Fox mixes technology, insight to raise the TV bar.(Fox Sports Net coverage of stock car racing)(Statistical Data Included)

Why does Fox TV analyst Larry McReynolds get so excited when he calls Winston Cup races? Sometimes it's because he was a crew chief for 15 years, and he feels the adrenaline just as when he was standing on top of the tool box. Other times he's just trying to get your attention.

"If someone is in their kitchen making a sandwich and their TV is on in the living room, and you say (in a monotone), `Look at the pass for first; isn't that a great pass?' then the guy is going to stay in the kitchen," McReynolds says. "But if you get excited, you're going to get that guy to come out of the kitchen and see what in the world is going on because it sounds like the announcer is ready to jump out of the TV."

Fox has jumped out of television sets all over the country and literally grabbed viewers during its first season of televising NASCAR. Many anticipated an apocalyptic end to NASCAR telecasts as we knew them before the season began. And that was long before analyst Jeff Hammond had designs on taking the prerace show to the Playboy Mansion.

If the 39 percent increase in ratings over last year isn't enough to make the argument that Fox's first half of its season has been successful, then consider the content and quality of the broadcasts. There are better graphics, new camera angles and an assembly of motorsports veterans who have taken the viewers deeper inside the sport than ever.

Instead of going with six broadcasters on race day, as other networks did, Fox increased its talent pool to nine, including three players fresh off the circuit: three-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip and former crew chiefs McReynolds and Hammond.

Viewers who watch the prerace and race-day shows and might lack savvy in the technical aspects of setting up a car or making adjustments during the race receive an education. McReynolds, Waltrip and Hammond aren't afraid to use terms such as tight, loose, round of wedge, scuffs, slicks, sway bars, downforce and drag because they know they can explain them in language viewers can understand.

It's easy to see this bunch is having fun in the booth, which makes the experience more real and enjoyable. Veteran announcer Mike Joy is surrounded by McReynolds and Waltrip, and Joy sometimes even manages to get a word in.