NASCAR’s latest visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway also marks the penultimate broadcast weekend for a motorsports legend.
Doug Rice, Performance Racing Network’s president and lead anchor, is calling his last races at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend and will cap a 36-year broadcasting career in 2024, with his final call in the PRN booth coming next weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Rice’s career was celebrated Saturday morning as he was presented with a personalized Bruton Smith Trophy, which typically goes to winners of the Coca-Cola 600. Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Gordon and Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith attended the press event and trophy presentation.
“This is wonderful beyond measure,” said Rice, who has been honored all year long with “Doug’s Last Call” logos featured in prominent locations at Speedway Motorsports venues. “This year has been a blur.”
Rice’s career broadcast highlights include:
Three-time National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Broadcaster of the Year (2007, ’22 and ’23).
Only broadcaster to call both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day (the “Doug Double”) in 2015.
Jeff Gordon’s first win in the 1994 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Tony Stewart’s first win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 2005 Brickyard 400.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s first Xfinity and Cup Series wins at Texas Motor Speedway.
Served as lead anchor on more than 1,000 PRN “Fast Talk” shows, providing in-depth coverage, driver interviews and memorable stories from countless motorsports personalities.
Rice joined Speedway Motorsports in 1988 as Program and Affiliate Director for PRN. In 1992, he moved into the booth as anchor and has since called play-by-play on more than 220 NASCAR Cup Series races.
Rice also cited two longtime colleagues who were on the ground floor of PRN’s development, as well as present on Saturday, Mark Garrow and Harrill Hamrick.
“Doug has always been the consummate gentleman and professional,” said Marcus Smith, Speedway Motorsports’ president and CEO. “You care about your teammates and always did what it takes to deliver a good show.”
Gordon recalled a 1993 PRN appearance at a Florida mall and reveled in Rice’s call of his first NASCAR Cup Series win – the 1994 Coca-Cola 600. The call of those final two laps was broadcast for the assembled media on Saturday.
“Doug, you were always so professional and so kind,” Gordon said. “You don’t get your own logo unless you’re doing something special. We appreciate what you do to build and grow this sport to millions of fans.”
TICKETS:
Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 tickets are available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10.
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