Barney Hall, Legendary Voice Of NASCAR Dies At 83

Legendary NASCAR Barney Hall died on Tuesday at the age of 83 after complications following a recent medical procedure.

Legendary Voice Of NASCAR, Barney Hall, Dies At 83

Hall called dozens of Daytona 500s for Motor Racing Network (MRN), including the first Daytona 500 in 1960, and was part of the broadcast for 53 of 57 Daytonas to date for 54 years. He was undoubtedly one of the most memorable voices in NASCAR, along with Ken Squier, so it is only fitting that they are both the namesakes for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s award for excellence in media.

“The entire NASCAR family extends its condolences to the family, friends and fans of Barney Hall, a NASCAR broadcasting giant for more than 50 years,” stated Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. “Barney’s impeccable delivery and incredible storytelling skills left an indelible mark on the sport that he so clearly loved.”

“His legacy remains through an honor that rightly carries his name – the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence,” France then added. “It will remain a constant reminder of the skill and passion that Barney brought to his work.”

Hall earned in a place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012, the year the Media Excellence award was created.

“I learned a long time ago, listen to the fans,” Hall told NASCAR.com in the days before his final broadcast in 2014. “If you do what makes them happy, you’re pretty much OK. If not, ain’t nobody happy.”

Caption: CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 23: Ken Squier (R) and Barney Hall (L) pose during Voting Day at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on May 23, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)