Days After 88-YO Ken Squier’s Demise, Kenny Wallace Offers Teary-Eyed Tribute To Childhood Idol

The world of NASCAR bid a heavy-hearted farewell to Ken Squier earlier this week. The legend, who had been the voice of the sport for two decades, was experiencing health issues, as was revealed by sports commentator Dave Moody. His death news hit the NASCAR circuit real hard. Recently, Kenny Wallace also chimed in with what Squier meant to him and paid a fitting tribute to the motorsport legend.

Did you know Ken Squier was a NASCAR Hall of Famer? In fact, the legend was responsible for creating many events more than 60 years ago and they continue to this day. This includes the Governor’s Cup and the Vermont Milk Bowl.

Reminiscing the old days, Kenny Wallace reveals Ken Squier’s impact on his childhood

Wallace, while remembering Ken Squier, revealed how excited he used to be whenever he used to see him during radio shows. The 60-year-old also revealed that he used to imitate Squier when he was younger.

“In the 80s, they would do radio shows around the malls or around the local bars for speed weeks in Daytona. I would see him and I was in awe because, oh my god, there he is, Ken Squier. What a unique voice. You know as a kid I always imitated racing cause I love racing so much. So this tribute goes out to Ken Squier, his family, his friends. This is me as a kid, pretending I’m Ken Squier,” Kenny Wallace said.

Needless to say, Ken Squier was a master wordsmith. The phrases he used while describing the on-track action weaved a beautiful story and kept fans engaged throughout. “Like bullets they propel themselves out of the corner” and “Johnny Utsman hand grenades the engine,” were some of his historic storytelling lines.

“My favorite part of Ken’s choir was this, “as the sun sets in the west.” What was it? ‘Ordinary men doing uncommon things’. He had so many good phrases, Ken Squier did…Deep breath everyone, we lost a great one, Ken Squier,” Wallace said. “He made racing better. Ken Squier made racing better,” he added.

WATCH THIS STORY: The $75,000 Legacy – Dale Earnhardt’s priceless memorabilia 

Squier called several great races in his lifetime and witnessed some legendary careers in motorsports, like that of the great Dale Earnhardt. Not to forget, it was Squier who coined the term “The Great American Race” for the iconic Daytona 500. Throughout his career, Squier made thousands fall in love with NASCAR and him. The Motor Racing Network co-founder’s most famous call was in 1979 at Daytona 500. He was calling the battle between Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough. However, it ended with both cars crashing at Turn 3.

Several former drivers paid homage to the motorsports legend. Dale Earnhardt Jr was among those who sent a touching tribute to one of the greatest commentators in the history of motorsports through Twitter.

Dale Earnhardt Jr hails Ken Squier for NASCAR’s lasting impact

Trending

Despite 2023 Disaster, Chase Elliott Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Choosing Alex Bowman’s HMS Banned Tactic

Kurt Busch Finally Breaking Radio Silence After Criminal Charges Forced 3-Month-Long Hiatus Has NASCAR Fans Breathing Easy

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Sister Recalls the Sacrifice Forced on Them by Tony Stewarts’ Stranded Mentee Before Their Big Moment

Bubba Wallace and Others Inadvertently Save Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s Fate in NASCAR

Joey Logano Leaks NASCAR’s Threat to Kick Teams Out of Daytona 500 After Chevy’s Defiance to $400,000 Fine

According to Junior, NASCAR would not have had the impact it did in the late 1900s had it not been for Ken Squier. The 1979 Daytona 500 is considered to be the race that launched the stock-car racing competition around the world, and he was there, narrating its incredible story.

“Ken Squier was there when Nascar was introduced to the rest of the world in 1979 for the Daytona 500. I’m convinced that race would have not had its lasting impact had Ken not been our lead narrator. We still ride the wave of that momentum created on that day. Ken’s words and energy were perfection on a day when Nascar needed it. I am forever grateful for his major role in growing stock car racing. RIP,” Junior tweeted.

Read More: Enchanted Fans Stare in Awe as Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Florence Appearance Evokes Nostalgia

Ken Squier will always be remembered as a legend and one of the greatest commentators in the history of motorsports. The impact of his loss on the NASCAR community is a testament to how loved and well-respected a man he was.