This is a pretty special episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast. Why? The guests are Bob Frey and Jon Lundberg two of drag racing’s greatest announcers. The guys talk about their lives in the sport, how they are interconnected, and some of their favorite memories from long and storied careers. This s not just the “same old stuff” as it’s more about the men and how they approached the job, how they eventually fell in love with announcing drag races, and the interesting people that they worked for in the decades they spent in the sport.
The incredible thing we learn here is that Lundberg was largely responsible for helping to launch the career of Frey outside of his native Atco Dragway and we also learn about how Bob Frey was present at some of the most significant moments in drag racing history you might not have known about. The common thread in this episode is that both Frey and Lundberg have had a great influence on my life and career and I share those stories as well.
Also in this episode is a tribute to Dave McClelland perhaps the most well known voice in the history of drag racing. Period. The audio comes from the 1984 NHRA US Nationals and we listen to him call the runs of Don Garlits as he goes on to score one of the most amazing wins in drag racing history. His comeback race in top fuel was a seminal moment in the sport and the way that Mac captures it with dignity, excitement, and thrill enhances the whole situation in the best way.
Enjoy this chat with a pair of legendary drag racing figures. I sure did!
Hit the logo and listen to a pair of drag racing’s most awesome voices, Frey and Lundberg
Jon Lundberg is an awesome human being. If I were to leave one thing as a life lesson for the people I work with and deal with, it would be that we often have no idea how much of an impression we leave on others, particularly young people. Good and bad. Be an example. Jon Lundberg undoubtably has no idea how much of an impression he left on me when I was just a kid of 14 at Connecticutt Dragway. But it works for all of us. Be an example kids should aspire to. That’s how you make your mark in the world.
Brian, you hit it out of the park on this one! You captured my era in one episode with Bob Frey, Steve Evans, Dave McClelland and John Lundburg. Those voices echoed through the greatest memories in my life. As a kid growing up to present Lundburgs towering voice over the AM radio, “SUNDAY NIAGARA”, still excites me.All these men had a presence that marked milestones in history and greatly deserve your mention.
By the way you will be on that list some day!
Really enjoyed this one, hope you can continue making them
1961 THRU 1975 INDY NATIONALS. ABOUT 9:00 AM THE PA SYSTEM WOULD COME ON AND DAVE McCELLAND WOULD SAY GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO THE 19– WHATEVER YEAR IT WAS)NATIONALS. THAT FOLKS WAS THE START OF THE DAY TIL 5:00 , THEN COME BACK AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. HIS VOICE COULD BE HEARD FOR MILES.
THE GOOD TIMES.
JOHN BENKO