Voice of a sport: NASCAR honors Barney Hall after announcing retirement
During Saturday's driver/crew chief meeting at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR president Mike Helton announced that legendary radio personality Barnie Hall will retire after calling the Coke Zero 400.
One of the most iconic voices in all of sports, Hall's play-by-play calls helped build the narrative and fan base of NASCAR for five decades. As a result of his influence and achievements, the NASCAR Hall of Fame named the Squire-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Execellence after him and television personality Ken Squier.
After the announcement, the crowd in the driver/crew chief meeting gave Hall a standing ovation, while the NASCAR Twittersphere came out to thank the man who called so many races.
.@NASCAR Pres Mike Helton honors #BarneyHall @DISupdates - moving to new role w us. Live pre race 6:30p #AskMRN pic.twitter.com/o4F2JTo9UM
— Motor Racing Network (@MRNRadio) July 5, 2014
#BarneyHall my retire but that voice will never leave me or be forgotten, smooth as silk, strong as steel, Call'em home tonight buddy !
— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) July 5, 2014
Fitting thank you to Barney Hall. @SiriusXMNASCAR #NASCAR #legend pic.twitter.com/ARozj1i2rU
— Jim Cassidy (@jfcassidy) July 5, 2014
Thanks Barney Hall for all that you have done for the sport of @NASCAR, you have educated many of fans including myself #legend @MRNRadio ?
— Slugger Labbe (@SluggerLabbe) July 5, 2014
Barney Hall has been a great ambassador for our sport. A real professional on the radio & matched many drivers & owners together. #Respect
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) July 5, 2014
Huge shout out to Barney Hall, who is calling his final race tonight. The best that ever was. #respect
— tom jensen (@tomjensen100) July 5, 2014
WOW, Barney Hall is calling his final #NASCAR race tonight on @MRNRadio Barney's VOICE was NASCAR for ME, THANK YOU Barney?
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) July 5, 2014
I grew up in Kentucky following @NASCAR on @MRNRadio Barney Hall made me feel like I was at the track. And I loved that. Thank you Barney.
— Michael Waltrip (@mw55) July 5, 2014
After a great 54 yrs, tonight is Barney Hall's last race doing pbp for @MRNRadio. He'll continue with MRN in a contributing role. Legend.
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) July 5, 2014
Some people deserve an award for the work they've done. Others are so legendary they have awards named after them. Thanks, Barney. #nascar
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) July 5, 2014
.@MRNRadio Barney Hall is a legend. I grew up listening to him. Forever grateful.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 5, 2014
Our very own #BarneyHall is trending in the US! Be sure to tune in tonight at 6:30pm ET to hear his call. #AskMRN pic.twitter.com/lsAkfY8XPc
— Motor Racing Network (@MRNRadio) July 5, 2014
