Obviously this is a Formula One board, so you're going to get somewhat biased opinions here, but I've got to believe that your F1 viewership is pretty substantial. I know one thing: that Speed's OUTSTANDING coverage of F1 has certainly got me hooked over the past 3 years to the point where it is my absolute favorite sport, bar none. So with the F1 season FINALLY set to arrive soon (thank God; I've been going through serious withdrawls since the 2007 season end!) I've been watching the Speed TV listings like a hawk so as not to miss any of the buildup programming I was certain would be running to promote the 2008 campaign.

But alas, I have found none! Not one, single, measly, stinking 30 minute show hyping what should be an incredible season. It's ridiculous. It's unbelievable. Heck, it's downright unconscionable! There is so much NASCAR hype on the channel it makes me want to puke, but yet the programming guys for a network all about cars and racing can't seem to see their way clear to let Bob, Steve and David do a lead-in show to kick off the season for the premier form of motor racing on the planet?? You guys are definitely missing the boat on this one.

Signed,
A starving, anxious and dissapointed SPEED TV F1 fan

The iTV preview show is great.

Rbolz - 08 March 2008 07:43 PM

Obviously this is a Formula One board, so you're going to get somewhat biased opinions here, but I've got to believe that your F1 viewership is pretty substantial. I know one thing: that Speed's OUTSTANDING coverage of F1 has certainly got me hooked over the past 3 years to the point where it is my absolute favorite sport, bar none. So with the F1 season FINALLY set to arrive soon (thank God; I've been going through serious withdrawls since the 2007 season end!) I've been watching the Speed TV listings like a hawk so as not to miss any of the buildup programming I was certain would be running to promote the 2008 campaign.

But alas, I have found none! Not one, single, measly, stinking 30 minute show hyping what should be an incredible season. It's ridiculous. It's unbelievable. Heck, it's downright unconscionable! There is so much NASCAR hype on the channel it makes me want to puke, but yet the programming guys for a network all about cars and racing can't seem to see their way clear to let Bob, Steve and David do a lead-in show to kick off the season for the premier form of motor racing on the planet?? You guys are definitely missing the boat on this one.

Signed,
A starving, anxious and disappointed SPEED TV F1 fan

You beat me to the punch. This morning when I awoke I thought I am going to check the schedule, and I just know I am going to find that program on my favorite channel......Sad commentary, for no commentary...Indeed !
Maybe we are too presumptuous..... there is still a whole week before Australia. Could it be SPEED is just making us sweat....and they are going to have a huge surprise party for all us starving F1 fans.
I sure hope so !!!!

PS Maybe I am mistaken but, I seem to remember a 15 or possibly even 20 min pre season offering to that Left Turn Only series before Daytona. Nah.....It must have been a flashback from my 60's over indulgence !!!! Wooowww Man !!!

Slider1 - 09 March 2008 01:53 PM

The iTV preview show is great.

It was indeed. Funny, it didn't event cross my mind to check Spuud's schedule as I assumed (apparently correctly) that there would be nothing on the subject anyways. Pathetic.

Doesn't the reason for this have to do with the licensing agreement between Speed and FOM? Like, they can only use certain footage at certain times, etc.

aldango - 10 March 2008 09:16 AM

Doesn't the reason for this have to do with the licensing agreement between Speed and FOM? Like, they can only use certain footage at certain times, etc.

So, are you saying that ALL the information out there in the world to compile (video,print) into a basic production is protected by the FOM. If so, why are there so many access sites for F1 info. I probably have a half a dozen coming to me via email on a daily basis and could have 50 if I wanted.

I just find it hard to believe that the only network licensed to provide re-broadcast video feed to cable/dish networks finds no need to put together a preview program for it's viewers.


I suppose the 3 minute telephone conversation with David Hobbs on Wind Tunnel last nite was the obvious effort put forth for the pinnacle of Motor Sports. And that was by an independently produced program on the network. At least Dave made an effort.

Simply displays where their interest is..... and isn't....in my opinion. Seems a disgrace somehow !!!

Slider1 - 09 March 2008 01:53 PM

The iTV preview show is great.

Have you seen a torrent for this? I've been unable to find one...

caseypons - 10 March 2008 03:09 PM

aldango - 10 March 2008 09:16 AM

Doesn't the reason for this have to do with the licensing agreement between Speed and FOM? Like, they can only use certain footage at certain times, etc.

So, are you saying that ALL the information out there in the world to compile (video,print) into a basic production is protected by the FOM. If so, why are there so many access sites for F1 info. I probably have a half a dozen coming to me via email on a daily basis and could have 50 if I wanted.

No, I didn't say that at all. I was talking about video footage that comes from the FOM world feed. Speed uses this feed in their F1 productions.

Oh, and I think there's supposed to be a preview show on this weekend, before the race. Check out the weekend schedule here.

aldango - 10 March 2008 06:53 PM

caseypons - 10 March 2008 03:09 PM

aldango - 10 March 2008 09:16 AM

Doesn't the reason for this have to do with the licensing agreement between Speed and FOM? Like, they can only use certain footage at certain times, etc.

So, are you saying that ALL the information out there in the world to compile (video,print) into a basic production is protected by the FOM. If so, why are there so many access sites for F1 info. I probably have a half a dozen coming to me via email on a daily basis and could have 50 if I wanted.

No, I didn't say that at all. I was talking about video footage that comes from the FOM world feed. Speed uses this feed in their F1 productions.

I understand there are FCC regs that limit what FIM/FOM footage SPEED can utilize, and I apologize if I came off indignant towards your post. I thought you might be defending why we as subscribers and the "Pinnacle of Motor Sports" doesn't warrant any effort for a season preview.

Unless I am mistaken on the number, SPEED was very vocal about the fact of having
"77 hours of preseason NASCAR coverage"
before their first seasonal race.

Sorry, I take this stuff too seriously in my old age.

Just one more ol' fart voting for a half-hour of Bob Varsha & Company having a discussion of the relevant between-season F1 News to set the stage for the upcoming F1 season -- maybe next year, eh?