DAVE MAC ENJOYS ANNOUNCING 50TH, HAPPILY "HIBERNATED"
Dave McClelland, legendary drag announcer, continues to prove announcing a drag racing event can be a talent equal with riding a bike. At least for the NHRA’s legendary voice it is.
McClelland joined NHRA announcer Bob Frey on the announcer’s deck multiple times over the course of the NHRA 50th anniversary Winternationals to call the action, and to bring a nostalgic flavor to the weekend’s racing
“The author Thomas Wolfe once said you can never go home again and I found that to be wrong,” said McClelland, who retired from full-time announcing in 2004. “It was like old times here in Pomona.”
McClelland joined NHRA announcer Bob Frey on the announcer’s deck multiple times over the course of the NHRA 50th anniversary Winternationals to call the action, and to bring a nostalgic flavor to the weekend’s racing
“The author Thomas Wolfe once said you can never go home again and I found that to be wrong,” said McClelland, who retired from full-time announcing in 2004. “It was like old times here in Pomona.”
Sentimentality aside, McClelland respectfully conveys to his fans who long for his return that he’s perfectly happy remaining in “hibernation”.
“Don’t think I’m gonna make a habit of it,” he added. “I basically retired from full-time announcing to get off of the road. The only way you can pursue that career is to travel all the time. I’m very happy that they lured me out of hibernation.”
This weekend’s event marks the 47th consecutive NHRA Winternationals event attended by McClelland.
McClelland admitted his first Winternationals experience, as an announcer, didn’t feature much of a public address system.
“We barely had one,” he explained. “You talked a lot and wasn’t really sure anyone heard you.”
McClenathan missed the first NHRA Winternationals, but announced the 25th and now the 50th. Will the 75th be on his radar?
“I’m planning on being at the 100th,” exclaimed McClelland, as he smiled.
