NASCAR racing is an amalgamation of like-minded people sharing the platform to express themselves at their fullest. For drivers, it is competing on the racetracks; for fans, it is to cheer from the grandstands; and for storytellers like Doug Rice, it is to call the races from the booth. A veteran of the sport, who has been making fans feel as if they were on the racetrack. His voice is indeed iconic and can quickly take you back to Jeff Gordon’s first win in 1994 or Ryan Blaney’s thrilling finish at the 2018 Roval race.

However, after memorable 36 years doing what he’s best known for, Rice will be hanging up his boots at the end of the 2024 season. Although he is well-known among NASCAR fans, his passion for the sport earned him fandom from well-known drivers like Jeff Gordon. The HMS legend even shared a tale from the past to celebrate Rice’s illustrious career as a NASCAR journalist.

Jeff Gordon tips his hat to Greg Rice ahead of the Charlotte Roval race

As a token of appreciation for his contribution towards NASCAR, the Bristol Motor Speedway Rice presented Rice with a gladiator sword. Also, they named a radio booth after his name. For the veteran journalist, these gestures from the racing community were overwhelming. But little did he know that Jeff Gordon from Hendrick Motorsports would give him a heartfelt tribute as a part of his victory lap.

“At Daytona, I went to the Volusia Mall. I felt like the first time I had actually arrived and made it, Doug. I mean what you guys did, if you guys remember the number of fans that came to the Volusia Mall across the street from Daytona. Thousands, it was incredible, and it was the first time that really NASCAR impacted me in a way where I was in awe and I got to spend time with you, Denny, and the whole crew.” Gordon said in a special ceremony.

Even the Charlotte Motor Speedway is celebrating Rice’s incredible career. They even designed a special logo that read ‘Doug’s Last Lap’—36 years of broadcasting. The logo featured the design of a headset with the tagline. “There’s no place like the right time; it’s just time. There’s some things in my life that don’t involve going to the speedway.” This is what Rice had to say about his decision to retire from calling NASCAR racing for PRN.

It’s not just Doug Rice who is being celebrated ahead of the playoff races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle has also been recognized for his selfless efforts in helping people suffering from Hurricane Helene in the North Carolina region.

Greg Biffle will get the ball rolling for the Bank of America Roval 400

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Biffle has used his personal helicopter to deliver essentials to those stranded in the isolated areas. His efforts have ignited a chain reaction and influenced companies like Starlink and Polari to help in his selfless cause. The Carolina Hurricanes did have him as the guest of honor for their game against Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Motor Speedway is going to follow suit.

The former Roush Fenway Racing driver will serve as the honorary starter and wave the green flag for the playoff race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Joining him as special guests will be NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Ricky Rudd and Carl Edwards, who will serve the role of the Grand Marshals for the race.

It will be a star-studded line of dignitaries present at the Roval this Sunday and serve their honorary roles. The focus will also be on the playoff drivers, who will be fighting tooth and nail to advance to the next round.