| Imprezanator | 01-01-2004 09:01 PM |
A commentary on the Speed Channel's WRC coverage commentator
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I want to rant about Ralph Sheheen, the Speed commentator for thier coverage of WRC commentator. I can't stand him. He doesn't know the sport, he constantly makes nascar references, and he has an annoying voice. I would like someone who knows the sport at least. A couple of years ago when it was Speedchannel, before Fox bought it out and stained with all the nascar, they had a great announcer. He knew the sport really well and spoke with a compassion and deep respect for all the racers. Unlike Sheheen's bumbling redneck used car salesman antics. And then I watched recently, another current commentator for Speed was doing the job. His name was Dave Despain, I believe. He hosts another show, some call-in deal. He did a good job, and I think a good replacement. The field correspondant, former co- driver for Collin McRae, Nicky Grist does a good job. There was some question for who McRae was driving for next season, perhaps not even returning. He would be awesome, though it may be hard to understand at times. Grist would do a fine job, I'm sure. Does anyone out there agree with me? We could start a movement to get rid of ol' Ralphy. Let's start a petition, then send it into Speed. They would have to submit to the masses. Are you with me?
| wes | 01-01-2004 09:23 PM |
I agree, his voice is irritating as hell! He used to be a pit lane reporter for Nascar. Why SPEED gave him the commentating job for WRC is hard to figure out.
I appreciate his enthusiasm, but its almost like SPEED just grabbed somebody who wasn't doing anything else and said "here, read this, its for some off road rally racing from Europe" and he says "uh, ok"
I have watched him over the years in Nascar, he is a good pit reporter, but WRC coverage sucks with him doing the commentating. Even when he does Speednews I cringe!
SPEED needs to get somebody better! Didn't the Paris-Dakar guy used to do WRC? Toby something? they should get him or get him back.
I appreciate his enthusiasm, but its almost like SPEED just grabbed somebody who wasn't doing anything else and said "here, read this, its for some off road rally racing from Europe" and he says "uh, ok"
I have watched him over the years in Nascar, he is a good pit reporter, but WRC coverage sucks with him doing the commentating. Even when he does Speednews I cringe!
SPEED needs to get somebody better! Didn't the Paris-Dakar guy used to do WRC? Toby something? they should get him or get him back.
| Strepto | 01-01-2004 09:24 PM |
welcome to two years ago :p
Sheheen's been commentating WRC for the last two seasons. His script is MUCH better than it used to be.
Better to have coverage with poor commentation than no coverage at all.
Sheheen's been commentating WRC for the last two seasons. His script is MUCH better than it used to be.
Better to have coverage with poor commentation than no coverage at all.
| Imprezanator | 01-01-2004 09:31 PM |
This is ture that he has improved, but it still sucks.
| Mopho | 01-01-2004 09:39 PM |
I have heard rumor he is being replaced for 04
He likely knows more about rally than you do!
Ever think the script is being dumbed down for the "average" viewer?
He likely knows more about rally than you do!
Ever think the script is being dumbed down for the "average" viewer?
| Leonardo | 01-01-2004 10:01 PM |
Tommi could do it. We wouldn't understand half of it but he could now that he has time:lol:
| Clegg | 01-01-2004 10:25 PM |
Hehe I was about to say.... wasnt this a freak out topic 2 years ago?!
hehehe Thought people were over it. he was better than Dave Dispain though... as much as I respect Dave... Ralph has gotten better. I think hes starting to "know" the sport much more than you give him credit for Imprez. His first few months 2 years ago were painful though.
hehehe Thought people were over it. he was better than Dave Dispain though... as much as I respect Dave... Ralph has gotten better. I think hes starting to "know" the sport much more than you give him credit for Imprez. His first few months 2 years ago were painful though.
| Clegg | 01-01-2004 10:26 PM |
Collin and Tommi for commentator.... never understand another word in rally again ;)
| sha_zapple | 01-01-2004 10:59 PM |
You mean it isnt pronounced "Citrogen" :confused: :lol:
| Pete 97 GS-T | 01-02-2004 07:55 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Clegg [/i]
[B]Collin and Tommi for commentator.... never understand another word in rally again ;) [/B][/QUOTE]
They'd last for 3� minutes, then start fighting and kill each other.
Pete
[url]www.onalimbracing.com[/url]
[B]Collin and Tommi for commentator.... never understand another word in rally again ;) [/B][/QUOTE]
They'd last for 3� minutes, then start fighting and kill each other.
Pete
[url]www.onalimbracing.com[/url]
| GuidoThePenguin | 01-02-2004 08:36 AM |
In reference to the 'NASCAR' comments Ralph uses.
Remember what Speed Channels core audience is. NASCAR fans.
How is Speed going to justify keeping the WRC on the air if only a few highly fanatical fans watch?
Bring some NASCAR fans over and introduce them.
I remember 5-10 years ago I could be talking to people about the WRC and they'd look at me like I was talking in Klingon.
Now seems like alot of people know what the WRC is, even what cars run.
Just give it more time guys. :D
Remember what Speed Channels core audience is. NASCAR fans.
How is Speed going to justify keeping the WRC on the air if only a few highly fanatical fans watch?
Bring some NASCAR fans over and introduce them.
I remember 5-10 years ago I could be talking to people about the WRC and they'd look at me like I was talking in Klingon.
Now seems like alot of people know what the WRC is, even what cars run.
Just give it more time guys. :D
| elgorey | 01-02-2004 09:26 AM |
Ralph Sheheen is a big dirt track guy, which is probably why he got the WRC commentating gig.
Hopefully it will be Nicky or at least Dave Despain commentating next year.
Hopefully it will be Nicky or at least Dave Despain commentating next year.
| Subie Gal | 01-02-2004 11:01 AM |
[quote]I want to rant about Ralph Sheheen, the Speed commentator for thier coverage of WRC commentator. I can't stand him. [/quote]
ditto. said it a million times...
and he hasnt improved much :rolleyes:
let Nicky do it all baby!!! :banana:
ditto. said it a million times...
and he hasnt improved much :rolleyes:
let Nicky do it all baby!!! :banana:
| ChrisW | 01-02-2004 11:30 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by GuidoThePenguin[/i]
[B] In reference to the 'NASCAR' comments Ralph uses.
Remember what Speed Channels core audience is. NASCAR fans.
Just give it more time guys. :D [/B][/QUOTE]
Just remember that before speedvision was bought out, it was a hard core ROAD RACING channel, not nascrap.
Look at the schedule for to, ALL of it... ok boy :rolleyes: we get speedracer....
I liked it better as speedvision.
[B] In reference to the 'NASCAR' comments Ralph uses.
Remember what Speed Channels core audience is. NASCAR fans.
Just give it more time guys. :D [/B][/QUOTE]
Just remember that before speedvision was bought out, it was a hard core ROAD RACING channel, not nascrap.
Look at the schedule for to, ALL of it... ok boy :rolleyes: we get speedracer....
I liked it better as speedvision.
| TheWake | 01-02-2004 11:57 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Pete 97 GS-T [/i]
[B]They'd last for 3� minutes, then start fighting and kill each other.
Pete
[url]www.onalimbracing.com[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]
And we would all watch over and over again.
[B]They'd last for 3� minutes, then start fighting and kill each other.
Pete
[url]www.onalimbracing.com[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]
And we would all watch over and over again.
| Imprezanator | 01-02-2004 01:16 PM |
Hey mop ho- I have to know more than Sheheen. It's true it may be dumbed down, but they don't have to put some bumbling idiot on to try to drag through it.
This may be an old topic, but the problem remains.
Down with Sheheen!!
This may be an old topic, but the problem remains.
Down with Sheheen!!
| wilddave1 | 01-02-2004 01:37 PM |
why do we even need a commentator? i would like just a raw feed. They could at least turn down the announcer(Ralf) and turn up the background.
i have a hard time watching a rally and listening to ralf.
the thing that gets on my nerves most is when ralf foreshadows that something is bad going to happen.
i have a hard time watching a rally and listening to ralf.
the thing that gets on my nerves most is when ralf foreshadows that something is bad going to happen.
| Mopho | 01-02-2004 01:42 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Imprezanator [/i]
[B]Hey mop ho- I have to know more than Sheheen.
Down with Sheheen!! [/B][/QUOTE]
Impersonator,
I doubt it!
I don't like him much either, but the guy has had a major crash course in rallying and has got to work with the most knowledgable people in the sport and I am sure they have sent him to a few events.
When you are actually involved with a sport you learn a lot real fast!
Are you involved or are you an armchair racer?
[B]Hey mop ho- I have to know more than Sheheen.
Down with Sheheen!! [/B][/QUOTE]
Impersonator,
I doubt it!
I don't like him much either, but the guy has had a major crash course in rallying and has got to work with the most knowledgable people in the sport and I am sure they have sent him to a few events.
When you are actually involved with a sport you learn a lot real fast!
Are you involved or are you an armchair racer?
| ANZAC_1915 | 01-02-2004 01:51 PM |
What bothers me the most is that it is uneccesary, they used to have the Brit guy, and everyone could understand him. I assume they still get that commentary (how else would he know what to say...) in the package they get from ISC.
Ralph gets less excited than he used to, but his voice is still annoying. I always feel like I'm watching NASCAR.
My advice, mute the audio.
Glenn
Ralph gets less excited than he used to, but his voice is still annoying. I always feel like I'm watching NASCAR.
My advice, mute the audio.
Glenn
| gtguy | 01-02-2004 02:14 PM |
What we often fail to remember is that the commentary isn't for us, really. We die-hards are going to watch, but Speed Channel knows that if they don't make it appealing to the neophyte, who might have just stumbled across the program, the WRC viewer base isn't going to grow, which means that it doesn't make money, which means that it goes away.
Shaheen (or Sheheen?) is commenting for a more universal audience, rather than the cognoscenti.
Viewership and profile of WRC stuff has to rise, or we won't see it any more. The artificial excitement thing, for example, is unfortunate, but U.S. sports broadcasts seem to call for that sort of thing.
Kevin
Shaheen (or Sheheen?) is commenting for a more universal audience, rather than the cognoscenti.
Viewership and profile of WRC stuff has to rise, or we won't see it any more. The artificial excitement thing, for example, is unfortunate, but U.S. sports broadcasts seem to call for that sort of thing.
Kevin
| Imprezanator | 01-02-2004 02:55 PM |
gtguy it is Sheheen, I saw his dumb arse name on the TV. I guess this is all a lost cause. Oh well at least I know I'm not alone.
| FaastLegacy | 01-02-2004 03:09 PM |
I think Shaheen's last gig before the WRC was the World of Outlaws or wingless sprint cars, he needs to go back to open wheel racing and let Nicky run the show.
-faast
-faast
| brentlz | 01-02-2004 04:07 PM |
Dump Ralph and hire the gals from World Rally Radio! :banana:
| Porsche914boxer4 | 01-02-2004 04:15 PM |
shaheen's cool, his script lets new watchers understand the sport. I think him and Nicky are the best thing to happen to WRC coverage. (remember it before them?)
rode with sheehan in a suburban to and from the nasty stages at rim this year, it was hilarious (during the towing debacle). f'ing 3 mile hike with 40-50 mph winds and driving rain. we were stuck in the baby seat in the storage area, must have been 12 people in that burb. haha
rode with sheehan in a suburban to and from the nasty stages at rim this year, it was hilarious (during the towing debacle). f'ing 3 mile hike with 40-50 mph winds and driving rain. we were stuck in the baby seat in the storage area, must have been 12 people in that burb. haha
| Smelli Bugatti | 01-02-2004 05:07 PM |
He has gotten much much better, and adding Nikki and Penny was a big help. I tend to "tune out" ralph's voice and am always rewinding to hear what he just said. Many have complained but he is still there. I miss Toby Moody. He had a great voice for rally. I was in love with his voice. If he would read the back of a box of cereal to me and I would get weak in the knees. The only problem with him was everything was in metric when the show aired in USA.
| iemonslice | 02-12-2004 12:12 PM |
I hate how Ralph used to say 'Sit-rone' or 'Sit-ro-en.' Also I hate how sometimes he says 'Hervonen' and other times 'Hirvonen.'
| BriDrive | 02-12-2004 02:37 PM |
This is all really just a continuance of the overall slip SPEED has made since being acquired by France & Friends......Just watch some F1 this year and watch Rick Debrule (sp?) "The Drool" stumble through the pinnacle of motorsport for which he knows NOTHING about.
Back when we had Speedvision.....motorsports coverage was better, the commentating was left to folks who came directly from the sport and ALL WAS GOOD.
Now we are stuck, in all the racing genres we are lucky to even see now, with these Giant NASCAR type mouthpieces....
Hey, be sure not to miss: "Men behind the wrenches" "Inside Nextel Cup" "Trackside" "NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series" "NASCAR Busch Series" "NASCAR Victory Lane" "NASCAR Tech" (oxymoronic) "NASCAR Past Champions"
These guys KNOW what they're talking about:lol: :lol: :lol:
OUT
Back when we had Speedvision.....motorsports coverage was better, the commentating was left to folks who came directly from the sport and ALL WAS GOOD.
Now we are stuck, in all the racing genres we are lucky to even see now, with these Giant NASCAR type mouthpieces....
Hey, be sure not to miss: "Men behind the wrenches" "Inside Nextel Cup" "Trackside" "NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series" "NASCAR Busch Series" "NASCAR Victory Lane" "NASCAR Tech" (oxymoronic) "NASCAR Past Champions"
These guys KNOW what they're talking about:lol: :lol: :lol:
OUT
| Opie | 02-12-2004 02:52 PM |
What do you expect a network that was loosing money to do? Like it or not, in the U.S., Nascar brings in 20x the fans that any rally or touring car coverage would. Just be thankful that they are still offering any motorsport coverage other than Nascar.
I am a huge fan of any type of motorsport, whether it be Nascar, F1, WRC or soap box derby's. I don't see the point of getting all uptight over nothing, either you like and respect all motorsport or you are an elitist.
And BTW Ralphy is actually doing an OK job this year, especially considering that his commentary is directed to inform the average U.S. viewer and make them fans, not those of us that are already fans! ;)
I am a huge fan of any type of motorsport, whether it be Nascar, F1, WRC or soap box derby's. I don't see the point of getting all uptight over nothing, either you like and respect all motorsport or you are an elitist.
And BTW Ralphy is actually doing an OK job this year, especially considering that his commentary is directed to inform the average U.S. viewer and make them fans, not those of us that are already fans! ;)
| BriDrive | 02-12-2004 03:05 PM |
Opie,
Of course, I know these things, and I know Speedvision was on the financial slip.....but that doesn't mean I have to like it........They could have just as easily run SPEED TV as a stand alone channel.....
I also respectfully disagree with your point: "...either you like and respect all motorsport or you are an elitist."
I am not an elitist any more than a hardcore NASCAR fan is an elitist....That's just not firm logic in my opinion.
With that said, I am not uptight about it really, I was just having a little fun with SPEED....we all enjoy motorsports and we all get over the idiosyncracies of commentary.....
I just don't like monopolies...........BriDrive
Of course, I know these things, and I know Speedvision was on the financial slip.....but that doesn't mean I have to like it........They could have just as easily run SPEED TV as a stand alone channel.....
I also respectfully disagree with your point: "...either you like and respect all motorsport or you are an elitist."
I am not an elitist any more than a hardcore NASCAR fan is an elitist....That's just not firm logic in my opinion.
With that said, I am not uptight about it really, I was just having a little fun with SPEED....we all enjoy motorsports and we all get over the idiosyncracies of commentary.....
I just don't like monopolies...........BriDrive
| Radio Flyer | 02-12-2004 03:58 PM |
After finally watching my taped copy of the Rally Sweden, I must say, and near hate to say it, but I missed Ralph Shaheen's commentary. The new guy (name escapes me) was like listening to the teacher in Ferris Bueller: "Solberg? Solberg?"
I guess I should appreciate Speed's trying to make a change for the better, but, man, this new guy has [b][i]no[/i][/b] color to his voice. And even less familiarity with Rally...
- Eric
Lil' Red '98 2.5 GT Wagon - [url=http://members.nasioc.com/ViewMemberPics.cfm?MemberID=143]Pics[/url]
I guess I should appreciate Speed's trying to make a change for the better, but, man, this new guy has [b][i]no[/i][/b] color to his voice. And even less familiarity with Rally...
- Eric
Lil' Red '98 2.5 GT Wagon - [url=http://members.nasioc.com/ViewMemberPics.cfm?MemberID=143]Pics[/url]
| Lafora | 02-12-2004 04:09 PM |
i'm just glad we have SOME WRC coverage instead of NONE.
| elgorey | 02-12-2004 05:19 PM |
Im escstatic that Bob Varsha has replaced Sheeheeney and his annoying high pitched voice.
Bob is one of the best commentators in motorsports.
Bob is one of the best commentators in motorsports.
| BriDrive | 02-12-2004 05:40 PM |
And Bob used to sit right next to David Hobbs and Sam Posey providing superb F1 calls.....those were the days!
| NotAnRS | 02-12-2004 05:44 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by BriDrive [/i]
[B]And Bob used to sit right next to David Hobbs and Sam Posey providing superb F1 calls.....those were the days! [/B][/QUOTE]
Sam Posey? Oh lawd...:rolleyes:
David Hobbs, OTOH, is exceptional.
Bob Varsha..well, I don't [I]dislike[/I] him. I actually like Shaheen. I also liked Paul Paige doing CART, so I'm probably in the minority no matter what. :lol:
[B]And Bob used to sit right next to David Hobbs and Sam Posey providing superb F1 calls.....those were the days! [/B][/QUOTE]
Sam Posey? Oh lawd...:rolleyes:
David Hobbs, OTOH, is exceptional.
Bob Varsha..well, I don't [I]dislike[/I] him. I actually like Shaheen. I also liked Paul Paige doing CART, so I'm probably in the minority no matter what. :lol:
| Arioch | 02-12-2004 05:57 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by BriDrive [/i]
[B]And Bob used to sit right next to David Hobbs and Sam Posey providing superb F1 calls.....those were the days! [/B][/QUOTE]
From what I've heard (rumors) Varsha will be back next to David and Steve for F1 this year. No more Rick DeTool! :disco:
[B]And Bob used to sit right next to David Hobbs and Sam Posey providing superb F1 calls.....those were the days! [/B][/QUOTE]
From what I've heard (rumors) Varsha will be back next to David and Steve for F1 this year. No more Rick DeTool! :disco:
| Imprezanator | 02-12-2004 10:58 PM |
when is the first F1 race this season?
| Dr. WOT | 02-13-2004 08:09 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by elgorey [/i]
[B]Im escstatic that Bob Varsha has replaced Sheeheeney and his annoying high pitched voice.
Bob is one of the best commentators in motorsports. [/B][/QUOTE]
I agree. Will Varsha be doing all the rallies this year? He made a comment at the end of Sweden that he looks forward to seeing us later in the season, as if Shehee was only out temporarily (perhaps because of Daytona)
[B]Im escstatic that Bob Varsha has replaced Sheeheeney and his annoying high pitched voice.
Bob is one of the best commentators in motorsports. [/B][/QUOTE]
I agree. Will Varsha be doing all the rallies this year? He made a comment at the end of Sweden that he looks forward to seeing us later in the season, as if Shehee was only out temporarily (perhaps because of Daytona)
| STX_REX | 02-13-2004 09:07 AM |
Varsha would have been great and a real improvement if they let him commentate. You could tell he was totally underwhelmed by the script they gave him. The enthusiasim was no where to found.
| Arioch | 02-13-2004 09:48 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Imprezanator [/i]
[B]when is the first F1 race this season? [/B][/QUOTE]
2004 F1 schedule pulled from F1-live.com
Date................Country..............Track/City
07/03/2004....AUSTRALIA......MELBOURNE
21/03/2004....MALAYSIA........SEPANG
04/04/2004....BAHRAIN..........SAKHIR
25/04/2004....SAN-MARINO....IMOLA
09/05/2004....SPAIN..............BARCELONA
23/05/2004....MONACO..........MONACO
30/05/2004....EUROPE..........NURBUGRING
13/06/2004....CANADA..........MONTREAL
20/06/2004....USA..............INDIANAPOLIS
04/07/2004....FRANCE........MAGNY-COURS
11/07/2004....GREAT-BRITAIN...SILVERSTONE
25/07/2004....GERMANY........HOCKENHEIM
15/08/2004....HUNGARY.......HUNGARORING
29/08/2004....BELGIUM.......SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
12/09/2004....ITALY................MONZA
26/09/2004....CHINA..............SHANGHAI
10/10/2004....JAPAN..............SUZUKA
24/10/2004....BRAZIL............INTERLAGOS
[B]when is the first F1 race this season? [/B][/QUOTE]
2004 F1 schedule pulled from F1-live.com
Date................Country..............Track/City
07/03/2004....AUSTRALIA......MELBOURNE
21/03/2004....MALAYSIA........SEPANG
04/04/2004....BAHRAIN..........SAKHIR
25/04/2004....SAN-MARINO....IMOLA
09/05/2004....SPAIN..............BARCELONA
23/05/2004....MONACO..........MONACO
30/05/2004....EUROPE..........NURBUGRING
13/06/2004....CANADA..........MONTREAL
20/06/2004....USA..............INDIANAPOLIS
04/07/2004....FRANCE........MAGNY-COURS
11/07/2004....GREAT-BRITAIN...SILVERSTONE
25/07/2004....GERMANY........HOCKENHEIM
15/08/2004....HUNGARY.......HUNGARORING
29/08/2004....BELGIUM.......SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
12/09/2004....ITALY................MONZA
26/09/2004....CHINA..............SHANGHAI
10/10/2004....JAPAN..............SUZUKA
24/10/2004....BRAZIL............INTERLAGOS
| elgorey | 02-13-2004 12:32 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Dr. WOT [/i]
[B]I agree. Will Varsha be doing all the rallies this year? He made a comment at the end of Sweden that he looks forward to seeing us later in the season, as if Shehee was only out temporarily (perhaps because of Daytona) [/B][/QUOTE]
hmmm....then I think its time to email Speed to tell them how much better Bob Varsha is than Ralphie!
[B]I agree. Will Varsha be doing all the rallies this year? He made a comment at the end of Sweden that he looks forward to seeing us later in the season, as if Shehee was only out temporarily (perhaps because of Daytona) [/B][/QUOTE]
hmmm....then I think its time to email Speed to tell them how much better Bob Varsha is than Ralphie!
| clyde | 02-13-2004 12:55 PM |
What's the deal with having scripts anyway? Isn't the focus of talent in a commentator the ability to make comments that you'd want to hear? I always figured that's why they often have multiple commentators so they can play off of each other and feed one of them with advertisements and factoids and production details.
| Dr. WOT | 02-13-2004 02:15 PM |
I'd say the script is necessary because it is an edited recap format, rather than a feed of the entire event. It would be tough to simply commentate over a series of short clips that jump from on driver/stage to the next.
| clyde | 02-13-2004 02:20 PM |
Ah, well that makes sense. I haven't gotten a chance to see Speed at all yet and it just struck me as odd. :o
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