NASCAR community reacts to death of legendary broadcaster Barney Hall
In a fiercely competitive sport where rivalries and jealousies are commonplace, the late Barney Hall was the rarest of the rare, a man universally admired and respected by virtually everyone in NASCAR.
Hall spent more than five decades in radio, calling his first Daytona 500 in 1960 and missing The Great American Race only four times in 57 years.
He died Tuesday at the age of 83, leaving behind both a great legacy and an enormous void. Simply put, he was the voice of NASCAR at Motor Racing Network since its founding by Big Bill France in 1970.
"Whether you met him or not, you felt like you knew him," said NASCAR Hall of Fame executive director Winston Kelly, who worked with Hall at MRN. "His easy, conversational delivery made you feel like you were listening to one of your closest friends or relatives tell you a story -- the story of the very NASCAR race he was describing. He could paint a picture that would make Picasso or Rembrandt proud and tell a story that would awe Hemingway or Twain."
As we at FOXSports.com extend our condolences, the tributes continue to roll in from NASCAR drivers, officials and friends.
#BarneyHall, #Nascar's greatest storyteller. His folksy delivery WAS racing to millions of fans. Very proud to work with such a great talent
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) January 27, 2016
Thank you Barney. https://t.co/trBNfxA6JX
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) January 27, 2016
This is awful, awful news. Great guy & incredible spokesman for the sport for decades. I'll never forget that voice. https://t.co/SWB4ngmpZE
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) January 27, 2016
Sad to see the passing of Barney Hall. Loved listening to him call races on @MRNRadio
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) January 27, 2016
So sad to here the news of Barney Hall he was the voice of Nascar when I was growing up I listened to him every Sunday #RipBarney
— Ty Dillon (@tydillon) January 27, 2016
Thank you Barney. You were a blessing and will be missed. https://t.co/0n52ssKUEQ
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 27, 2016
Sad to learn of the passing of @MRNRadio legend Barney Hall.Not just a Hall of Fame radio man, but HoF huiman being. pic.twitter.com/FbbRiPxmpB
— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) January 27, 2016
Heavy hearts tonight as we mourn the passing of Barney Hall. Thoughts are w/ his loved ones & the @MRNRadio family. pic.twitter.com/HKkeEKV2mB
— Chicagoland Speedway (@ChicagolndSpdwy) January 27, 2016
Loved listening to Barney Hall call races as we were running up and down the road to dirt tracks he was so good!! @MRNRadio
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) January 27, 2016
Well said @MRNRadio. He will forever be a part of @NASCAR folklore. May he rest in peace. #BarneyHall https://t.co/ywjYIeXPfp
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) January 27, 2016
Beautiful ......... “@KarenByrnes: Rest in peace Barney Hall & @SteveByrnes12. pic.twitter.com/bsOafpjyUn”
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) January 27, 2016
We are deeply saddened by the loss of legendary NASCAR broadcaster Barney Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at @MRNRadio.
— Toyota Racing (@ToyotaRacing) January 27, 2016
Was just in the Barney Hall studio this week. I will always remember his smooth calling of a race. RIP https://t.co/FZ6cGCAnEP
— David Ragan (@DavidRagan) January 27, 2016
