Mike Joy is addressing the technical gaps that have NASCAR fans criticizing FOX Sports’ race coverage in recent times. The veteran commentator's words bring some much-needed clarity as to why the broadcaster has been missing several key on-track incidents.

Joy revealed that a shift to remote production is the primary hurdle behind missed on-track incidents. He also cited the reliance on far-flung staff as the reason for broadcast delays.

Speaking to NASCAR Sirius XM Radio, he said, “It has a lot of moving parts, and since COVID, not all those parts are at the race track. All of our announcers are, but a lot of the folks doing graphics and replays and putting recorded tape pieces together for the telecast are far-flung all around the country.” 

He further pointed out how fiber optic technology has helped to work remotely. "Thanks to fiber optics, we're able to do that with a lot of people working remotely and with no long pauses waiting for the signal to catch up with the next person who wants to speak. ” Joy added. 

The broadcaster has been missing out on crucial incidents that take place on the racetrack, which have been called out constantly by the fans. The most recent incident was a violent late crash involving Cody Ware at Watkins Glen. 

As Joy says, a major reason for that is that a large majority of the broadcast team works remotely except for the camera operators, pit commentators, and trackside journalists. This setup has been followed since the pandemic. 

Mike Joy adds another feather to his motorsports achievement hat

Mike Joy has been an announcer for NASCAR for 26 consecutive years. He has been leading the play-by-play for FOX since 2001. 

He was recently announced as the honorary starter for the All-Star race at Dover. Joy will wave the green flag before heading to the booth to comment on the race. 

While talking about the same, the president and general manager of Dover Motor Speedway, Mike Tatoian, said, “It’s hard to imagine someone more connected to the history and growth of NASCAR broadcasting than Mike Joy.

"For him to wave the green flag for the first time at Dover while also calling the race for FOX Sports, makes this an incredibly fitting and memorable moment for both Mike and our fans.” 

What makes this moment even more special is his connection to Dover. Born and raised in the Northeast, it helped him shape his passion for racing. 

The All-Star race at Dover Motor Speedway will kick off on Sunday, May 17, at 1 pm ET.

You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason