During the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 12, longtime Fox NASCAR broadcaster Mike Joy polarized fans when he made a comment during the live broadcast targeting "keyboard warriors" who constantly take to social media to complain about full-screen commercials airing during NASCAR races. While some fans appreciated the 73-year-old Joy's blunt take on a controversial subject, others thought his words were a little too mean-spirited.
On Tuesday, March 21, Joy took to Twitter to address those who may have been offended by the way he cut to the final commercial of the NASCAR Cup Series race.
(1 of 3) To those stung by my "keyboard warrior" comments: I meant no disrespect to those who contribute and want to advance the sport.
A small number here have an agenda. They stirred the pot to suit their purpose, and I should have ignored them.— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) March 22, 2023
2) Most of you know I welcome constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement from our most ardent, expressive fans: you, the twitterverse.
Your input is valued, your suggestions are read, some gain traction and you see the results as updates are made.— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) March 22, 2023
3) I'm done clapping back at the few who offer only negativity, %$#&!, or personal attacks.
Hope you enjoy watching the races as much as I enjoy bringing them to you. Its a privilege, not taken lightly, and a labor of love.
Thanks for all the messages of support. Let's move on.— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) March 22, 2023
"To those stung by my "keyboard warrior" comments: I meant no disrespect to those who contribute and want to advance the sport," Joy wrote. "A small number here have an agenda. They stirred the pot to suit their purpose, and I should have ignored them. Most of you know I welcome constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement from our most ardent, expressive fans: you, the twitterverse. Your input is valued, your suggestions are read, some gain traction and you see the results as updates are made. I'm done clapping back at the few who offer only negativity, %$#&!, or personal attacks. Hope you enjoy watching the races as much as I enjoy bringing them to you. Its (sic) a privilege, not taken lightly, and a labor of love. Thanks for all the messages of support. Let's move on."
Denny Hamlin, probably feeling like the mood needed some lightening up, swooped in to save the day with this, all things considered, pretty hilarious question.
Mr. Joy while we have your attention could we make a small request with the cartoons? Thanks in advance. https://t.co/eWZ55FNBce
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 22, 2023
"Mr. Joy while we have your attention could we make a small request with the cartoons? Thanks in advance," Hamlin wrote.
The 42-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing driver was specifically referencing the graphics package that Fox Sports rolled out a couple years back, which presents all NASCAR Cup Series drivers as comic book characters. Hamlin has taken particular umbrage with his cartoon representation, considering that he's occasionally been featured sporting a goatee, a look that he claims he's never rocked. Thankfully, Joy was there to answer Denny's nagging question.
Thanks Denny. The "superhero" illustrations are part of the FOX "look" across all major sports.
This will run its course; the next version of the graphics package could look quite different. I'll forward your ask to LA. https://t.co/ig35poOfg7— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) March 22, 2023
"Thanks Denny," Joy responded. "The 'superhero' illustrations are part of the FOX 'look' across all major sports. This will run its course; the next version of the graphics package could look quite different. I'll forward your ask to LA."
Hey, love him or hate him, but you've got to appreciate Mike Joy's dry sense of humor.
