HALL of Fame Nascar announcer Ken Squier, who narrated the sport’s first live televised race, has died aged 88.
Squier died Wednesday at his home in Vermont, a close friend announced Thursday on social media.
“Ken gained his wings last night at 8:20 p.m. ET, surrounded by his incredible and loving family,” Sirius XM Nascar Radio host Dave Moody wrote about Xformerly Twitter.
“I mourn the loss of my dear friend and lifelong mentor, but I rejoice that his pain and struggle are over.”
Before his death, Moody had shared updates on Squier’s health on social networks.
The legendary Nascar commentator was dealing with several health issues that led to his death, according to Moody.
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“The last three years have been extremely difficult…with a series of health issues that included a nasty case of shingles, a near-fatal bout (sic) with COVID, a minor stroke, and a recent fall that left him dropped out with a fractured pelvis,” Mood said.
“Surprisingly, he seemed on track to bounce back once again until another medical issue this week proved too much for even Kenley to overcome.”
Nascar legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. also mourned the passing of the Hall of Famer, sharing: “Ken Squier was there when Nascar was introduced to the rest of the world in 1979 for the Kaytona 500.
“I am convinced that race would not have had a lasting impact if Ken had not been our main narrator.
“We are still riding the wave of that momentum created that day. Ken’s (sic) words and energy were perfect on a day when Nascar needed it.”
“I will be forever grateful to him for his major role in the development of stock car racing. RIP.”
“Even though he never got behind the wheel of a stock car, Ken Squier contributed to the growth of NASCAR as much as any competitor,” said Jim France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR, in a communicated.
“Ken was a superb storyteller and his incomparable voice is the soundtrack to many of NASCAR’s greatest moments.
“His calls on television and radio brought fans closer to the sport, and for that he was a fan favorite. Ken knew no stranger and will be missed by all.
“On behalf of the France family and all of NASCAR, I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Ken Squier.”
A pioneer of the sport of Nascar, Squier coined the term The Great American Race for the Daytona 500.
Following the success of the first televised Daytona 500, various television networks, including CBS, TBS, TNN, ESPN, ABC and NBC, offered to show the Nascar races.
Throughout his career, Squier provided round-the-clock commentary for CBS and TBS.
He was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2002 and the American Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2010.
In 2013, he was named the inaugural recipient of the 2013 Squier-Hall Award for Excellence in Nascar Media alongside broadcaster Barney Hall.
He was eventually inducted into the Nascar Hall of Fame in 2018.
At the time, he didn’t think he deserved the honor.
“I really believe these Hall of Fame awards should be given to those sitting in these cars,” he said.
