FanHouse Andy Petree

We've heard plenty about "Coltgate" lately and the accusations that the Indianapolis Colts had pumped in crowd noise during the New England Patriots game two weeks ago.

CBS took the rap for the incident, but ESPN's NASCAR coverage apparently took note of the idea.

Judging from the TV I watched it on (ABC-HD with surround sound), it sounded to me like ESPN on ABC was definitely pumping in some crowd noise during each restart of last Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500. Take a listen for yourself on the video below, as there are several instances that you can hear the not-too-natural noises.

Take note at 1:30, 5:48, 8:24, and 9:30 on the video, then continue reading for more.



I understand completely that the YouTube video isn't exactly the highest quality, but on the other hand, I've been to my fair share of races. People just don't cheer like that during restarts. Here's what they do cheer for:

UPDATE: After chatting with Andy Hall, the manager of media relations for ESPN Communications, it seems that this break for Jerry and Dave Burns was something worked into the schedule.

"Jerry will be back in the booth at Phoenix. His (and Dave Burns') two weeks off are part of a schedule for the year that rotates time off for our announcers. Between the 35 Busch races and the 17 Cup races, we're doing 52 races this year, plus practice and qualifying shows for a lot of those, so these guys are going to be very busy," said Hall.

He also mentioned that Rusty Wallace won't be back for another ten Busch races as he covers the Indianapolis 500, with Jarrett filling in.

So have no fear, Dr. Jerry Punch will be in the booth for each Cup race presented by ESPN, and expect to see Marty Reid doing a couple of other races as well.

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Hidden beneath the news that Dale Jarrett will serve as a substitute for Rusty Wallace for ESPN2's Busch Series coverage on Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway, Dr. Jerry Punch isn't returning to the TV booth for a second straight week.

Marty Reid, the lead announcer for the Indy Racing League on ESPN and ABC for 2006 and 2007, will again be featured in the booth as lead play-by-play announcer alongside Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree. Reid is in the spot of Punch, the man who was originally designated for the spot for both the early season Busch Series races and the Nextel Cup series events that ESPN and ABC will cover later this season.