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Media Matters: Awards Ceremony in cyberspace

Phillip Gary Smith, go2geiger Media Columnist
Sunday, 29 November 2009

The NHRA Full Throttle Awards Ceremony launched into cyberspace this year, broadcasting virtually the entirety of the night utilizing the capabilities of You Tube.

In previous years the program was squeezed into a single broadcast hour, so much of the flavor of the night was lost. For example, last year Bob Frey came off on television as somewhat uninspired though sources later confirmed my suspicions that in fact he was quite good, as usual. It was just that so much was cut in the squeezing process to fit the program in the time slot. This year, Internet viewers got to hear all his jokes and adlibs, which were often laugh-out-loud funny. Some glitches still need attention as the pieces -- the awards ceremony is broken into five segments -- were not posted at the announced times on NHRA.com.

Otherwise, this is the exciting two-and-a-half hour broadcast wave of the future. You are encouraged to view it for yourself, perhaps using this review as a guide for areas to fast-forward through, saving some time. With each section running under 30 minutes or so, it is easier for one to fit a slice of the night in a reasonable schedule.

Three-minute Opening Montage: First feature of the night. You might be surprised how important it is to be included in this film. At events such as this, everyone in attendance always looks to see if they are in it, right? Plus, since these are some of the most animated moments of the year, perhaps it will stimulate all racers to perform on camera in an enthusiastic manner in 2010.

Frey's opening monologue: Bob was outstanding in his master of ceremonies role. Regarding his suit, he said, "I look less geeky," and later claimed wearing this would have allowed him to "look like a pimp" in Vegas. I suggest it was a tremendous improvement over 2008, professorial in stature -- Dark blue tux, lighter blue vest, with a light pink shirt and blue/white pimple tie. He was particularly excited about his pink socks and gave everyone a glance, pulling up his pant leg. Fortunately, dinner was over.

Bob was very funny with his self-effacing humor but also with jokes. For example, he cracked that Matt Smith had a great year. Though not winning the Pro Stock Motorcycle championship he did marry Angie McBride. "Let’s face it Matt, at the end of the night I’m hanging out with Stat Boy Lewis Bloom, and you’re with Angie." Angie was shown at the table laughing uproariously.

Regarding Tony Pedregon and John Force, Bob said, "Am I the only one surprised they’re not sitting at the same table?"

Later, in a failed Twitter joke about the air time Ashley Force receives, jealously twittered from her cat, Simba, the crowd barely chuckled, Bob ad-libbed, "What, an audience full of dog lovers out there?"

Technical Suggestion: Because he wears a microphone, Bob should not applaud, as it is too loud in the microphone, distracting the audio. Ditto for all the presenters. In fact, there needs to be an applause champion or two in the audience as the crowd often seemed lethargic. Five hours including dinner will do it to you.

Opportunities to Shorten the Program: I would suggest omitting Tom Compton’s segment. Yes, I know his title and appreciate his efforts but the guy is just not comfortable in front of a crowd and it's equally tough on us. Bob Frey read a twitter on this subject of shortening the program, reputedly from Cruz Pedregon: "Cut down on time for speeches," a joke about his rambling, extra-long message at the 2008 broadcast.

Coca-Cola Chief Marketing Officer-Active Lifestyle Brand, Rohan Oza: Opened with this dramatic statement: "Being with NHRA Drag Racing is a no-brainer." What a presence on stage, a great lesson on how to perform in front of a group (are you listening Tom?), likely a key to why he carries the title he does. Notice, he did not applaud while wearing his microphone. Rohan was the first person all season to enunciate Hector’s last name, Arana, to perfection.

Inside Tip: Full Throttle Beverages will be "new and improved," Rohan said, "we’re introducing a new hard-working formula and new look inspired by old school car decals." Sounds exciting. I hope that means they will be able to get my favorite Full Throttle Coffee Mocha drinks distributed in Minnesota.

A Loose Mike Dunn: No uptight guy here; Mike was funny from the get-go and looked sharp in the tux outfit set off with a sharp, bright, pink/white tie. His joke about why he is not twittering was great, though the crowd seemed not to know if it was okay to laugh.

Full Throttle Moment Awards: Evidently, the broadcast cut the winner’s remarks after each 'Moment' award, which leads one to ask if such remarks are necessary, another possible time saver. Ashley Force Hood, accepting her Full Throttle Moment Award for the Funny Car Class, looked every bit the Princess of Drag Racing she is, wearing an elegant, long gown set off by a jeweled empire-waistline belt. Surprise winner for this award in Top Fuel was Antron Brown with a margin of victory that would win a "Who Got the Light?" award if it were a drag race. Over 40,000 votes came in the final two weeks, validating the success and newfound popularity of this honor.

Pro Stock Motorcycle
Best Glasses: The big black frames worn by Shawn Gann.

Princess of Pro Stock Motorcycles: Carrying the crown for women racers in this class, Karen Stoffer wore a sophisticated dark blue gown. A great look for a driver whose favorite off-track activity is running around sand dunes on a four-wheeler.

Hector: After a stirring intro by Bob Frey, Hector took the stage to accept his championship wearing a dark suit set off by a striking mixed-orange tie. He also wins "Best Hair of the Night" with Mike Dunn giving a close chase.

Pro Stock
Something to Change: There has to be a better way to get the drivers on stage without the awkward and time-consuming "walk on." The drivers seem uncomfortable and it's certainly uncomfortable to watch.

Coolest Guy in Pro Stock: Had to be the driver on stage with the open neck white shirt but distinctive yellow colored handkerchief -- Jeg Coughlin Jr. Who else had the gall to wear such a snazzy look to a formal affair?

Most Comfortable in his Tux: Allen Johnson wore a super look with the decorated light-gray vest underneath a dark tuxedo, exuding plenty of charisma in front of the camera, pointing directly to some of his posse in the crowd.

Best Lines: Mike Edwards, "I want to thank Bruce Allen for reminding me that racing is not the most important thing in life." Plus, he quipped, "These cars don’t run on gas; they run on cash."

Finally, this gem -- "We had pursued this championship for a long time. Terry Adams, your talent and experience carried us to this championship. Not bad for a red neck and a hillbilly." I wonder which one is the hillbilly?

A surprising result to me, but his speech graded out as the best of the night.

Funny Car
NHRA’s Rolling Stone: "Best thing that can happen to you is being on the cover of National DRAGSTER," said Don Prudhomme in this taped segment, celebrating the 50th year of publication. "Everybody wants to be on the cover."

Snazziest Tux: Del Worsham sporting a light gold woven vest and matching silk tie with his dark outfit.

Most Daring: Black on black with a black tie worn by Tony Pedregon, throwing a kiss out to his table like a movie star.

Staying Edgy: No old man look for Tim Wilkerson, spicing up his dark tux with bright orange silk neckwear.

Most Emotional: Jimmy Prock was obviously deeply affected by his driver, Robert Hight, winning the Funny Car championship, also his first, as evidenced by his poignant expression during Hight’s acceptance speech. Robert also set a moon-shot objective by commenting to Jimmy, "Let’s win some more championships; We only need 13 more to catch Coil," who was caught on camera at his table enjoying that remark.

Dave Rieff: His enthusiasm and voice provided the words for each review of the top nine of each pro class. Try speaking as fast as he did in those clips.

Top Fuel
Best Tie: Morgan Lucas, setting off the dark tux and vest with a rose-colored, white dot tie.

Risk Taker: Who else but Cory McClenathan could pull off appearing with a silver chain dangling a cross, a paisley vest over a dark shirt, but this driver on his 17th trip on the Top 10 stage.

Best Outfit: Antron Brown wearing a bright blue vest and matching tie on a white shirt, set off by the dark tux.

Gold Ties: Larry Dixon wore a gold tie, as did teammate Del Worsham, but chose to combine it with a dark shirt and vest. He appeared to be uncomfortable in the runner-up role as if those two points he was short in the race for the championship were still stinging.

Schumacher’s Speech: Giving kudos to Mike Edwards' talk, he said, "I feel blessed that I have been able to live this moment." His talk was the most powerful of the night, as it was in 2008. "I want that trophy to sit at Fort Hood. I want to be the one to present it. I want them to have something to smile about." The room sat mesmerized as he said, "The soldiers inspired us."

FYI…Some of the colors I described may be off somewhat as cameras, lights, the Internet, old eyes, all play a role in what one sees. Drivers and participants are welcome to correct this by dropping me an email.

How about your favorite moments? Email me: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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