One thing you will find out very quickly at a race track, is if the announcer is any good or not. The opinion can be quite subjective at times. I actually think, here in Central Illinois, we are actually blessed with some great announcers at our local race tracks. I have heard some bad ones as well, but I don't want to go on sounding like a negative person.
A good announcer has various qualities. One of the most important is that he knows and can pronounce the names of drivers correctly. Nothing can drive a fan crazier in the stands than hearing an announcer massacre the name of a driver. They also know the sponsors that are on the sides of each driver's car. This shows that the announcer has done his homework and actually pays close attention to details. Another good thing is they have a good delivery. They can call the action as it happens, and don't scream into the microphone. Good announcers also know driver nicknames as well These are all traits of a good announcer.
A bad announcer have their qualities as well. Bad announcers butcher the names of drivers, if they even know who is in what car. I have rarely seen this thankfully. They also don't know nicknames, or don't get them right. Bad announcers also have terrible delivery. They either are too quiet, or too loud on the microphone, and sometimes try to make things more exciting than they are. There is nothing more annoying than announcer trying to hype up a race that is obviously a snoozer throughout the field. Good ones will do this, but don't get carried away like bad ones do.
I know announcing isn't an easy thing. It is something that does require a little natural talent, some practice, and a lot of observation. If your track has a good announcer, let the promoter know it. Thank him/her as well as your announcer. If you have a bad one, let the promoter know it as well, in a kind and polite way. That may be what it takes to get a new announcer.
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Announcers make all the difference in the world. Take for instance Jim Sheppard (Voice of the Illini) was replaced with a new announcer. I still do not like the new announcer, Sheppard made it more personal and exciting. You need this type of announcer in all sports. I personally think you would make a good racing announcer.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right. I miss Jim as well. I also miss Tom Carnige, the voice of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well. Both had booming voices that carried well, and their delivery was exquisite. Haha well thank you. I try my best to know what I can about as many of the drivers as I can.
ReplyDeleteWhen I attendend the Promoters Workshops they remind you to put in your track announcers mind they are like the Cruise Director of a ship.
ReplyDeleteThey have to welcome everyone, tell them where they bathrooms are, eating options (concessions), introduce the staff (flagman, owner, racers)...
and to always remember that there is someone in the stands there for the first time and that all that info to that fan is important. Sure Joe Blow thats been going every weekend since the track was built knows the procedure and layout but you have to announce to the one thats there for the first time too. Tough balancing act, but in addition to the great items you listed... they gotta remember they are a cruise director.
Exactly right. I don't mind hearing stuff like that because it is quite pertinent. Sponsors do change and it sometimes isn't easy to see. It is a talent that very few possess. If given the chance, with drivers I knew and an environment I was familiar with, I would give it a shot.
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