Forum: Oklahomatidbits.com General Forum (go)
Moderators:  /  David Smith Jr

The announcing at SFS this season has been less than professional, and far less than perfect. When all you hear over the loud speaker is "how many wreaks are we going to have" and 'don't you love those flips and crashes'. That's if you able to hear anything above the Disco music. That "kid" should have been fired after the first night. He doesn't even know the different classes of cars running, (Jiffy Lube Boy) much less the Drivers names in competition and pronounce them correctly. There is never a mention or a word spoken about Sponsors. I would venture a guess if the boy where to have a flat tire he would have to call AAA or mommy to come show him were the spare tire is located, and how to change it. Most likely Mommy.

ummmm. lol. thats kinda messed up. I agree it was real bad when he mentioned the flips and crashes, but man he aint that bad. I still won't forget him climbin freely halfway up the pole in the infield and announcing from there. I'm not for or against the announcing at the Fairgrounds......I don't think its all that bad. Ironically, most of the complaints I hear are about the other lady. Other than her askin whether or not the 1 foot thick concrete wall sustained any damage after Whit Gastineau hit it HARD (just not right) I think she's alright. Its not just the announcers that need to mention sponsors, although like I said I think they aint too bad and some of it is understandable........could any of ya'll/us do it?

I'm still 110% in favor of stopping this stuff of bringing the winners out before the races. I agree the winners should be recognized. But they need to bring ALL of the drivers of a respective class out and let them say a quick bit and single the previous winner(s) out for the honorable mention. But you can't do every class every week........so it would have to go on rotating type of deal.......which means whenever a class comes out you may have the last 4 feature winners to mention. But to do it that way would mean ALL of the drivers would get an introduction.........not just the ones with money that run up front all the time. If they did that maybe a couple of the guys that struggle some could get more sponsorship.....b/c then their sponsors get mentioned. Its great that they bring the winners out. As far as champ sprints go it is great to see Sellers, or Burns, or whoever the winner is.......but let the fans get to know all of the drivers........not just the ones who win. Seriously, I want to see guys like Dan Schnackenberg who don;t win much get the same opportunities to gain fan base and sponsorship. AND HERE IS THE KICKER------I BET THE WINNERS WOULDN'T MIND IT BEING DONE IN THIS FASHION....IN FACT THEY MAY EVEN SUPPORT IT. No offense towards anyone but I think its an alright idea, its definitely a good opportunity to mention sponsors and maybe catch they eye of a few more or somethin. It can be done pretty easily......ascs does it very easily. Even if we never see Lanny do it...........Mark Brill is a good promoter..........he should do it at BMS. Just a thought.

How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a 
wouldchuck could chuck would

Sorry OKCFan12, I'm not sure you got the jist of it.

If you were around when Jack Claxton was announcing. You would know Mr. Claxton made it a point of meeting and knowing each and every Driver, their crew members, and most importantly Sponsors of each and every Car in competition without regard to what class they where competing.

I can recall Mr. Claxton walking through the Pit Area with a pen and note pad taking notes. And you could rest assured your Sponsors and crew would receive Honorable mention.

Connie seems to be trying to uphold Mr. Caxton's tradition, but for the most part she appears cold, unapproachable, and somewhat snooty. Unless of course you on her favourites list.

Mr. Claxton fielded two cars and still remained unbiased. There is a lesson to be learned here.

Dear uncle ass,

Normally I wouldn't stoop to this level but I thought you comments needed a response. I understand that you may be jealous of my full set of teeth and college degree or even high school diploma, but that is no reason to criticize my calling of the races. I will break this down easy and respond to each of your statements.

1. I am there to enhance the entertainment of the evening. It's true that many people come out to watch the races and the season long competition. But many people also come out simply to watch a friend or relative race and others just come for a night of fun. Those are the people that enjoy the full aspect of entertainment. I assume the music you are referring to is the Jock Jams mix played when calling the starting line-up. I understnad that you may only be familiar with a banjo but the music I play gets most fans excited for the upcoming race.

2. What the hell do you mean saying that I don't know the classes of cars. I have been around racing my entire life. When have I ever been confused by classes? And what does Jiffy Lube Boy even mean?

3. I could look at any car on the track and tell you the drivers name. Do you not hear me call the line-ups on restarts all in one breath. My memory is top notch. As far as pronunciation, only one person has corrected me on a name. It was the first night, and I have said it right all season. I can't fix a name unless someone tells me I'm saying it wrong.

4. I mention sponsors all the time. Turn up your hearing aid. It's obvious that you only listen when you want to.

5. The AAA comment was just stupid. I rotate my tires and change my oil on a regular basis. I'm not an idiot.

In response to OKCFan12: I thank you for your support. I love what I do and look forward to every weekend. I'm not the biggest fan of bringing the winners out every week either. It gets very redundant and boring. We should do something more like ASCS and let all the drivers get seen. However, I have no say in how that is done and just do as I am told. If we did something different, I would be all for it. Thanks again.

Finally, Jack quit because he did not like stock car racing. He is a motorcycle guy and did not enjoy the SFS one bit. Whereas I have grown up around roundy-rounds and love it. Why would you want someone who doesn't care about the sport?

SFS Announcer, you are right on all but one point. He is referring to Jack Claxton, who has been a fan, car owner, sponser, track owner, announcer and friend of all classes of racing in this area since the late sixties or early seventies. He owned cars driven by his two sons, Scott and Trent, and Robert Sellers and Tommy Holder. He was the very best announcer State Fair Speedway ever had, and I don't believe he left by choice. You are referring to the motorcycle jackass we had earlier this season. Jack Claxton loves auto racing, and was in attendance just last night, roaming the pits and visiting with all his friends.

I was just wondering what happened to John Brooks who used to announce back in the late 90's ? He used to walk the pits before races too. Nothing against you SFS announcer as I have only been to SFS a couple of times this year. I do not usually come into the stands while I'm there racing, so I don't hear what all is being said during a race! I do have the tape of my races from last weekend & know you got my name right! LOL Its not to hard to pronounce. At least you don't screw up my name like Ben ( I need to stick to hockey ) Buckland. Thanks for that!!!

Andy "Flash" Gordon F/S 32G

Flash
New website!!!!!!!!!

www.flashracecarbodies.com

SFS Announcer: I'm not criticizing you in any way. I'd just like to let you know that the black 41 in Super Sprints name is Brent Swift. In all of the films I hear you calling him Brandon Swift, so I figured that I would just let you know.

yeah man he announced when I was a kid. Always been a nice guy and friend to my family. I was born in 82' so I didn;t get to see him announce for too long. But yes he was and still is the best I ever heard.

How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a 
wouldchuck could chuck would

I think SFSannouncer thought we were talkin bout Jack Rose----I think that was his name- the fella that announced at the beg. of the year. No Claxton did not leave by choice. not at all.

There will never be enough good things said about Jack Claxton. Great guy............

How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a 
wouldchuck could chuck would

Thank You tmac. I just got a little confused and thought he was talking about the Jack from earlier in the season. What I said about Jack was about Jack Rose.

As far the the Brent Swift thing goes. I was going off of the line-ups the track prints for us. It always says Brandon and once it stuck, it has been a hard habit to break. I was told about it 3 weeks ago and have tried to correct it. I have caught myself a time or two still calling him Brandon but I am aware that it is Brent. I'll try to keep it straight on Sunday. Thank You.

OMG!!! Your just a kid!!! LOL Just joking with you, but you are a bit younger than me..........sigh

Christina
Air Max HVAC Systems

OK, Mr. SFS Anouncer with your high school diploma!!!

You got a college degree??? I didn't think you were that old LOL. Man how time flies...

Christina
Air Max HVAC Systems

Yes, I am all grown up now. Would I know who you are?

Ok, here we go Shawn,

First of all they don't call me "uncle A" for nothing. I seem to have the unchaining ability to piss people off. But the truth hurts, don't it.

You do have an exceptional voice over the P.A. (public address) system. But as you claim you know the Drivers, the Teams, and Sponsors is B.S. You have never ever mentioned anything but the Drivers names hastily, absolutely nothing mentioned about Sponsors. Unless of course it's the 12$ or the 21$.

Come on man, if you had any Balls you would step up, show up early with pen and paper in hand, meet and get to know the Drivers and Crew members so that when you are announcing you actually know what you are talking about.

Don't try to bullshit me kid.... I've been attending the races at Fairgrounds Speedway since the late 60's

You need to step-up and follow in Mr.Claxton's footsteps.

I see Connie riding around the pit area in her "limo golf cart" I have also noticed she only Stops at her favourites. Must have something to do with the officiating.

Well, for starters, this "idiot" does enjoy Connie and her announcing. It is nice to give the regular announcer a break. She gives the lineups in a timely matter so you can hear it. That is a plus. Don't tell me people should know who the drivers are because, as we know, there can always be "driving the car tonight" additions. Kenny, "The Butler" Jr. in a modified for the first time last week is an example.

SFS announcer, I personally like the way you announce and have even noticed that you have got better as the season has rolled along. Give lineups and facts and I am happy.

There will never be another Jack Claxton I don't believe. Especially at SFS where cars come off the track and other cars come on and ready to race. It isn't like it was back when. Remember, there will never be another John Brooks and OU football either. Now we are stuck with Bob "one play behind announcing" Barry Sr. I like hearing the sponsors too as I do business with as many as I can think of when I need services at the time. But there are time constraints now that make it virtually impossible. At least we don't have a hockey stick or a yard dog shoved down our throats. Keep up the good work SFS announcer. That is just my opinion, however. What do I know?

I am all for winning drivers coming on the front stretch that night for trophy presentations. That way, if fans want to watch and listen they can. If not, they can leave as soon as the races are over. Anybody in the grandstands can go visit drivers at SFS. All they have to do is wait til the races are over and the pits are open. It is not like racing series where they load up and are almost gone before fans can get to the pit area.

David Smith Jr.
www.oklahomatidbits.com

Remember, there will never be another John Brooks and OU football either. Now we are stuck with Bob "one play behind announcing" Barry Sr.

LOL Boy you got that right!

David,you ought to try to make it to Monett tonight tonight for the 4 state championship race.I EVEN like the lower classes in this race,and that is saying a lot for this LM fan.

God made dirt,man made asphalt.

Remeber Jack's mother-in-law jokes during red flags. Hilarious. Class act. I got to know him when my Dad out at Mr. Pickup truck accesories (I-40 and agnew) sponsored Scott Claxton's white and red number two and Sellers old non winger back in like 95 or so. He always has time for old friends and just listening to him speak brings back lots of really great memories from when SFS was a real racing facility. Oh, and Kudos to Cheese for his second place finish, he's a real bad ass!

"They're steering them sum bi***es with their right 
foot!"

For starters, my name is not Shawn. I do my best to mention sponsors. I read them off my line-up sheet during heat races. But as someone else mentioned, it is sometimes hard due to time constraints. And I don't ever recall favoriting the Don Strawn team. I'm done defending myself but in Connie's defense, it is not her "favorites" that she stops at. I often ride with her. We go deliver Hard Charger awards and remind the previous winners to join us on the track for trophy presentations. Our jobs keep us busy and we do the best we can for the drivers and the fans. But I do appreciate the compliment about my voice. I have been doing P.A. for 7 years and take pride in it.

First of all Jack Claxton is a class act. I cannot say enough good things about Jack Claxton. Jack told Cody and I back when we were running mini sprints that he would sponsor us as soon as we were running at the fairgrounds. He has stuck to his word and I appreciate what Jack has done for me and my family. Jack also was a great announcer and a good track promotor.

I also think that Brian is a good announcer and will get better with more experience. After all he has got the genes and is the brother of Randy Ward. As with everything you aren't going to satisfy everybody

SFSannouncer don't listen to uncle a. He is obviously just a person who likes to stir up trouble about people he doesn't know. He only gets on here and spreads negativity and NEVER says anything positive about anyone especially not SFS. He's just still mad that is driver got barred for 2 weeks for running his mouth to the wrong person.