I want to say up front that this year's banquet was an improvement over the last few years. The comedian was actually funny, the musical entertainment was relevant to the audience and the drivers themselves had some candid moments. All much better than recent events.
There are a couple of things I'd like to improve though.
First of all the woman who was doing the voice over work and introducing the drivers was terrible. Her fake enthusiasm and unnatural inflection drove me crazy all night long.
Let's hope that NASCAR replaces her in 2009.
The other part that I hope doesn't return next year is the entire first hour. I appreciate that NASCAR wanted to honor the 60th birthday but that portion of the program seemed to drag on for far too long.
Overall this banquet was much better than the last 5 years or so. I appreciate that NASCAR is making an effort to improve the banquet and look forward to an even better show in 2009.
