote
mini guy
I think they do a good job but i also like to hear the guy with the history and the guy that knows how these things work. A good anouncer up here is kenny mac with the ntpa region 3. but he cant run from one end to the other to do interviews. He knows the rules the history and the pullers. and hes got the voice to go with it. as for the father son aspect there was a pull up here that tried that. Wow did it sound corney, dad was in the booth and the son was on the track, im surprised he didnt get hurt because at times he was literaly on the track. Just sounded like a little kid calling for his dad all the time, i heard it from a few people it was wierd. it is nice hearing from the pullers on what they are thinking before they make there pass but being a puller myself i think it would be a little distracting to have a microphone shoved in your face when your trying to get ready. just my 2 cents worth

Just a FYI; I heard Butch and Miles on the mic at Gordyville. They are very professional. Miles introduced Butch as his father but from then on they called each other by name. Not Dad and son.

Justin Bennett
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 06:00PM
Butch and Miles work together at Henry as well. I have never heard an unprofessional moment from either of them let alone while working together. They are two of the best in my opinion.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 25, 2012 06:46PM
The Indy Super Pull, as well.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 26, 2012 11:49AM
mini guy- Are you referring to Mackville, WI?
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 27, 2012 01:23AM
I think both guys do a good job. I think we need a third person to read the pull distance EVERY TIME, not just when its a leading dictance.

Also I would like to see the pull distance for the top three on displays all the time, not some of the time.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 27, 2012 04:59AM
yup. was talking about the mackville pull.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2012 05:00AM by mini guy.
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 27, 2012 06:41AM
Having a 3rd person with a camera man in the pits may be something new to look at. Or have him down in the staging area....






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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 27, 2012 07:41AM
Why couldn't he be a she that's in the pits following the storylines?
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 27, 2012 08:05AM
who is a good female announcer?
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Re: NFMS Opinion Article Part 2: Show Announcers February 27, 2012 08:22AM
Good female announcer...??? Crash Gladys! She's fantastic!!!

They need to turn Dave's mic down a bit to balance his voice with Butch's and we don't need to know the price of every single blower belt or smoked turbo either...
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