Announcing...an underappreciated art I now appreciate more.

Announcers.  When you go to the track, their voice either graces the PA and informs the people of what is going on, including times, action, driver facts/statistics, and some advertising for the track.  Others can make the track experience much less enjoyable.  From butchering driver names, not being informed, being obnoxious, etc., they can make a fan experience much less enjoyable.  I have always had certain expectations/standards as to what makes a good announcer.   Someone who knows the names of drivers, facts/statistics about the drivers (nicknames, career accomplishments, season to date info), doesn't try to call what isn't there, and doesn't try to be funny and is just natural on the mic are those who I consider good or great.  Names that come to mind in all forms of motorsports include Tom Carnige, Bob Jenkins, James Essex, Rick Eschelman, Bret Emerick, Dustin Jarrett, Chris Nunn, Mike Meurer, Johnny Gibson, Mike Norris,  and Larry Limbach are all announcers whom have honed their craft after many years and who among their respective spectrums in the racing world, are considered the best at their craft.
On the Monday before the Mary Lee Standridge Memorial event at Jacksonville Speedway, I was discussing with a group of fans about Twitter, and the subject of whether I could do it and Tweet(something I have really become known for as of late) came up.  Like I said, I don't think it would be as easy, but promoter Kenny Dobson asked me if I wanted to take a shot at it and call the UMP Late Model portion of the program.  I had thought about announcing for a long time, and with the encouragement of a few friends/followers, I decided to give it a whirl, knowing that this was a big honor and I might just be able to leave my own positive mark on the program.  Needless to say, it just came naturally.  That was because I have watched the sport with knowledgeable people, and heard some of the best in racing call the action.  It was a fun experience, and I ended up calling home a big local/regional fan favorite, and good friend, "The Highside Hustler" Jason Feger.  The look on Jason's face when he got out and realized that I was the announcer and was going to be doing the interview was PRICELESS.  That night on social media and the next night at Macon Speedway, my Saturday night home track, friends and fans were coming up and letting me know I had done a great job.  Needless to say, it was humbling, and I was thankful for all of the kind words.  Apparently I do have a knack for it after all.  I will definitely pick up the mic gain in the future and give it another go.
After being put in the position, I do have a much greater appreciation for those who do this all the time.  It takes constant information, good sources/friends, a personable attitude, and a good presentation style to deliver on the mic.  Some parts of it you can learn.  However, you have to be comfortable speaking publicly. This is really one of those things you can learn some, but you either have it or you don't. 

Announcers

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.