No Helmet Necessary

Less than 10 questions with Rich O'Connor

2010-03-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

So, after watching the re-air of the Sao Paulo Indy 300 (yes not only do I help put it on TV, I watch it all again, happily), I have found out that during the race there were 95 passes! Just throwing that out there...

Anyways, without any further ado, I have another installment of Less Than 10 Questions, this time with our qualifying and pre-race producer Rich O'Connor. Rich has produced everything from martial arts to the olympics (in fact he was in Vancouver this year just before the IZOD IndyCar season started). Please enjoy.

What is the most difficult part of producing a race from Brazil but being in Indy?

From a technical side, it’s just the communication – not being together as a single production team. It’s also difficult not being there. I miss getting to the track and seeing the cars, being around the drivers and teams… watching the fans arrive on race day.

What is one thing you think the IZOD IndyCar series needs?

I’d like to see some of the races outside of the Indy 500 somehow take on greater meaning. Certain events carry more tradition (Long Beach, Texas), but I’d like for some events to almost become Indy’s “majors” or “Grand Slams”.

You’ve produced a litany events both in range of material covered, and scale, what makes IndyCar special?

No event I’ve covered matches the speed of IndyCar. Nothing moves like one of our races. There’s no time out, scheduled tv break, etc. It’s special to keep up with it’s pace. And the fans are so passionate.

What would you say your favorite part of being a producer is?

I like developing a story. I love when we set up something in the pre-race show and then it really takes shape in the race itself. I don’t like to think of our selves as making predictions in the pre-race, but I do like to create characters you can choose to root for or against. And believe it or not, I also like when something happens and we have to throw the whole format out the widow. You hate to see all that preparation go away, but sometimes it’s fun just to go into a show and react to what’s happening.

In your career, the most random event you have produced was?

Hmm, the most random event? About 20 years ago, I was thrown into “American Gladiators”. I hated the idea at first because I didn’t think of it as a sports show, but I came to realize that to the 40 contestants a season I dealt with. AG was their Indy 500, their SuperBowl. And they had their own stories to tell.

When you were little, what was your dream job?

I was one of those kids who turned the sound off on NY Mets games and did my own play by play into a tape recorder. By the time I got to college, I knew the line to be in front of the camera was way longer than the line to be behind the camera, so I got into production. I still think it would be cool to do play by play for a minor league baseball or hockey team.

If I weren’t a TV producer, I would be a _______________.

I really don’t know. I’d hate to think about it. I know I enjoyed being a radio dj in college. I did a Top 40 show some days and a Hard Rock show the others, so it was cool being different characters. And now that I have young children, I realize how much I like to be around them… even neighborhood kids and kids my little ones meet at the park or beach. In that regard, I might like to be a teacher and coach.

The most interesting part of TV is _____________.

The people you meet. I’ve been doing this for 25+ years and I always meet great people. And I always learn something from every group I work with.

The last time I got lost in a city for a production was in ________________.

I don’t really get lost? I’ve been to so many cities so many times that I know my way around them pretty well. Some people will ride with me on trips and ask why I never use a map or gps. I just remember trips. I don’t know if it’s the last time, but the worst time was in the early 90’s and I was travelling to St Andrew’s in Scotland for the British Open. I did an event the Sunday before and took a red-eye over to Edinburgh. By the time I got into my rental car, I was fried and now I had to drive on the other side of the road. It was all small, country roads that I didn’t know. There were a dozen or so roundabouts. At more than one, I circled it 10 or more times before I decided which way to exit. I’m here today, so I guess I found my way

Brasil!

2010-03-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

So, the Versus crew has gotten into Indianapolis yesterday and we are starting prep for the season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil! I must admit, that this is not my first rodeo when it comes to broadcasting international events, but believe me, the stress never changes. So many things become an integral part of the broadcast, and things that on the surface, don't necessarily seem like a big deal, can become huge! For one, please know, that while most of us are here in Indy to put the show together, there is also a group of us in Brazil. This brings in a huge logistics issue as we now, basically, have to be working off of Brazilian time which is +2 hours from Indy. You can almost hear the excitement in my voice when we have to be at work at 6 a.m... I know, you feel terrible for us. Having to cover racing and work at 6a.m.! Say it ain't so! I digress.

So as of right now, we're having issues talking to our crew that is in place in Brazil. Wahoo. Although late last night, a crew member down in Brazil thought it would be glorious to send me a text of the night life of Brazil. Suffice it to say, Indy in early March doesn't really compare to Sao Paulo... So a huge thanks for rubbing it in. At least the text communication is making it from Brazil. Our main mode of communication for our production meetings has been skype. Not trying to throw a plug, but if you need international video conferencing for free, skype is the way to go...as long as you have a decent internet connection...in both places...at the same time... Now we know the odds of that happening right now are pulling off at 1:28. Don't have a line yet on it from Vegas, but I'll keep you posted.

Despite the communication issues, I must admit the crew is completely upbeat, and we are all just chomping at the bit to get this season underway. There is a palpable hue of energy and excitement that you can feel around the crew, and it's definitely nice. It's like a family reunion that you're excited to go to. And the best part is, it's going to be happening all summer and fall! But honestly, we are like a family, and if you spent as much time in the back end of a semi traipsing across the country as we do, you'd be family too.

After watching the first two practice sessions, it looks like someone decided to pave the front stretch with ice and forgot to tell anyone about the decision. Although, there is a silver lining. It seems that Kanaan has gotten a boost and is sitting third, and Simona De Silvestro is the fastest of the rookies, and hasn't yet had a meeting with the wall. So it looks like we'll have some very entertaining story lines to bring you, as if starting the season in Brazil wasn't enough! So, settle down and get ready to watch qualifying with us today!

VersusIndyCar

Why we're here

2010-02-12T14:08:00.001-08:00

Ok, it's time to pull out the box of kleenex or whatever you want as I am going to reveal some very deep and emotional ties as to why we as broadcasters do what we do. I am writing this from my perspective, but I can speak from experience that my views are shared by many. What we have in our crew is a passion for racing. While most of the fans will keep track of the latest news through online forums, twitter, blogs, and watch the races we put on, please know we are doing the same. And we love it! Race season is really our favorite time of year. Everyday brings an opportunity to learn something new about racing and bring it to the people of the world. That in and of itself is something that is almost beyond comprehension. The scope of what we do reaches around the world. The broadcast that we put together for you, the fan, is our impact, our voice to literally the world. But for us, it gets even deeper. For every weekend that you turn on your tv and tune into us bringing you all that we can, you are bringing us into your lives. To be able to bring you your escape, to be a part of what you look forward to, is something spectacular. It's why we work as hard as we do. It's why, even in the off season, we are working and thinking about how to improve it. Every race weekend, you can guarantee we are going to be there before you get to the track, and we'll be there after you leave. We'll work long hours. We'll spend days in airports and hotels all season long. We'll spend time away from our friends and family. All the while never losing focus that we can't do any of this without you, the fan. You are why we do this. Every race weekend, when you turn on your TV, you are choosing to watch us, because you have come to expect a level of coverage, a level of dedication, and to bottom line it, a level of passion. We share your passion. We share your excitement. The highs and lows of each season, each race, each second we are on air, we share with you. You have chosen to watch us, and every race weekend we strive to re-affirm this choice that you made. To us, it's not just another sport on TV. To us, this is something we are lucky to be a part of, and even luckier to bring it to people around our country and around the world. So thank you. You do your part, and you can guarantee we're going to do ours. Thank you.

VersusIndyCar

Less than 10 Questions with Terry Lingner

2010-02-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the people over at Delta Wing, this morning and early afternoon have seen a litany of postings as to what the car is going to actually look like. There is no doubt, that once the red veil is lifted, the scene of American Open Wheel Racing is going to change. Even if the design is not accepted, it will be out there, and like it or not, it is a form of progress.

That being said, I have the first installment of the hopefully long running, Less than 10 questions series. Today, I take you inside the mind our race producer, Terry Lingner. Now for those of you wanting to know how much more drivel you have to read through before you can get to the questions, there isn't much. I promise.

I would like to give a bit of background on Terry before you read these questions. Terry has been producing sports and television since before I was born. He has produced numerous racing events and series including the IZOD IndyCar series, Formula One, ALMS, Grand Am, 24 Hours of Le mans, and so on. He has also produced the Great Outdoor Games and even some auto auctions such as Barrett Jackson and Mecum. On top of his producing credentials, he has also driven as a race driver in several events including the 24 Houres du Mans and the Rolex 24 Hours. And now, the questions.

1. What are three things most people don't know about producing a race?

1.The producer is the coach, but he calls the plays to the director who serves as the quarterback.

2. The producer listens to as many as 12 to 15 people in his headset.

3. It's not the announcer's fault...The direction is given to them from the truck.

2. You've actually raced before, what is the most difficult thing about racing to portray to the people at home?

-Really showing the skill. If I'm producing hoops and Kobe hangs in mid air and slams from the free throw line, you can clearly see that he is the best. Trying to convince the viewer that Scott Dixon is "better' than another driver is difficult. Skill and experience is paramount! Most times, it was not the cars fault, they were outraced.

3. What is the most difficult part of your job?

-Going to commercial. We LOVE our sponsors, but out sport never stops. Also, sleep is generally overrated.

4. What's a story to be looking out for this year?

-Can Andretti Autosport really jump back in the ring? Long live IZOD! Let the stars shine!

5. What do you think is the key to a successful future for American Open Wheel Racing?

-IZOD's help which is stimulating activation, and having Danica as our champion wouldn't hurt either.

6. If I weren't producing races I would be _________.

- In advertising or on Broadway.

7. If a fan can take one thing away from my broadcast it would be _________.

- Wanting them to wish they were at the race.

8. The one thing missing from the IZOD IndyCar Series is _________.

- A creative all-star event/happening.

9. If I'm not thinking/dreaming/involved in racing, I'm _________.

- Creating and networking. Ready, Fire, Aim!

Thanks for reading.

VersusIndyCar

Hello and Welcome

2010-02-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hello racing fans and anyone who somehow stumbled upon this page! As my need to give back to the people more than the truncated 140 character status updates on twitter, I have created this blog. Don't worry, I will try to keep everything as brief as possible. With that being said, I shall now commence with this first, and may I say, fantastic post.

The IZOD IndyCar season is a mere 32 days away from roaring into Brasil, and I know most people couldn't be more excited. The only issue is, it's 32 days away. But don't sweat it, I am going to have some more supplemental coverage, and be bringing you a behind the scenes look as we on the Versus crew gear up for the season, and as we go through another season on the circuit. Now at this point, if you have been following a certain VersusIndyCar on twitter, you might notice the same tone and inflection coming across in the writing. And yes, this is because I am doing both. And yes, it's because I love you, the fans.

Now you might be wondering, what kind of supplemental coverage am I in for? Just how behind the scenes are you going to take me? Well, for the first piece I will be posting will be an interview with none other than our race producer Terry Lingner! Now that's been said, I'll let you get back to your activities.

VersusIndycar