The passing of the legendary American racing broadcaster, Ken Squier, marked the end of an era in NASCAR’s history.
Squier, known as the Vin Scully, Pat Summeral, or Al Michaels to NASCAR fans of multiple generations, died at the age of 88 on Wednesday night in his native Vermont. The iconic broadcaster struggled with various health issues in recent years, with an intestinal blockage ultimately leading to his passing.
During NASCAR’s rapid rise in the late 1970s and throughout the 80s, Squier served as the predominant voice of the sport, most notably during the thrilling Daytona 500 in 1979, a race that showcased his exceptional broadcasting skills.
His memorable words just moments before the famous wreck between Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough on the final lap of the Daytona 500 elevated him to legendary status: “Two of the greatest here, fiddling, fidgeting with first place.” These words encapsulated the intensity of the race that ultimately delivered the win to Richard Petty.
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His work as a play-by-play broadcaster for CBS and TBS coincided with NASCAR’s skyrocketing popularity throughout the late 20th Century, leading into the sport’s comprehensive network coverage beginning in 2001.
Squier’s natural linguistic talent and charming New England demeanor set him apart, making his voice an integral part of NASCAR’s modern narrative.
His significant contributions to NASCAR included coining the nickname “The Great American Race” for the Daytona 500, a title that has since become synonymous with NASCAR’s most prestigious event.
His inspiration for the moniker came during a visit to Australia, where he observed the widely celebrated Bathurst 1000, known locally as “The Great Race,” and found parallels that suited NASCAR’s marquee event.
Throughout his career, Squier remained deeply connected to his Vermont roots, where he began his broadcasting journey at the age of 14 from the back of a logging truck. His passion for racing led him to own and co-own a couple of Vermont tracks and partner with NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. to establish the Motor Racing Network.
Despite his impact on the airwaves, it was Squier’s national television presence that ingrained him in the hearts of millions of racing enthusiasts. His remarkable career culminated in his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the 2018 class.
The recognition of Squier’s influence on auto racing extended far and wide, with Vermont Gov. Phil Scott expressing profound grief over the loss of a “true Vermont legend.” Meanwhile, NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France hailed Squier as an instrumental force in the sport’s evolution and a beloved figure among fans.
Squier’s authentic enthusiasm and unwavering optimism set him apart, making him a revered figure in NASCAR and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
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