“Walked In on Him in the Port a Potty”- NBC’s Much Awaited NASCAR Return Has Fans Singling Out the Only Anomaly

Commercials, commentary, camera angles, and drivers’ cartoons. These are just a few points fans have criticized Fox Sports for in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. With coverage shifting to NBC Sports after the race in Sonoma, most fans have welcomed the change. However, there is one anomaly that they couldn’t help but point out. While Fox Sports had cartoon graphics depicting the drivers, NBC Sports has been using outdated driver images, prompting hilarious reactions from fans.

Fans react to Brad Keselowski’s expression

Always lock the port-a-potty door. It’s a lesson Brad Keselowski learned the hard way when Denny Hamlin walked in on him last year. While a similar situation didn’t occur this season, fans have certainly not forgotten about the incident. They made funny remarks regarding Brad’s expression in a photo released by NBC Sport. Unlike Fox Sports’ cartoon graphics, NBC has been using driver images when showcasing the grid positions of the racers, many of which look outdated and downright awkward.

The NASCAR community on Reddit started a thread about NBC needing to consider photo reshoots for the drivers, prompting one fan to write, “Brad looks like you just walked in on him in the port a potty.” As expected, a fan replied to his comment with, “Denny Hamlin has opened the door”, revisiting the incident involving the pair in Atlanta last year. Another fan criticized how NBC’s photos looked, expressing his preference for Fox Sports’ cartoon graphics. The Reddit user wrote, “Personally I think these photos are horrible and I think the cartoons make these goobers look cooler.”

Despite agreeing that NBC’s driver photos could be better, a Reddit user expressed a very contrasting opinion to those preferring Fox’s cartoon graphics. The user wrote, “I have to agree. But really any photo of a driver is better than those Fox superhero cartoon faces.” Several fans in the NASCAR Community have criticized Fox Sports’ coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series. However, a fan countered all the arguments by saying that NBC Sport hasn’t fared much better.

The Reddit user wrote, “NBC is barely better than Fox if at all. (Exception is Burton, he kills it every week) It’s all stupid NASCAR community group think. Everyone piling on to feel part of the cool group. Especially the multiple times I’ve read comments like NBC audio is so clean and crisp! Are you listening via your tv speakers? Why has Fox won the Emmy for sports audio like 20 of the last 22 years?”

While various fans have been happy about FOX’s stint for calling races being over, the ending of a show that was broadcasted on FOX has saddened fans deeply.

Fox shuts down NASCAR Race Hub

With more than 2500 episodes spanning over 15 seasons, NASCAR Race Hub finally came to an end after airing its last episode on June 11th. With four Sports Emmy nominations, the one-hour daily program was a fan favorite, featuring a mix of news, interviews, and analysis from NASCAR teams and drivers. One of its most popular segments, called ‘Radioactive’, allowed fans to rewatch the race, only this time, with audio from team in-car radios.

The decision to shut down the NASCAR Race Hub drew disappointment, confusion, and frustration from industry insiders and fans. Longtime NASCAR reporter, announcer, and executive Doug Rice of PRN said, “So NASCAR Race Hub is shutting down, that is awful. I try not to criticize other media but I despise this decision. Great show with an awesome cast. Well there goes 6pm on weekdays.”

However, what changed? The last decade has seen everything shuffle, from the way viewers consume media, to their preferences and habits. Layoffs and cuts have been hard-hitting in the sports world recently, with the NFL Network also being forced to do the same. The problem goes beyond Fox Sports and lies with cable programming on the whole. One thing’s for sure, it’s the end of an era for many fans who grew up watching NASCAR Race Hub.

What are your thoughts about NBC’s NASCAR coverage? Let us know in the comments!