Review of "The Drive" on WFNZ

This is a review of "The Drive" a syndicated evening radio show based in North Carolina. I listen to "The Drive" on their flagship station which is WFNZ out of Charlotte. You can also pick up "The Drive" on the following stations, WDNC 620AM '" Raleigh/Durham, WCOG 1320AM '" Greensboro, WSNC 90.5FM '" Winston-Salem and WMFR 1230AM '" High Point and the show runs from 3 to 7 pm on weekdays.



"The Drive" is hosted by Taylor Zarzour and Marc "with a C" James with help from Charlotte comedian QCB, along with producers Tony "The Hitman" and Jay "JayWeezie" Brown. QCB is hilarious in his "3 with the QCB" segments where he rants about whatever is on his mind for 3 minutes. Tony is somewhat annoying on air but probably the best call screener on WFNZ. JayWeezie is more of a board operator and is not on air often. But since I love the Whiner Line (more on that later) and Jay controls who gets on air I must say he is a solid pro!



Since I want to be a sportswriter when I grow up, listening to sports radio is a big part of my day. In this review of "The Drive" with Taylor Zarzour and Marc James I must be honest. I didn't immediately love the show when it premiered in January of 2011.



I was listening to a two hour show on another station then switching to "The Drive" and had lukewarm interest in the show. At first it was hard for myself and others to tell Marc and Taylor apart and I felt the show was targeting a younger audience than my own 41 year old self.



During the 2011 NFL draft amidst all the anxiety of whether there would be a season or not I bought completely into "The Drive" on WFNZ. Zarzour and James really brought it as did the producers with their round table discussions with people like successful sports radio show host and former NFL player Frank Garcia among others. I also like the way they spoke about Kyle Busch and his famousspeeding ticket.



Both Taylor Zarzour and Marc James have lots of experience in sports talk radio and it shows with their knowledge of and contacts in the sports world. Of course they drop so many names that you would think they have butter fingers but that is ok.



One of my favorite parts of "The Drive" is the Whiner Line. That is a phone line where fans can rant or more usually insult other listeners to the show. Call in with something funny and speak clearly and you have a good shot at being on the radio when they play the best of the calls during two segments. If a woman calls the show she can be expected to hear on the Whiner Line to get into the kitchen or the bedroom.



I must admit I am probably the reason why Whiners are now supposed to be limited to one call on air per day. I made the mistake of bragging on Twitter that I was on there four times one day. You may have heard me on there as "The ghost of Woody Hayes" , "Bubba the NC State Fan" or "Lance the Duke Fan". Rip Taylor or Marc on the Whiner line and they will rip you back, which I love. They even (correctly) accused me of living in a mobile home after one of my rants.



I recommend that people give "The Drive" a listen if you are interested in sports radio in the Carolinas. For reviews of more sports radio shows or to check out my other articles just click my name.