Fans are looking forward to the NASCAR Clash, the first official event of the season, scheduled right before the teams head to Daytona for the season-opener. The race has its history, and nothing about it is disappointing. However, there is another aspect that makes the race more exciting, and the official broadcast partner, FOX, seems to be failing at that.

Over the years, the broadcaster has been under the fans’ radar for many reasons, including poor production quality, abrupt advertisements, inconsistent camera work, and overproduction, with the animated figures for drivers. Heading into the new season, however, there seem to be more things added to the list. FOX recently announced its booth, led by veteran Mike Joy. However, it has faced a huge backlash on social media.

FOX announces Mike Joy with Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick

At this point, it is only a surprise that the broadcaster is still allowing comments on their official post announcing their booth for the Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium. FOX was seemingly too excited for this, as they posted a picture of Mike Joy, standing along with Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick to reveal their booth.

“Start your engines! @NASCARonFOX jump starts its 26th NASCAR season next week with stars and short-track action in the @NASCARClash at Bowman Gray Stadium! Buckle up!” The post read.

Mike Joy is one of the oldest voices in NASCAR. Having worked around the sport since the 70s, he joined television later and has worked with the likes of CBS (1983-2000), TNN(1991-2000), and then FOX(1998-Present). He is well known for his experience and the sport’s first-hand knowledge.

Meanwhile, Clint Bowyer spent quite some time behind the wheel in the Cup Series, most notably for Richard Childress Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, and Stewart-Haas Racing. While he never won the Championship, he clinched ten race wins before retiring at the end of the 2020 season.

Kevin Harvick, the most successful driver out of the three in the booth. He won the title in 2014 and collected a total of 60 wins in the Cup Series alone.

Although the FOX booth is immensely experienced, that certainly doesn’t make them more entertaining. Sports commentary is more than just knowledge. And to say that the fans were underwhelmed is an understatement.

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Fans lash out at FOX

This is not the first time this trio has worked together. FOX originally announced them in 2024, and they have kept the booth the same since then. However, fans have been asking for a change ever since, claiming that their commentary can sometimes be a little too boring, as one user wrote, “As stale as a month-old bag of chips.”

It has been a long time since the fans have been complaining about the same thing, but there seems to be no attention from FOX’s end. Yet, they have continued with their protest in 2026 as well, as they are beginning to sound too desperate now. “Fox, please read the feedback. The booth is awful. There’s no excitement. There’s no real vision. It’s just Mike Joy, who sounds like he’s asleep, Clint Bowyer, who can’t decide if he’s hyper or sleepy himself, and Kevin Harvick, whose back must hurt from carrying the team,” one fan lashed out.

Yet, some fans still hold some hope for the team. It might be because of their experience, or perhaps, just the fans’ desperate wish to have some excitement in the races, like this comment read: “hoping for a better season from you guys.” At the same time, however, some seem to have given up: “You guys don’t listen to the fans… this booth is a f’n mess and no chemistry.”

The fans do have the option to watch other broadcasts, but they happen later in the season, and they usually wait till then. “Already can’t wait for NBC and Prime.”

This is not the first time Joy has gotten the fans riled up. Recently, Joy teased the return of the infamous NASCAR Mascot Digger, and that got the fans excited, and several demanded that FOX bring back their favorite mascot.

Although FOX has received much criticism in recent years, they continue to be one of the top sports broadcasters. If they were to fix their advertisements and camera work in NASCAR, fans might start liking them as well. That will only be proven later this season.