Jul 30, 10:03 PM
Calling all 'Besties': Allen Bestwick thinks he's not worthy
Posted by Cheryl Walker under Racing ArticleRecently I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with the talented and quick-witted Allen Bestwick, prior to the day’s events at the Goody’s Headache Powder 250 Busch series race in Martinsville, VA.
I had practiced many times the things that I would say if I ever had the opportunity, but standing face-to-face with him I lost hold of the whole polished spiel. I did manage to tell him that I was a big fan, and that I had once written an article about him that had inspired many fans to respond (Propositioning the Perfectly Coiffed Master of any Ceremony, Allen Bestwick).
He patiently listened while I explained that I was volunteering to start a fan club for him, as the responses to the article both in posted messages and through emails directly to me were so passionate from NASCAR fans everywhere. He laughed kindly when I said that I had even thought of a name for the folks that would join: The Besties.
Of course I have no idea what he was really thinking (which could have ranged anywhere from ‘aw how nice’ to ‘this woman is a nutcase’) but he kept his face ‘television professional-straight’.
“No, no. I just do what I do,” he said. “I am a very lucky man, and I put bread on the table. I have two kids in college and I am able to provide that for them… no. No. I just couldn’t.”
My son, Joshua, was with me, and he did his best to cajole Mr. Bestwick into it, but even his entreaties were met with the same apologetic response, which basically meant, ‘I’m not worthy.’
My only recourse, then, is to once again put the prospect of an Allen Bestwick fan club out there before all of you readers, and humbly ask those that are interested to say so at the end of this article. Perhaps if enough of us let this skilled and knowledgeable commentator and reporter know how much we would like the opportunity to be a ‘Bestie’, he will see that he is worthy, and give us his blessing.
-
Mary Beth Yuhas Says:
Jul 31, 06:41 AMFan club for Allen would be great. He is a great reporter and a humble person so who better for us to let him know, how we feel, than having a Fan Club for him!
-
Jeff B Says:
Jul 31, 06:49 AMI’m ready….sign me up. Allen….Please let us.
-
Carl Says:
Jul 31, 06:52 AMI agree, Allen Bestwick deserves to be back on SPEED and is very worthy.
-
R. Johnson Says:
Jul 31, 07:11 AMYes for sure, I even stopped watching Inside Nextel Cup because Speed gave him the axe, count me in..
-
Don DePardo Says:
Jul 31, 07:31 AMI am a big Allan Bestwick Fan. I miss his comentary and yes I am from RI.
-
Phyllis Says:
Jul 31, 07:37 AMAlan does a wonderful job!
He is the unsung hero.
Start the club!
-
Patrick Tuttle Says:
Jul 31, 07:42 AMA fan club for Allen is a GREAT idea! I would love nothing more than to see Allen reclaim his rightful place back in the broadcast booth next to Wally & BP! Allen, YOU ARE WORTHY!!
-
Doug Collier Says:
Jul 31, 07:45 AMMaybe you guys listen to a different Allen Bestwick then I do? If he and the Waltrips would go away racing would be a lot better for the rest of us.
-
Jay Says:
Jul 31, 07:49 AMCount me in.
-
mary lou Says:
Jul 31, 07:53 AMI love Allen.
Allen and Michael Waltrip were very good together Saturday night.
-
Joe Says:
Jul 31, 08:07 AMSign me up. I consider him to be a very strong TV talent, and I would take him over Webber any day. We also need him back on Inside Nascar.
-
Barry Says:
Jul 31, 08:09 AMClass act. Should be back on Nextel Cup & in the booth.
-
Doris Battles Says:
Jul 31, 08:09 AMI am definitely ready to be a Bestie. He is the ultimate professional and knows what he is talking about. NO 3 X 5 cards for this Pro. INNC is NOT the same with that windbag Despain and the NASCAR broadcasters are funny, “Oh my GOD are they really that bad? funny”. Too many errors and not enough homework. I miss Allen so much. Nascar needs him back in the booth.
-
Carole Says:
Jul 31, 08:21 AMCount me in and I am from New England. INNC is not the same withoutout him. Dave is good on Wind Tunnel, leave him there and bring back Allen to where he belongs. Allen is tooooo talented to be just a pit reporter.
-
Brian Says:
Jul 31, 08:41 AMPLEASE!!! Why do you think he was removed from the booth? Talk about a testimony of one’s job performance! His ego is out of control and I for one am glad to see someone (TV producers) put Bestwick in his place.
-
TJ Says:
Jul 31, 08:42 AMWhere do I sign up?
-
Peggy Says:
Jul 31, 08:49 AMI not only want to join the club, I’m campaigning for Alan bobble-heads!
I think Brian is very jealous.
-
Jerry McDaniel Says:
Jul 31, 09:04 AMGO FOR IT, ALLEN IS THE BEST, (START THE BESTIE CLUB)
-
Nancy Says:
Jul 31, 09:06 AMPlease…we need AB back at Inside Nextel Cup…I don’t watch it too much anymore because of the ‘new’ host. Can he do play by play from pit road (aka – do both pitroad reporting and play by play?) too? LOL
-
Elizabeth Says:
Jul 31, 09:16 AMCount me in, Allen’s the best.
-
Matt Says:
Jul 31, 09:25 AMI never understood why they pulled him from the booth and replaced him with Bill Weber. I cannot stand Bill Weber, he is a moron. Bestwick must have ticked somebody off because there is no comparison between the two that he should have lost him job to that schmuck.
-
Sandra Says:
Jul 31, 09:25 AMSIGN ME UP. I have been praying since I found out ESPN is taking over that they hire Allen and put him back in the booth where he belongs!
-
Jonny Blaise Says:
Jul 31, 09:30 AMI think it’s a great idea. I have quit watching Inside Nextel Cup myself, as Dave and Vickers pretty much ruined the show. It’s dull…
Plus, I’m so sick of Bill Weber… He’s the worst analyst on television.
Bring back AB! And yeah, sign me up for The Besties!
-
Irene Says:
Jul 31, 09:32 AMPut AB back in the booth and back on Speed. Miss his banter with Mikey and professionalism in the booth
-
Shelly Says:
Jul 31, 09:34 AMPlease put Allen back in for both. He is really missed.
-
Jim R. Says:
Jul 31, 09:39 AMAB has been great on the last 2 Busch races, we need him full time!
-
Bk. Says:
Jul 31, 09:40 AMCome to find out, I’ve been a Bestie for years. Nobody else ever cared I might be “new to NASCAR”....
-
walt shade Says:
Jul 31, 09:41 AMab should be doing the races plus the speed thing
-
mario romania jr Says:
Jul 31, 09:47 AMAlan is definetly missed in the broadcast booth.His voice is NASCAR.
Go on the bus tour around
Daytona and he’s the MC.
-
Kevin Says:
Jul 31, 09:50 AMHere’s hoping ABC/ESPN is brilliant and makes Allen Bestwick THE man on their broadcasts of Busch and Cup next year – for good or for bad, the moron hairpiece (Bill Weber) is staying with TNT, meaning Allen is fair game for the return of ABC/ESPN!
-
Ron Schlaeger Says:
Jul 31, 09:52 AMThe best and only way to describe the way AB handles himself and his interviews is CLASS. I won’t even bother putting anyone else down. Allen is many laps ahead of the field when it comes to being the lead announcer for Nextel Cup races and he needs to be brought back to the booth! We don’t need the artificial hype and BS that is offered up to us on a weekly basis. Allen Bestwick – the BEST with CLASS!
-
Clint Newlin Says:
Jul 31, 09:52 AMInside Nextel Cup without Bestwick just plain sucks. And he’s been in this game way too long to be reporting from pit road….he belongs in the booth.
-
Melissa Says:
Jul 31, 09:55 AMI also quit watching Inside Nextel- It just is not the same without Allen. Allen had the best chuckle trying to keep the show on course and he always seemed sincere. I also miss him in the booth. Allen should go to another network were he would get the respect he is due. You deserve a fan club.
-
Ron Sharpless Says:
Jul 31, 09:59 AMSign me up! I would like to see him return to the booth.
-
jo roberts Says:
Jul 31, 10:18 AMwe definitely need him in
the booth and on Moday night.I stopped watching
Inside NASCAR when he was
dumped.He is a pleasure
to watch.
-
Lexi Says:
Jul 31, 10:26 AMBring Allen back!! I can’t stand Weber, why did they ever take Allen out of the booth?
-
Matt Osborn Says:
Jul 31, 10:29 AMAB you are the MAN when it comes to being it the broadcast booth!! Nascar fans need you back in the booth on Sundays and back on Inside Nextel Cup. Hopefully ESPN/ABC will be smart enough to hire AB. Thank goodness we only have to put up with Weber for 6 races next year!! Count me in on the Fan Club, AB #1, Besties forever!!!
-
Greg in Dallas Says:
Jul 31, 10:48 AMI’d love to be a “bestie.” Having AB back on the “the Big Show” on Mondays would make it worth watching again.
-
77KJAX Says:
Jul 31, 11:09 AMALAN WOULD BE ONE OF THE BEST IF HE WOULD FORGET THE JUVENILE HUMOR (NOT ALL HUMOR , CAUSE HUMOR IS GOOD , BUT THE 5th GRADE STUFF WITH WALLY WAS IRRITATING AS WAS THE 5th GRADE STUFF ON INC )I HOPE ABC/ESPN PICKS HIM UP AS MAIN ANNOUNCER NEXT YEAR ….... UNFORTUNATELY WEBBER IS STAYING IN THE BOOTH WITH TNT ( DAMN! )
-
Granny from Palm Bay, FL. Says:
Jul 31, 11:20 AMSign me up, bring back AB and get rid of no neck Webber he needs to be back on Monday nights also
-
MarkfromIndy Says:
Jul 31, 11:49 AMInside Nascar has not been the same, get rid Despain and Vickers and bring back Alan as host and Harvick
-
mweb218 Says:
Jul 31, 12:06 PMI’m not gonna bash him, but I don’t think AB is good in the booth. In fact, I don’t think he’s good in the pits either.
-
Polly Belanger Says:
Jul 31, 12:07 PMBring Allen back. I quit watching Nextel because they got rid of Allen. He needs to be in the booth.
-
KD Says:
Jul 31, 12:11 PMPlease sign me up! That would be a very honorable fan club – I miss Monday nights with him!
-
Paul A. Echols Says:
Jul 31, 12:28 PMI have always admired the professional performance of Alan Bestwick. He is a journalistic professional amongst a bunch of racers turned commentators. The sport needs a person like Mr. Bestwick. I dred the thought of the sport being covered by only self promoting oafs that grate on you after just a few minutes. You only have to look back to the very poor performance of Michael Waltrip at the Busch race from Gateway to understand what I mean. The sport will always need personalities but it also needs great journalists like Alan Bestwick.
-
Pat Says:
Jul 31, 12:30 PMLoved Alan both calling races and on INC. Would love to see him back doing both.
-
Marshall Says:
Jul 31, 12:38 PMAlan is actually the BEST commentator on races there is! He’s far superior to Weber and D. Waltrip! What were they thinking when they put Weber in for Alan! I hope ESPN finds a role for him!
-
Tim Says:
Jul 31, 12:56 PMIt would be interesting to know whom the few anti-Bestwick people here believe to be a better broadcaster.
-
John Says:
Jul 31, 12:59 PMWould like to see him back on INC on Mon. nights. Just not the same show with out him.
Sign me up for his fan club.
-
Dot Jones Says:
Jul 31, 01:00 PMHow much are the dues and where do I send them? Sign me up. A future Bestie.
-
Bill Moffett Says:
Jul 31, 01:05 PMAllen is a class act. I think he is the Bob Costas of motorsports.
I don’t mind Dave tooo bad. But Vickers is too politically correct.
-
sandy Says:
Jul 31, 01:16 PMSign me up, I would love to be a Bestie. We need to let Disney know we want AB.
-
Susy Says:
Jul 31, 01:17 PMCount my husband and me—two more for the club. We hate watching INC—not that Allen could be replaced but geez could they have picked a worse replacement? Bring back Bestwick!
-
JDowdy Says:
Jul 31, 01:20 PMI haven’t watched INC but one time since they took Alan off of it. I even did a Neilson rating survey and let them know what a mistake they had made by ousting Alan. Bill Webber is dumber than a box of rocks. Get him out.
-
Susan Says:
Jul 31, 01:23 PMI’ve been a fan of Bestwick’s announcing style since his MRN days, and considered him the “saving grace” of the NBC/TNT broadcast package. What idiot thought replacing him in the booth with Weber was a GOOD idea? Only proved that Bestwick was also a superior pit reporter as well! Add me to your membership list.
-
R.P. Says:
Jul 31, 01:30 PMI appreciate your efforts, because quite frankly, Alan is the best man for the job as NBC/TNT Host and MC. In fact, I have writen to NBC on more than one occasion to advise them that they made a huge mistake in taking him out of the booth.
My wish is that this effort would reach the higher ups at NBC/TNT or maybe better than that, that it would reach those at Fox or ABC/ESPN. I would really like to see Alan in the booth again next year, he is leagues above his replacement at NBC and deserves better!!!
Thanks for listening.
-
Scott H Says:
Jul 31, 01:32 PMAlan needs to be back at INC on Mondays if nothing else. I can not watch that show anymore with Despain and Vickers. That show stayed around and was as popular as it was for a reason. We need the reason put back.
-
B.W. Says:
Jul 31, 01:50 PMI love Allen Bestwick. He was so great on INC and in the booth. What were they thinking???? I think a fan club would be fantastic. Allen is such a CLASS ACT!!!!!!
-
James R Says:
Jul 31, 01:54 PMAlan has a great voice. When I think of Alan, I think of commercials though. It seemed like he was always saying, we’ll take a break and be back with more from Pocono. Great voice though. Count me in!
-
pepper bowe Says:
Jul 31, 02:20 PMAlan “Bestie” for President!
-
Dave Says:
Jul 31, 02:50 PMBring on “Bestie”!
Alan is the best play by play commentator in Nascar broadcasts. As other, I can’t believed he was replaced on INC and in the booth. Weber was a good pit reporter, but not so good play by play.
-
StillMissesDale Says:
Jul 31, 03:08 PMWHERE DO I SIGN UP??
I AGREE WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE POSITIVE COMMENTS ABOVE!! WE NEEEEEED ALLEN BACK IN THE BOOTH AND BACK ON INC, NO MATTER WHICH NETWORK! (ALSO COULD USE A REPLACEMENT FOR VICKERS. HOW ABOUT HARVICK?!)LET D.D. HAVE HIS WINDTUNNEL AND FIND B.W. SOME OTHER JOB IN SOME OTHER PLACE.
-
Rick Says:
Jul 31, 03:16 PMI like Alan as a analyst in the broadcast booth. I like his style, knowledge and even the way he handled the pit reporter job. I miss him on INC, never missed a show with the old group on. Now I hardly watch the show.
How in the heck can they keep Weber who comes across as dumb as a nose hair and not use Alan who is really really worthy.
-
Elinore Says:
Jul 31, 03:28 PMAlan is class. I cannot stand Weber in the booth and I no longer watch INC.
Sign me up at once.
-
Leslie Says:
Jul 31, 04:05 PMI would LOVE to be a Bestie. I love Allen, I think he is the best, he needs to be back in the booth. I got the pleasure to meet him 5 yrs ago in Chicago and got his autograph and he was the nicest person and has an awesome personality. Please Allen, let us become Bestie’s. You are Worthy by far.
-
Paul Says:
Jul 31, 04:07 PMFrom the Great White North, count two Canadians in.
-
IDJRFAN Says:
Jul 31, 04:08 PMAB is definitely worthy. I haven’t watched one INC since he left. He’s a 1000 times better than Weber in the booth. I always thought the drivers might have voted Weber OUT of the pits because they couldn’t stand his stupid questions. AB is always a professional and I miss him.
-
parker selby Says:
Jul 31, 04:16 PMI am another who quit watching INC after they took AB off. I cannot and will not watch despain or vickers
-
eric snook Says:
Jul 31, 04:49 PMhe’s the best…he deserves more than a fan club….how about a parade?
-
Russ Says:
Jul 31, 05:01 PMjust tell me where to sign up, you have my support!
-
Ara Says:
Jul 31, 05:07 PMYes.
-
Bob Wilson Says:
Jul 31, 05:08 PMIf there was ever a time for a ‘glove save and a beauty’ – this would be it… not in the middle of a race broadcast!! Better than DW – what is that guy smokin’? Please, Alan seems like an OK guy but I don’t need him in the booth were he steps on every attempt that Benny made to loosen up their show a little. Stick to the pits and hope for a lot of green flag action.
-
Cathy Says:
Jul 31, 05:18 PMAllen Bestwick is the smoothest, classiest (dare I say “smartest”?) broadcaster that Nascar has. I no longer have the Speed Channel (is my cable company greedier than Nascar or what?) but I would love to see (and hear) him back in the booth whenever possible – BGN (do you believe I still call it that?) or Nascar. I would be a proud, card-carrying Bestie if he deems it possible.
-
Kristen Says:
Jul 31, 05:39 PMI always figured the Bestwickens would combine! I LOVED ALAN AND MICHAEL IN THE BOOTH SATURDAY NIGHT!
-
audrey surman Says:
Jul 31, 05:44 PMAlan should be back in the booth and also on Monday nightINC.
-
J Berto Says:
Jul 31, 05:55 PMI,ve seen INC in part maybe twice since Alan left. They made a mistake when they let him get away. Bestwick is good for the sport, and that’s a big deal.
-
CJ Says:
Jul 31, 06:09 PMSign me up too! Alan is way too funny to be only on pit road. I too have quit watching INNC on Mondays.
Why don’t we all e-mail ABC/ESPN with our desire to have Allen as President…uhh….I mean the main man for Nextel Cup Racing!
Besties Rock!
-
WILLIS W THOMPSON Says:
Jul 31, 06:09 PMSIGN ME UP…I THINK HE’S THE BEST EVER
-
Lisa hood Says:
Jul 31, 06:20 PMAlan is great in the booth and is much more believeable than Weber when it comes to the broadcasts. He is more like the average fan and is very in touch with what is going on in the sport. If anyone should come off INC it should be Mikey. He has really alienated the average fan and is way too self promoting. It would not be so bad if he had something to show for it.
-
Tim + Pat Says:
Jul 31, 06:51 PMLet’s do what we can to get Alan back and get rid of that arrogant Bill Weber! Bill blows his mouth all the time like he’s running the race.
-
YA Says:
Jul 31, 06:55 PMHopefully ABC/ESPN puts him back in the booth. The best announcer in racing.
-
Dave Campbell Says:
Jul 31, 07:13 PMGet rid of windbag and Weber put Alan back where belongs
-
George Says:
Jul 31, 07:14 PMI’m completely for it! Count me in! Allen is a tremendous broadcaster. I believe he is worthy of a fan club, and please…someone give him back his play-by-play duties! Keep up the great work, Allen!
-
russell43 Says:
Jul 31, 07:46 PMI wish I could see what you see in Bestwick, sorry I just don’t enjoy being talked to like I’m the new fan every week. Plus Wally’s knowledge has often put Bestwick to shame. Which Allen just can’t handle. I wish Eli Gold could be in the both with Wally and Benny that would be the greatest.
-
Dave B/St Louis Says:
Jul 31, 07:47 PMI won’t join a “fan club”, but I am definitely an AB fan! I only watched one INC after his departure. I always look forward to Allen in any venue, whether it is broadcasting or MC-ing. He is a Class Act, and should be leading in the booth!
-
Dennis Says:
Jul 31, 08:15 PMI had always assumed that it was Alan’s idea to leave the booth and have a rest from the pressure. It never occurred to me that the network would think they could find anyone who could be better. The can’t and they didn’t. Alan’s always professional but he also comes across as sincere and caring. One in a million talent. Back in the booth, Alan. Back in the booth.
-
Dave B. & son Tom(10) Says:
Jul 31, 08:33 PMWe miss Alan on Inside Nextel Cup And have all but given up watching it since he left. He is a class act! We prefer him calling the races. Let us know about a fan club.
-
Dave D Says:
Jul 31, 08:40 PMHeck yeah I’ll join Alan’s club. You don’t know how many nasty emails I sent to Speed when they took him off INC. He’s far better than Weber too. Alan is a class act and deserves far better than what Speed and TNT have done to him…
-
Gene Says:
Jul 31, 08:58 PMYea, Alan is awesome I will join.
-
jayne Says:
Jul 31, 10:21 PMsign me up as well. I doubt Weber would get this much praise. I would rather listen to mrn/prn when nbc/tnt take over.
-
rod leblanc Says:
Jul 31, 10:42 PMhmmm….so far i counted 4 people that dont like alan. bet they are gordon fans. i am a race fan and i am in nascar country.i read an insult about the waltrips and alan in one of the posts,well if your paying attention to racing right now waltrip is the biggest name right now.sponsers and drivers begging to jump on the waltrip wagon. maybe mikey should hire alan.bring alan back to i.n.c. and the booth.i also bet the 4 people that dont like alan are also the same type of people that leave a race in the middle of it if thier favorite driver crashes out….race fans see the big picture.
-
McKinley Says:
Jul 31, 11:04 PMINC has, & never will be, the same without Alan. Dave is great too, but on Wind Tunnel. Whoever thought the show needed “fixing” had rocks in their brains. The Alan, Mikey & Kenny show was good TV. Who cares if they got “off track” THAT WAS THE CHARM & UNIQUENESS of the show. Now it is too structured & boring.
I’ll always be a fan of Alan’s.
-
Tricia Says:
Aug 1, 12:45 AMYes, definitely. Thank goodness TNT has the fewest races in the new TV package, since they just signed Weber!!! BW belongs on prerace and pit road, where he excelled. Allen belongs in the booth (although he’s good wherever he is).
-
Matt Says:
Aug 1, 01:05 AMAlan is in a class all his own when it comes to broadcasting races. His work with mrn as well as INC was incredible. They should have never kicked him to the pits for webber. He’s by far the best
-
Paul A. Says:
Aug 1, 01:27 AMAdd me to the list of AB fans. I really hope ESPN/ABC picks him up in some capacity (play-by-play, studio show ala RPM Tonite, etc.)
-
Bailey Says:
Aug 1, 03:36 AMAnother vote for Allen Bestwick. Love his pit reporting, love his booth reporting, love his interviews, and used to enjoy INC when he hosted it.
-
Lowell Fithen Says:
Aug 1, 03:49 AMAllen and Bob Jenkins are by far the best two broadcasters that NASCAR has ever seen. It would be neat to see both of them together at ABC/ESPN next season. They have the most recognizable voices and are the most knowledgable. Allen is far more worthy than he is giving himself credit for. Hope to see you on tv very soon.
-
Betty B Says:
Aug 1, 04:46 AMCount me in! Who DOES still watch INC? No one I know. Saturday’s coverage of Busch was the best! (bestiest?)
-
Jon Says:
Aug 1, 04:56 AMI was a fan of AB since he ws on MRN. When this new tv contract started I was sick of FOX after 2 broadcasts. He was the saving grace for the second half of the season. When he was unceremoniously dumped onto pit road I started listening to the radio again and was saddened that AB wasn’t there. I will always be a fan of his.
-
Pam Says:
Aug 1, 04:59 AMWe all miss Alan’s commentary and especially on Inside Nextel Cup….Dave doesn’t have it!
-
Charles and Jacqueline Driggers Says:
Aug 1, 05:15 AMPut my wife and I down as charter members. We hated to see Allen removered from Inside Nextel Cup. Allen and Mikey as the voice of the Busch Series next year. They were awesome Saturday evening.
-
Chris Says:
Aug 1, 05:22 AMI’m not one to join a fan club, but is Allen a closet Mr. Hyde? This guy is so superior at what he does, why does he keep getting kicked. This guy needs to be back in the booth and back on INNC…..pplleeeeeeeaasse!!!!! Bill Weber is so over it ain’t funny.
-
Ron@Lynda F. Says:
Aug 1, 05:47 AMWe watched IWC/INC every
mon.nite from day one till they took AB,Johnny
off.The race wasn’t complete till we watched
IWC/INC We don’t watch INC anymore.
-
Jim C. Says:
Aug 1, 06:31 AMI have only followed NASCAR for about 5 years now and I have come to really enjoy Alan’s commentary and play by play. He does a tremendous job at whatever he does. I’m not quite sure what SPEED is doing these days, but they truly lost a talent when the let Alan go. I agree with Paul A. ... ABC/Espn should pick him up. He’s a solid talent.
-
Nascar3 Says:
Aug 1, 06:44 AMI’ll be a fan for sure, Allan is the best out there no one commentator can even come close. He’s knowledgeable, straight to the point and goes as far as explaining the facts recorded through Nascar time.
We need him back on Mondays aswell, Damn Despain killed the show!
-
Mark34 Says:
Aug 1, 06:58 AMPlease count me in. It’s a joy to listen to an announcer who never uses the word “hisself.” He also realizes that the show isn’t in the booth but rather on the track.
-
Mama Says:
Aug 1, 06:59 AMI want to be Bestie president
I too have quit watching INNC and miss Alan terribly in the booth. Webber is too much of a drama queen-bring back alan!
-
Mike Irwin Says:
Aug 1, 07:04 AMAnother AB fan here… by far my favorite announcer.
-
4d4evr Says:
Aug 1, 07:08 AMHe is the best announcer/reporter in NASCAR. He was even able to make Mikey bearable, which is something Dave can’t do.
-
Dianna Says:
Aug 1, 07:18 AMAlan is missed GREATLY on INC, not sure what they were thinking…..loved Alan, Mikey and Shrader together, great combination…. Get rid of Dave and Vickers!!! I miss Alan in the booth, but at least it saves the drivers on pit road from having to answer Weber’s stupid questions….I’m sure the drivers and crew chiefs prefer having Alan down there rather than Weber….. count me in as a “bestie”
-
Brock S King Says:
Aug 1, 07:22 AMI like Alan. His biggest problem on NBC was his smart-mouth sidekick, Wally. How did he end up as a commentator any way. He’s nothing.
-
Cari Says:
Aug 1, 07:29 AMPlease, Please , ABC/ESPN hear our pleas..Hire Allen for play by play, there is no one better, I listen to the old races on XM and wonder what NBC/ TNT was thinking…Speed was nuts to replace him and the ratings must show this, no offense to Dave but Wind Tunnel is his forte, bring back Allen. I am hating the tv broadcast now that Weber is back. The news that TNT is keeping him is terrible. Sign me up as a Bestie.
-
William and Catherine from Apalachicola Says:
Aug 1, 07:49 AMWe never missed Inside Nextel Cup untill they got rid of Alan and johney, now we never watch it. Yes Alan is one of the best commentators on TV.
-
Larry Says:
Aug 1, 07:52 AMA B better than most Please get rid of Weber he ruins race for me
-
Phyllis S Says:
Aug 1, 07:57 AMI’M IN!! I can’t tell you how much I miss Allen. I can’t stand Chris Webber. WE WANT ALLEN!!!
-
M.A. Says:
Aug 1, 08:04 AMI have read the comments,and like another stated there are only 4 AB bashers. Please send these to the higher ups at the network. Dave is great on wind tunnel but they have absolutely ruined INC, please bring back Allen, and oh my God please get rid of Vickers.Whoever said replace him with Harvick that is a great idea. What a dream team Bestwick,Waltrip,Schrader, and Harvick. As far as Webber whoever said smart as nose hair is giving him far too much credit. He is as boring as a slug as well.
-
Terri S Says:
Aug 1, 08:16 AMI’m in. We have missed Allen at Inside Nextel Cup. I hope ABC will see he is the best and ask him to do NASCAR there! email me with details as soon as you start the fan club. I want to be a charter member!
-
Sue Says:
Aug 1, 09:23 AMI’m a New Englander living in NC and Alan has always been a favorite. I couldn’t miss INC when he was there, now I don’t care. It is too scripted and boring. Maybe they didn’t like it when he broke his leg playing hochey. I want to join the Bestie club!
-
Betty Says:
Aug 1, 09:58 AMAlan is professional, knowlegeable, and entertaining. PLEASE bring him back to the booth and INC ( havent watched it since Alan left). I agree that the only good thing about Alan being in the pits is that the drivers get the best person to interview them. ( Can we just clone Alan so he can do both?) Weber is so annoying that I turn off the sound and listen to MRN on trackpass. Where do I sign up for the fan club?
-
Maxa Says:
Aug 1, 12:07 PMSign me up! I have stopped watching INC – sounds scripted. The Busch race the other night was great with Alan announcing. Weber was good on the pre-race, but I prefer Alan in the booth.
-
Sharon A. Smith Says:
Aug 1, 12:38 PMI think AB is more than worthy. I so enjoyed his being in the booth at Gateway. I wish he were in the booth ALL THE TIME. His laugh and sense of humor are contagious. Everything else is pure gravy!
Call me a “Bestie” :)
-
Roger Tudor Says:
Aug 1, 02:18 PMNot only would I join a Bestie fan club, I would match the membership fee as a donation to BP’s Cancer efforts.
-
Richard Says:
Aug 1, 08:32 PMI have Allens trading card from 1991. I am a Bestie, and Proud of it.
-
Jeannie Says:
Aug 1, 08:41 PMAllen is wonderful. I miss him being on INC, but I watch it for Mikey and Schrader. I also would like to see Allen back in the broadcast booth.
-
Anne M Says:
Aug 1, 08:48 PMI am among the many who have not watched INC since Alan left. I am ready to be a Bestie. Count me in!!!
-
Debbie Blakely Says:
Aug 2, 04:17 AMI’m in
I LOVE ALAN IN THE BOOTH!!
-
Allison RN Says:
Aug 2, 06:24 AMAllen is needed badly back at INC. He allowed the guys to be themselves while still saying what needed to be said. There is just no spirit in the show now, without Allen. I only watch to see Michael, and if he isn’t on, I don’t bother with it at all. Allen is needed back in the broadcast booth. To take away a guy’s job because he had the hard luck of breaking his leg is just plain wrong, and I have very low opinion of any corporation that would do such a thing. They may have gotten away with it legally, morally it is still reprehensible.
-
Cari Says:
Aug 2, 07:48 AMwriting again just in case these make it to the powers that be…INC watchers have made it clear they prefer ALLEN, it IS too scripted, the chairs look uncomfortable and the guys look uncomfortable in them, we all watched for the fun and banter and easy way Johhny, Mikey, Kenny and Allen all got along. It was a winning formula and there is a saying about messing with success. If these are sent along to the networks, maybe we will actually make an impression. Obviously single letters didn’t do it as many of us have written to request Allen back..It takes a big man to admit their mistake maybe Speed needs to replace their head man.
Keep the notes coming and maybe ABC/ESPN will listen, the only thing they have to lose in putting him in the booth, is a good pit reporter.
-
Lynn Says:
Aug 2, 11:20 AMAB not only leads the race in NASCAR broadcasting, he’s lapped the field!
-
Holly Says:
Aug 2, 12:24 PMIm a Bestie. AB is one of a kind, simply the best!!!!!!!!!!!
-
russell43 Says:
Aug 2, 04:53 PMI’m sorry that I don’t agree with some of the views never said I hated Allen or bashed him.Just gave an opinion. Please don’t insult me by calling me a Gordon fan or even thinking I would leave a race in the middle. I could stoop to your level and say your the idiot that throws beer cans and trash on track. That’s just silly and stupid.I think Allen is a class act. I’m just old school and cut the radio on to listen to Eli Gold when possible. You see I have been a nascar fan before nascar even made it to the TV.
-
Alex Says:
Aug 2, 05:16 PMAllen is the BEST! Class act all the way and we miss him! 2 more fans from B.C. eh!!
-
Tim Says:
Aug 2, 05:40 PMI’ve been a NASCAR fan since the late 1980’s. There has never been a better booth guy/coverage combination than ESPN and Bob Jenkins. AB is good – I respect him – but he tries FAR too hard to contribute something, anything. If he can call a “tire down” or the cause of an accident before the driver/commentator experts (even if it’s pure speculation), it seems to make his day. AB, you’re a professional, knowledgeable journalist. Fill the role you’re paid to play and stay out of the driver/expert’s world.
I would not support a fan club, but I will vehemently support efforts to improve race coverage and the sport we love.
-
Sue Says:
Aug 5, 06:12 PMamen—have always enjoyed Allen and really hope to see him in a prime role with one of the new TV contracts. Glad Bill Weber stayed put as it is only 6 races next eyar we have to deal with him…...
-
Ryan Says:
Aug 6, 03:18 PMAllen was awesome in the booth and hopefully we will see him next yeat with ABC/ESPN.
-
Deborah Says:
Aug 7, 06:23 PMHe needs to be back in the booth where he belongs, he was so good up there…. INC isn’t as good as it was without him or Johnnie! I watched it cause the combination of those 4 guys was GREAT!!! They were informative and also funny! Miss that!
Hope he’s back in a booth calling Nascar races soon!!!
-
Granny Girl / Bestie Says:
Aug 24, 07:38 AMGo Fan Club ! I sure miss Allen on Mon. nites.The TV is on mute for races called by Weber and MRN sure is a lot more accurate than the guys in the TV booth.
-
susan - transplanted new englander Says:
Aug 25, 04:23 PMcount me in – WE MISS ALAN!!! The only good thing about Bill Weber being up there in the booth? we no longer have to see him STUFFED into his firesuit on pit road! YIKES – it made him look like a Macy’s balloon!
Mondays are unbearable – Dave is arrogant, Mikey and Schrader just look uncomfortable, and poor little Brian makes a fool of himself every time he opens his mouth!
-
Andy Gray Says:
Sep 5, 03:11 PMDefinately! Allen should be commended for what he does and has done for the sport.
-
Christine Says:
Sep 8, 07:34 AMI’m in. The day they took Allen off of INC, I stopped watching the show. Thank goodness for the mute button for Weber, I cringe everytime he speaks. Please put Allen back in the booth and back on INC where he belongs.
-
ASHLEY Says:
Oct 30, 09:16 AMALLEN IS BY FAR THE BEST NASCAR BROADCASTER!! I WISH THEY WOULD PUT HIM BACK IN THE BOOTH BECAUSE HE IS THE BEST. MY GOAL IS TO BECOME A NASCAR BROADCASTER AND HE IS THE PERSON THAT I ADMIRE MOST. HE IS WONDERFUL.
-
Kathryn Says:
Apr 2, 08:21 PMI just want to add my name to your supporters for Allen Bestwick. He is a knowledgeable professional broadcaster.
Why he has been removed from the booth and replaced on his show I will never understand.
HeartRacers~HeartBreakers: Pennsylvania 500 edition D.W. still values the fans

Jul 31, 06:40 AM
I definatly wish to be a Bestie. We need him back in the booth on Sunday and with Mikey and Schraeder on Monday