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Mike Joy is a legend in the world of NASCAR racing.
Joy, 73, has been calling races since he was hired ad a pit reporter for CBS in 1973.
But now the Fox Sports commentator finds himself on the wrong side of the ire of NASCAR fans across the country.
During Fox’s coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series race from Phoenix Raceway, Joy commented about fans who complain about the number of commercials shown during a race.
Mike Joy's defensiveness regarding the Daytona 500 commercial criticism is obnoxious
He's a pro. The commercial criticism was valid whether he agrees with it or not. But being defensive ahead of ad breaks in the races after the 500 isn't the pro way to handle that feedback
— Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) March 12, 2023
this is just cringey pic.twitter.com/IXsCMjBm1i
— Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) March 12, 2023
“For all the keyboard warriors, I’m gonna do this in words of one syllable,” he said. “The last green-flag, full-screen break of this race comes right now.”
The comments were in response to fans who have complained they miss too much of the race due to commercials. Specifically, it appears he was referring to one fan in particular.
Here's what happens after half-listening, then jumping right on the keyboard to become a twit hero.
I guess he missed the very clear statement leading to our last full-screen commercial break. https://t.co/XGx97qjXgQ— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) March 6, 2023
Auto racing, unlike other sports, does not have many (or any, depending on the series) designated stops in the action. So, commercials are regularly run during throughout the race.
Though Formula 1 races are aired on ESPN (via Sky Sports simulcast) with a commercial.
NASCAR races, which are often double the length (jn time) or more than F1 races, are littered with commercials throughout. The commercials were such a large issue that they substantially affected viewing of the 2023 Daytona 500.
Joy is popular among most NASCAR fans and will likely enter the series’ hall of fame before it’s all said and done. But those same fans weren’t pleased with what he had to say.
Fox broadcasting coverage of Nascar treats the race like a sitcom. Something to make fun of, act like nobody really cares about missing racing action by filling it with silly Clint Bowyer-isms and a completely silly pre-race show. Compare to NBC who respects the intricacies and https://t.co/sksH2hnWqj
— The Big One Podcast (Racing/NASCAR) (@podcastbigone) March 12, 2023
engineering of the sport. They don't treat their fans like they're stupid and need some kind of gimmick or "farmer wants a wife"ing of the product.
— The Big One Podcast (Racing/NASCAR) (@podcastbigone) March 12, 2023
“Fox broadcasting coverage of Nascar treats the race like a sitcom,” one fan said. “Something to make fun of, act like nobody really cares about missing racing action by filling it with silly Clint Bowyer-isms and a completely silly pre-race show. Compare to NBC who respects the intricacies and engineering of the sport. They don’t treat their fans like they’re stupid and need some kind of gimmick or “farmer wants a wife”ing of the product.”
omfg mike joy needs to log off for a bit
imagine being a nascar fan who doesn't go on twitter and trying to make sense about what he's talking about with the keyboard warrior comment
— Junk Knuckles (@lawnmowerpranks) March 12, 2023
Fans: Fox you have a commercial problem we get the logistics but
Mike Joy: KeYbOaRd WarRiOrS LaSt BrEaK nOW
I don't know what's more frustrating….The downward spiral of TV showing racing or people acting like Mike Joy can't receive criticism because he's a legend. https://t.co/Wi0rd9otUO
— Nathan Platt (@nathanplatt) March 13, 2023
Joy’s comments will likely blow over. But it’s an unnecessary misstep for someone with so much experience.