I think the biggest mistake that NBC made was taking Alan Beswick off of the lead commentary role because Phil Webber never had that story of experience ever, especially as the lead reporter throughout his career ESPN and into NBC. It’s crazy that over the years Wally Dallenbach (who seemingly proved to be a better commentator than racer, arguably) who proved to be a aild card there along with obviously BP and I think between that booth and the Fox booth the 2001 through 2004 TV package that each had the most balanced/ complimentary booths which were both (FOX/NBC) definitely among the best in NASCAR history!
I dont understand. It's sponsored by EA but I get to watch the full race without paying extra money for downloadable laps and drivers? What is this madness!?!?!
@@MrMW2nd EA was not good back then, they were buying exclusive Licenses with sports like Nascar to shut down the competition and then make shitty games. Nascar games still haven't recovered to this day.
This booth and this production makes everything going on seem so important. No manufactured cautions, no stage brakes, no team orders, just hard fast racing, and every lap seems important. Where did this go?
Nascar lost it's credibility years ago when they decided to focus all there efforts on five drivers and one particular make of car. Basically rigged racing is and was it's downfall. I'm 53 and was a dedicated fan for over 25 years until I saw just how corrupt Nascar really had become. I miss these days to, it sucks when Sunday morning rolls around and you know there's no reason to even turn on the tv anymore. 🙂✌️
There were a few lasts in this race, the last race where they went caution free, the last race for Marcis Auto Racing, The last race where Andy Petree would field two cars at one time in NASCAR, and the last race for the Winston No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus program.
That Winston Million Dollar Bonus program was always entertaining to me. Gave you more of a reason to track certain drivers racing for that. Sorely missed today.
@@ThiccRicc There was definitely an outcry for a change back then, there was even a huge industry-wide push to "break up the packs" using a variety of strategies including tiny fuel cells to make them pit more often. Thinking back to it I'm not sure why they wanted to adjust what was basically the perfect plate package. The cars looked good, sounded good, raced good, and they couldn't build grandstands fast enough to keep up with it. Our sports fan base has never been satisfied, always something to complain about lol. I was living the dream during this time and kinda wish I appreciated it more, can't believe it's been two decades since this.
People who complained about the old points system have you noticed how insanely tight the points are with 7 races to go? Everyone in that battle literally deserved to be in that battle and no gimmicks or Mickey mouse format was needed.
That pre race wreck with Mark Nd Jimmie is what changed the entire championship picture. Tony was all of a sudden in the driver's seat. And he never looked back. And mark never got a chance to catch up due to the no cautions. Wild moment
2002 EA Sports 500 Location: Lincoln, Alabama Track: Talladega Superspeedway Type of race track: Superspeedway Starting cars: 43 Finishing cars: 36 Laps: 188 Pole Winner: Jimmie Johnson (48) (Rookie) Most laps led: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) (56 laps led) Race Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8)
If not for plate tracks, Junior would have 16 wins, and no HOF. His skills were clear and even underrated even though he won 10 plate races. He had a fast car, yes, but you still have to drive it. He never gave himself the credit.
Junior winning was one of several. But Mark and Jimmie getting together was unexpected and unintentional. 6 Hendrick built motors gave up by the end of the day, but it couldn't be from the Golden Benny. The racing couldn't be any better back then.
This is what led Hendricks to improve, they were getting spanked by dei, stretched there engines and blowed them all up but came back strong the next yr and then were the best engines the yr after that
Because it’s not full of idiots trying to block big runs leading to wrecks like it is today. Current day plate racing sucks. The old wicker package from October 2000-October 2001 is the best package they ever had for the superspeedways.
Those last 10 or so laps were another example of follow the leader racing. So many complaints about the single file racing over the last few years and here's a race that ended in a anti climactic way.
Matt Kenseth was real consistent most of 2003 and had a big point lead with only one win. Sure, he faltered toward the end but he still won the Cup at Rockingham. NASCAR decided to let the top 10 fight it out. That I could deal with. Today? Maybe not. No need to reset points every 4 races, let them race with the normal 43 point scenario or however many points they award and let it be decided by who has the most points.
NASCAR Screwed Mark Martin over so many times he should have sued their Backsides off! This is but one example! Another is they took a championship from him for some obscure reason!
Words cannot describe how badly I miss this booth.
Woah, look out! He's not gonna get any draftin help goin THAT way!
Yeep
They definitely needed to keep wally around longer and more often than they used him later on. Shame we lost bp to cancer that early too.
I think the biggest mistake that NBC made was taking Alan Beswick off of the lead commentary role because Phil Webber never had that story of experience ever, especially as the lead reporter throughout his career ESPN and into NBC. It’s crazy that over the years Wally Dallenbach (who seemingly proved to be a better commentator than racer, arguably) who proved to be a aild card there along with obviously BP and I think between that booth and the Fox booth the 2001 through 2004 TV package that each had the most balanced/ complimentary booths which were both (FOX/NBC) definitely among the best in NASCAR history!
I dont understand. It's sponsored by EA but I get to watch the full race without paying extra money for downloadable laps and drivers? What is this madness!?!?!
ea was good back then. are you like 12 years old or what
@@MrMW2nd its a joke. He’s making fun of ea’s greediness nowadays
@@MrMW2nd EA was not good back then, they were buying exclusive Licenses with sports like Nascar to shut down the competition and then make shitty games. Nascar games still haven't recovered to this day.
@@WastdTrashPanda not back in 2002 they didnt start doing that till a couple of years later
Lies again? True Anal Remove Pain
God I miss this nascar. Still watch it but this is still the best to me.
I stopped watching after jr. Retired.
@@sainttimothy2230he still does 1 race in xfinity in each year
@@sainttimothy2230All the big drivers to retire around the 2014-2017 period probably caused a lot of people to stop watching. I know I did.
This booth and this production makes everything going on seem so important. No manufactured cautions, no stage brakes, no team orders, just hard fast racing, and every lap seems important. Where did this go?
Nascar lost it's credibility years ago when they decided to focus all there efforts on five drivers and one particular make of car. Basically rigged racing is and was it's downfall. I'm 53 and was a dedicated fan for over 25 years until I saw just how corrupt Nascar really had become. I miss these days to, it sucks when Sunday morning rolls around and you know there's no reason to even turn on the tv anymore. 🙂✌️
well said
It started when Xfinity left IRP for the money pit at the big track and was absolutely awful
Absolutely love these classic full race replays. Especially during the offseason
Nascar in the 2000s, legendary
This is the first time I'm watching this race since the original broadcast when I was 9. Those gen 4 restrictor plate race cars looked bad ass
Hey I was 9 too when this race happened lol
Jarrett’s reaction to the contact between Martin and Johnson during the pace laps was funny
There were a few lasts in this race, the last race where they went caution free, the last race for Marcis Auto Racing, The last race where Andy Petree would field two cars at one time in NASCAR, and the last race for the Winston No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus program.
That Winston Million Dollar Bonus program was always entertaining to me. Gave you more of a reason to track certain drivers racing for that. Sorely missed today.
@@RICO_FITNESS I think the money started drying up. It was a plus, would add a wrinkle to the chase, if it was still around
@@RICO_FITNESS what race did benny did the command
This was an awesome race! Truly Dale Jr's DEI prime.
Thank you for the sharing of the Good race and Dale, Jr won the race in 2002 in Talladega, Ala./ NASCAR Classic video
Today’s fans would be screaming for a rules package change watching a Talladega race like this.
I think they did complain back then too I'm not sure though
We are trying to get back to this
Ive been a 4th gen fan forever I miss these cars look at how they rip
@@ThiccRicc There was definitely an outcry for a change back then, there was even a huge industry-wide push to "break up the packs" using a variety of strategies including tiny fuel cells to make them pit more often. Thinking back to it I'm not sure why they wanted to adjust what was basically the perfect plate package. The cars looked good, sounded good, raced good, and they couldn't build grandstands fast enough to keep up with it. Our sports fan base has never been satisfied, always something to complain about lol. I was living the dream during this time and kinda wish I appreciated it more, can't believe it's been two decades since this.
This rules package sucked. The one the year before 2000-2001 with the wicker bill and roof blade was way better
Probably the last time we'll ever see another caution free race in any of the top NASCAR series
Sonoma 2019 without stages
Chances for road courses this year
@@coca-colatrackhousewarrior9925stages are cautions
It almost happened in the 2015 fall Talladega race where they didn't have a caution until lap 133.
Last race that went without a single caution. Almost happened again in 2015.
I miss that 8 Budweiser Chevy.
Jr may have the trademark for it by the new year
People who complained about the old points system have you noticed how insanely tight the points are with 7 races to go? Everyone in that battle literally deserved to be in that battle and no gimmicks or Mickey mouse format was needed.
That pre race wreck with Mark Nd Jimmie is what changed the entire championship picture. Tony was all of a sudden in the driver's seat. And he never looked back. And mark never got a chance to catch up due to the no cautions. Wild moment
When all the seats were full and not a person would miss a nascar race
Oh how the turns have tabled.
@CJ-xx5ms Spoken like a true expert linguist.
My all-time favorite three in the booth! ALLEN, WALLY AND BENNY! ALSO, MIX IN bill weber! Metallica for the theme...nothing better!!!
I can’t believe at this race was caution free especially for race at Talladega superspeedway that is just madness
the end of an era like race last caution free race the last Winston No Bull 5 bonus race a truly fun era...
2002 EA Sports 500
Location: Lincoln, Alabama
Track: Talladega Superspeedway
Type of race track: Superspeedway
Starting cars: 43
Finishing cars: 36
Laps: 188
Pole Winner: Jimmie Johnson (48) (Rookie)
Most laps led: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) (56 laps led)
Race Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8)
Chad the Nonce trying to get the rules changed to work in his favor 😂
Thanks NASCAR for the upload.
I never saw this race. Very Cool! NASCAR, Thank You for posting these full races! Very cool indeed.
Good ole day's
Hot damn boy continuing the legacy of dominance at plate tracks, Dale's boy Jr got it done...
The worst day for Rick Hendrick. His 4 cars & 2 affiliates all had engine failures.
Catastrophic day for HMS engines no doubt & it was the affiliates too like you said. 6 all day , fml.
Hms engines in the race oof
Not from the Golden Benny, that we can be sure of. Just bad luck I think.
1:11:50 I like how he said crowded a couple of times! 😂
Todd Bodine save with 10 to go was epic!
nascar needs to go back to this.
If not for plate tracks, Junior would have 16 wins, and no HOF. His skills were clear and even underrated even though he won 10 plate races. He had a fast car, yes, but you still have to drive it. He never gave himself the credit.
Junior winning was one of several. But Mark and Jimmie getting together was unexpected and unintentional. 6 Hendrick built motors gave up by the end of the day, but it couldn't be from the Golden Benny. The racing couldn't be any better back then.
Don’t see the grandstands that packed anymore
This is what led Hendricks to improve, they were getting spanked by dei, stretched there engines and blowed them all up but came back strong the next yr and then were the best engines the yr after that
I like the sound of the engines. did they rev higher than today's engines or did they use different exhaust then?
different exhaust, the xpipes caused that beautiful buzz
1:29:12 that would be a caution nowadays.
Michael nudging into him at the end when he goes to do his victory lap 💀💀
First race with the smaller fuel cell that we used at Daytona and Talladega for numerous years.
that call coming to the checkered flag is so memorable
this is golden years :)
Was this where there were no cautions at all?
Correct, and I believe it's still the last Cup series race to date to finish without a single caution.
@@BojackTrunks2023 Indy Road Course is the closest Race to Caution Free. 1 Caution for 3 Laps. Auto Club 2011 had only One Caution as well.
wild how the only crash of the day happened before the race even started
Still wild the only crash in this race was on the pace lap between the front row. This was such an odd race, but fun to watch. Lots of drama.
Memories nascar just isn't the same anymore
Mark Martin has something to say about this. (Talladega 2002, EA Sports 500)
June bug sure made it look easy didn’t he?
Also known as the last time a race went caution free
We Will Never EVER see this again…. Green to Checker without a Single interruption. Any Mistake in this Race and You were Done!
Unless you’re Todd bodine and you save it
Explain how this is better than the superspeedway racing we had 2019-2021
Rose coloured glasses
Because it’s not full of idiots trying to block big runs leading to wrecks like it is today. Current day plate racing sucks. The old wicker package from October 2000-October 2001 is the best package they ever had for the superspeedways.
184mph average speed.
@@pens87668 ◀️ what he said
This was the last Winston No Bull 5 race.
Viagra got himself a little too hard there!
Nascar thunder 2003?
It is.
Martin always had the worst luck
The Hay Days of DEI
Will there ever be another ea sports 500 what happened
EA wiped their hands of nascar a long time ago. Good riddance
Get it straight of what you’re saying I’m only 11
Another question will there be an Aaron’s 499
@Guuseslashfox basically every race has a sponsor and after a while Aaron’s and EA stopped sponsoring these talladega races
@@littlemooseiv5996 oh man
Nostalgia
Gordons car was every bit on par to battle jrs car shame he blew up
Rip to the 🐍.
Those last 10 or so laps were another example of follow the leader racing. So many complaints about the single file racing over the last few years and here's a race that ended in a anti climactic way.
Matt Kenseth was real consistent most of 2003 and had a big point lead with only one win. Sure, he faltered toward the end but he still won the Cup at Rockingham. NASCAR decided to let the top 10 fight it out. That I could deal with. Today? Maybe not. No need to reset points every 4 races, let them race with the normal 43 point scenario or however many points they award and let it be decided by who has the most points.
Not a good day for the Hendrick cars in this race
Not one of them Finished this race LOL
Look I love NASCAR but seeing you all Yee haa over your anthem is hilarious. God save the Queen 🇬🇧
Plz send her here, we need to become part of the Commonwealth, it's scary here 😂
We stopped caring about the opinions of you sissies around 1776 🤷🏻♂️
Terry labonnet find a driver
NASCAR Screwed Mark Martin over so many times he should have sued their Backsides off! This is but one example! Another is they took a championship from him for some obscure reason!
Explain
Where all my people crying about the seats being full?
FIRST
I miss this nascar this broadcast team was absolutely unmatched