Barney Hall[1] (June 24, 1932 – January 26, 2016) was an American sports commentator for Motor Racing Network, formerly calling NASCAR races. Hall broadcast races for over 50 years.[2] Hall is considered one of the best NASCAR commentators of all-time.[3] MRN director David Hyatt stated, "Motor Racing Network is 'The Voice of NASCAR' and Barney Hall is the voice of MRN."[4]
Career
Hall was born at Elkin, North Carolina in 1932.[5] After serving four years in the United States Navy, Hall's career started in the 1950s working for local radio stations in Elkin, particularly as disk jockey at WIFM-FM for 13 years.[5]
In 1960, Hall became the first person to work on the public address system at Bristol Motor Speedway, which was stated as "dumb luck".[6] When Motor Racing Network started in 1970, Hall became a turn announcer, before becoming a booth announcer. Hall commentated on all but three Daytona 500s in his career.[7] On July 5, 2014, Hall announced that the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona would be his final broadcast.[8]
In 2007, he was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Hall of Fame.[9] On May 23, 2012, the NASCAR Hall of Fame announced the creation of the Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence, named for Hall and former MRN reporter Ken Squier.[7]
On January 26, 2016, MRN president David Hyatt announced that Hall had died at the age of 83 after complications from surgery.[10] He was survived by his wife of 35 years, Karen Carrier.[11]
^Aumann, Mark (April 24, 2007). "10 Questions: Barney Hall". NASCAR.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved January 15, 2013.