Daniel Blair

2/14/2022 10:26am
Daniel is the best we’ve had in a long time! Hopefully he goes full time next year.

Ricky is Ricky… A lot of broken thoughts, vocal pauses, and statements that just don’t make any sense. He has improved over the years but I’m not sure he’ll ever be great.
GL would be a great improvement to the show.

The new girl (I forget her name) is awesome too! I’d love her to be on the main broadcast from here on out. I’ve never understood why networks think they need someone in the broadcast with an accent.

We’re definitely making steps in the right direction compared to the dark days of Jeff and Ralph.
2
2
2/14/2022 10:27am
I still don't enjoy Ricky's performance. He says the same things over and over again, he was the greatest of all time, and he provides pretty...
I still don't enjoy Ricky's performance. He says the same things over and over again, he was the greatest of all time, and he provides pretty much no insight. "Yeah they uh crashed because they uh hit the ground." And he screams anytime anybody bobbles. And Will Christie is still so cringey.
Agreed!!
1
flarider
Posts
25496
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Daytona Beach, FL, USA
2/14/2022 10:30am
DB125 just needs a little more animation and volume in his voice
1
2
Joey_Bridges
Posts
1550
Joined
1/23/2022
Location
Kingston, TN, USA
2/14/2022 2:59pm
You kiddies were never around when all we had was larry huffman screaming at us.
And it shows.
4

The Shop

mofomotojoe
Posts
279
Joined
11/22/2019
Location
Lodi, CA, USA
2/14/2022 10:23pm
I'll give you this... Daniel is able to announce what he sees and change gears just as quickly as the action happens, just like Kevin Windham on a turn track.
While Ricky and most announcer do their best, their mouth tends to lag behind their thoughts, and notice how they feel compelled to finish their sentences/ previous thoughts in a big hurried mess if not completely freezing or yelling.
Daniel is actually very nimble with his narration.
I would like to see him and Weege together, hoping they would up their game even higher ( can I dream a bit?)

The downside of Daniel Blair? He sounds a bit like a corporate kiss-ass at times, but playing that game is maybe what got him to where he is, so no hate there. He does what he has to do.

Maybe the masterplan is that he plays the corporate game, infiltrates the show so deep...to a point he actually gains power from within... and magically transforms the sport so that every single Vitard collapses in pure admiration. Aghast of not having a single criticism to think about... Life fulfilled to the maxxxx. And we all retire happily ever after!

Respect for the work he is putting in there, even if it does not show. I can sense he practices some facts and stats ahead of the race.. then springs these out like a rabbit out of a hat during the live show.

Times change. Loved Larry Huffman too. Love Weege, but right now Daniel Blair is getting better. I can actually know what is happening when I am not looking at the screen. They still force too much behind the scenes stories, but I will take the good and the progress they make. I still believe it could be worse.
5
2/14/2022 10:57pm
I have respect for them all, it is not an easy job. I think Weege and Fro would be a great combo. Also bring back that smoking hot chick from a few weeks ago. As a Norcal guy I'm glad to see Blair in there and I'm also a big RC fan too. But I'm biased as Fro is my all time favorite rider.
1
flarider
Posts
25496
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Daytona Beach, FL, USA
2/15/2022 2:59am
I'll give you this... Daniel is able to announce what he sees and change gears just as quickly as the action happens, just like Kevin Windham...
I'll give you this... Daniel is able to announce what he sees and change gears just as quickly as the action happens, just like Kevin Windham on a turn track.
While Ricky and most announcer do their best, their mouth tends to lag behind their thoughts, and notice how they feel compelled to finish their sentences/ previous thoughts in a big hurried mess if not completely freezing or yelling.
Daniel is actually very nimble with his narration.
I would like to see him and Weege together, hoping they would up their game even higher ( can I dream a bit?)

The downside of Daniel Blair? He sounds a bit like a corporate kiss-ass at times, but playing that game is maybe what got him to where he is, so no hate there. He does what he has to do.

Maybe the masterplan is that he plays the corporate game, infiltrates the show so deep...to a point he actually gains power from within... and magically transforms the sport so that every single Vitard collapses in pure admiration. Aghast of not having a single criticism to think about... Life fulfilled to the maxxxx. And we all retire happily ever after!

Respect for the work he is putting in there, even if it does not show. I can sense he practices some facts and stats ahead of the race.. then springs these out like a rabbit out of a hat during the live show.

Times change. Loved Larry Huffman too. Love Weege, but right now Daniel Blair is getting better. I can actually know what is happening when I am not looking at the screen. They still force too much behind the scenes stories, but I will take the good and the progress they make. I still believe it could be worse.
Excellent analysis.

I have done announcing, did it for years, not an easy gig. Blair is doing a great job, RC is RC, Zacho needs a little shot of Jack before the show and told his job is secure, so he'll relax and animate some.

The day girl needs to speak up. She "talks" not announce, she is not projecting her voice. Christien needs to speak up as well.

The new guy, the one from American Idol or whatever, at first I thought he was a goof like the guy from NASCAR, but what was cool and they should do more is have him rip around on the XR110 or whatever it was, to give a fun ground level perspective of the track with some size reference.
2
1
nofearccracer
Posts
219
Joined
12/6/2010
Location
White Lake, MI, USA
2/15/2022 1:26pm
Almost all of Rickys "takes" are based off 2 statements... He might tweak them or word them a little different each time but you basically hear the same 2 things over and over.

"He just leaned it over a little too far"
"His long legs really give him an advantage in the woops"

3
2/15/2022 2:46pm
This pairing is the best we've seen in a long time and I'm happy to have them in the booth! My buddies and I are still taking a shot every time Ricky says, "he's exactly where he needs to be."

New gal and new guy bring great energy and are fairly knowledgeable to the point I don't sweat any silly mistakes or general awkwardness.

Strides in the right direction!!!
3
GateDropGoGo
Posts
121
Joined
1/27/2022
Location
Redlands, CA, USA
2/15/2022 4:36pm
You kiddies were never around when all we had was larry huffman screaming at us.
And it shows.
"He's on him like a Hare Krishna on an airport traveller!!!!!"

"Jeff Ward has thighs like Roseann Barr, but there's muscle under his skin!!!!!!!"

"He shook his ancestors with that landing!!!!!!!"

I think Daniel is great, but he's no Supermouth!!!!!!!!!!
Trashman128
Posts
14
Joined
12/6/2021
Location
Cleveland, OH, USA
2/15/2022 5:11pm
Daniel Blair has surpassed all expectations I had, he's fluid, annunciates well, and as previously mentioned, talks like a racer. Has good chemistry w/RC, hope he gets more opportunities.
7
2/16/2022 3:55am
Blair is great, Zach is great… Ricky still has work to do, he does seem to be a little better lately.
3
McG194
Posts
4120
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL, USA
2/16/2022 5:14am
I'll give you this... Daniel is able to announce what he sees and change gears just as quickly as the action happens, just like Kevin Windham...
I'll give you this... Daniel is able to announce what he sees and change gears just as quickly as the action happens, just like Kevin Windham on a turn track.
While Ricky and most announcer do their best, their mouth tends to lag behind their thoughts, and notice how they feel compelled to finish their sentences/ previous thoughts in a big hurried mess if not completely freezing or yelling.
Daniel is actually very nimble with his narration.
I would like to see him and Weege together, hoping they would up their game even higher ( can I dream a bit?)

The downside of Daniel Blair? He sounds a bit like a corporate kiss-ass at times, but playing that game is maybe what got him to where he is, so no hate there. He does what he has to do.

Maybe the masterplan is that he plays the corporate game, infiltrates the show so deep...to a point he actually gains power from within... and magically transforms the sport so that every single Vitard collapses in pure admiration. Aghast of not having a single criticism to think about... Life fulfilled to the maxxxx. And we all retire happily ever after!

Respect for the work he is putting in there, even if it does not show. I can sense he practices some facts and stats ahead of the race.. then springs these out like a rabbit out of a hat during the live show.

Times change. Loved Larry Huffman too. Love Weege, but right now Daniel Blair is getting better. I can actually know what is happening when I am not looking at the screen. They still force too much behind the scenes stories, but I will take the good and the progress they make. I still believe it could be worse.
If you think Blair is a corporate kiss ass you must never hear him on anything else but the broadcast. Frankly I'm shocked at how loose he is on his own show and other people podcasts.
2/16/2022 8:00am
I find it amusing how Daniel rubs his hands together during the Peacock qualifiers, yet somehow resists doing it during the NBC broadcast for the most part. On the flip side, Ricky elbows Daniel, like two buddies, during Peacock. But throw suits on the boys and I think Daniel is excellent - Ricky keeps me scratching my head sometimes, but he's okay.
1
2/16/2022 8:02am
You kiddies were never around when all we had was larry huffman screaming at us.
And it shows.
"He's on him like a Hare Krishna on an airport traveller!!!!!" "Jeff Ward has thighs like Roseann Barr, but there's muscle under his skin!!!!!!!" "He shook...
"He's on him like a Hare Krishna on an airport traveller!!!!!"

"Jeff Ward has thighs like Roseann Barr, but there's muscle under his skin!!!!!!!"

"He shook his ancestors with that landing!!!!!!!"

I think Daniel is great, but he's no Supermouth!!!!!!!!!!
Remember when Ping was announcing? Lots of metaphors!
1
bthede489
Posts
178
Joined
12/26/2017
Location
Newport Coast, CA, USA
2/16/2022 12:10pm
I saw the lightbulb come on last night on Ricky’s IG live. Blair was on it, and I’m like holy shit they’re shooting the shit like two people that actually like working with each other. I think that’s a big step for Ricky, he likes Leigh but I doubt he’s going out to dinner with him or some shit.
Melicar
Posts
415
Joined
1/17/2013
Location
Sunny, CA, USA
2/16/2022 12:18pm
Ricky and Daniel are two cool af badass dirt bikers and Zach is getting better with each turn on the mic. Seriously, what more could you want?
1
1
GTM
Posts
96
Joined
12/1/2014
Location
Amherstburg Ontario, CA
2/16/2022 12:22pm
TXDirt wrote:
Not a Blair fan at all. Bring Ralph back. Blair and now Osborne are way to monotone and boring. Sorry not sorry.
Chad Stewart & Ricky Reed... I dont miss those day's, these boys are light years ahead of years past...
2
2/16/2022 1:16pm
It seems the production are finally taking heed of DV's opinion in regards to appealing to the core fans
Moto520
Posts
3634
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
2/16/2022 1:23pm
Hell yeah he's good! One of the best so far. I do miss Ralph though........Emig too.
1
1
2/16/2022 4:47pm
He is very good. Extremely good at speaking with excellently put together detail in the heat of the moment without choking up, which was always RCs flaw, but he has also gotten a lot better at that. I guess some are naturals and some just need some practice. They're a good duo in the booth.

I've never really loved the SX announcing full stop really, but I do get why it's the way it is. Sometimes it feels like they're trying to create false energy and hysteria out of stuff that doesn't really warrant it, but yeah that's the game.

I much prefer outdoors announcing in the US. MXGP I'd say is perhaps the best all round, although a little over the top and bordering on amateurish sometimes! But it's more focused at the core fan base I guess, Malin's insight and passion is top notch.
2
Moto76er
Posts
91
Joined
7/19/2021
Location
CA
2/16/2022 8:27pm Edited Date/Time 2/16/2022 8:28pm
I think its awesome when RC sees a rider getting whiskey and starts going ohhhhh wowwww ohhhhh. Gets me paying attention thats for sure. Somebody having a near miss or crash bout to happen
1
flarider
Posts
25496
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Daytona Beach, FL, USA
2/17/2022 3:18am
One more thing Blair does or seems to do, is he listens to the crowd. I can think of at least twice where you heard the crowd roar over something and while most announcers ignore it, Daniel sought the issue out (it seemed) and said something.

I know the rule of TV is WATCH THE MONITORS, NOT THE EVENT because you are to only speak about what's on the monitor, not what you see outside of it. But, I think he's looking up and addressing it.

SX is fast paced, allowing (or having) someone who looks up at the field while keeping focus on what's on the monitor is a nice talent.

"The pros" like Ralph and Diffey are used to staring at the monitors and announcing, Diffey is doing that now with Olympic bobsled....he's not there, he's calling the races from his home.
2
js451
Posts
579
Joined
10/23/2017
Location
AU
2/17/2022 3:24am
Daniel RC and Leigh are all great in the booth
1
1
Bigjimmyd
Posts
108
Joined
12/25/2008
Location
Modesto, CA, USA
2/17/2022 12:58pm
Daniel can talk! I think he is doing a great job in the booth and I hope he stays there with RC. I’d like to see Weege and Blair in the booth. I used to go to Daniel’s shop in Lodi when him and his dad were running the suspension shop and just sit and talk to Daniel for hours. He knows SX and MX being a former racer. He has some funny stories. The best one was about RC at what used to be the US open at the MGM in Vegas. The one year they lowered RC from the ceiling and everyone booo’d him. The next year they were having the meeting of how to introduce the riders. Daniel has a funny story about RC getting all salty at the guys! If you see him ask him about it. Not something you can talk about on the air. So yeah keep Blair in the booth. He’s amazing. Give Wil Christen the axe tho! She is horrible! We need Erin Bates back!
2
Muddy Ice
Posts
81
Joined
2/9/2022
Location
Bend, OR, USA
2/18/2022 12:17pm
DB's Main Event Moto podcasts are awesome. 3 episodes a week for $5 on Patreon and NO ADS! For the Wednesday show this week, he had AC on and they made notes for calling the race this weekend. AC is a really good commentator and DB seems stoked to work w him for a few races. The podcast has a weekly tailgate party and everyone is loose and having a blast in the chat. There are usually only about 100 people in the chat room on the live podcasts so it's really interactive. The hosts pay attention to what peeps are saying and often base the show on it. It's the coolest group of motoheads I have ever been a part of. I learn tons of new shit every week and am surprised how few guys are taking advantage of the shows. Cheers! https://www.patreon.com/Maineventmoto
1
mofomotojoe
Posts
279
Joined
11/22/2019
Location
Lodi, CA, USA
2/18/2022 5:53pm
I'll give you this... Daniel is able to announce what he sees and change gears just as quickly as the action happens, just like Kevin Windham...
I'll give you this... Daniel is able to announce what he sees and change gears just as quickly as the action happens, just like Kevin Windham on a turn track.
While Ricky and most announcer do their best, their mouth tends to lag behind their thoughts, and notice how they feel compelled to finish their sentences/ previous thoughts in a big hurried mess if not completely freezing or yelling.
Daniel is actually very nimble with his narration.
I would like to see him and Weege together, hoping they would up their game even higher ( can I dream a bit?)

The downside of Daniel Blair? He sounds a bit like a corporate kiss-ass at times, but playing that game is maybe what got him to where he is, so no hate there. He does what he has to do.

Maybe the masterplan is that he plays the corporate game, infiltrates the show so deep...to a point he actually gains power from within... and magically transforms the sport so that every single Vitard collapses in pure admiration. Aghast of not having a single criticism to think about... Life fulfilled to the maxxxx. And we all retire happily ever after!

Respect for the work he is putting in there, even if it does not show. I can sense he practices some facts and stats ahead of the race.. then springs these out like a rabbit out of a hat during the live show.

Times change. Loved Larry Huffman too. Love Weege, but right now Daniel Blair is getting better. I can actually know what is happening when I am not looking at the screen. They still force too much behind the scenes stories, but I will take the good and the progress they make. I still believe it could be worse.
McG194 wrote:
If you think Blair is a corporate kiss ass you must never hear him on anything else but the broadcast. Frankly I'm shocked at how loose...
If you think Blair is a corporate kiss ass you must never hear him on anything else but the broadcast. Frankly I'm shocked at how loose he is on his own show and other people podcasts.
Funny you say this, I actually listen to all his pods Wink
I guess we have different reads of people. No problem.

Daniel's breakdown can also be very enjoyable as he can talk smack, banter and be funny without trying too hard or coming as too corny.
Remember Jerry Bernado? Kinda reminds me of that vibe, except Daniel never comes out as creepy or awkward.
He's making good efforts and bringing a lot to the sport.

Too bad race day live is not as good as Blair's Breakdown or Weege's show.
Maybe one day.. DV and Steve will run the TV production... Just dreaming...
1
tuggy450
Posts
1389
Joined
3/12/2016
Location
Massapequa, NY, USA
2/18/2022 10:26pm Edited Date/Time 2/18/2022 11:07pm
There are a ton of guys that I think would be fun to have in the booth. maybe mix them up, a bit. Daniel Blair is definitely good, ricky is ok, loved emig, langston, ralph a little loud but he fills in dead air. In all reality if you're a fan of the sport it won't matter too much, But for someone not really a fan having a great booth might make them a fan.

Huffman was great in his day memorable, the guys should throw in some of his isms. Would love to see guests on all the time plenty of ex racers or injured that could fill in with commentary, DV, Villo, Dungy , Cianciarulo, Stew, Wardy Johnson, larocco bradshaw mechanics , weege mathes, o'mara Mcgrath, The list is literally endless. Maybe spend 5 minutes with a group of them, talking shop here and there, predictions techniques, see how it flys
edit, Googled Larry Huffman. From what I gather he is still around, was on back in april with mathes, maybe have him on for kicks

Post a reply to: Daniel Blair

The Latest