North Dakota has some of the best racing in the nation and that statement is supported by the fact that we have hosted many national champions. From Jonny Carter and the Wissota Street Stock championship, Jason Wolla being a former IMCA national champion, to Drew Papke being an INEX Dirt National champion, we as a state can say that we have some of the best in the nation. What many people don't recognize is that we also have some of the best announcers in the nation. It's true and you would be hard pressed to find better announcers elsewhere. I have only had a limited experience of taking in races in North Dakota but from what I have seen so far, three of our local announcers could hold their own at any track or series throughout the nation. So who are these individuals who play a vital part of making a night at the track exciting and engaging? Well, the three gentlemen are Larry McFall, Corey Litton, and Jon Breckel.
The first announcer has a well documented career and has roots that run deep in the Minot racing scene. Larry McFall was the first announcer that I got to experience in North Dakota and I was instantly enamored by his style of announcing. He has a strong booming voice that catches anyone's attention right away and has a knacky ability to make any race on the track seem exciting whether it be modifieds racing for the lead or two sport compacts that are battling for second to last. Larry has a larger than life persona that allows him to be a great story teller of the race on the track. He has catchphrases that have become synonymous to his announcing and probably the most recognizable one is when something dramatic happens you get the legendary, "OH MY!" Larry also does a great job at keeping in touch with the racing fan base with his Legend and the New Guy show and page on Facebook. He has also played a big role at his local tracks out west and has done a really good job at representing them. From announcing on the Dakota Classic Modified Tour to announcing a weekly show at Nodak Speedway, Larry has done a great job on the mic.
The second announcer covers the eastern part of the state and in Minnesota all while running the Checkers and Wreckers segment. Corey Litton is a staple for tracks in the east and is a constant in the weekly shows out east. I have had the pleasure to work with Corey during my time with IMCA.tv and I must say there is never a dull moment with him. He has a lot of strengths that he brings with him to every show that he announces at. Corey is always up to date with the drivers at the track and is constantly pushing the sponsors in a manner that doesn't seem over the top but rather in a way that intrigues you into visiting them. Corey is also extremely visible and what I mean is that he you can find him pretty much anywhere at the track and to be honest anywhere there is a race at. Corey took a big step last year and announced the Dakota Classic Modified Tour for the first last year and did an excellent job! I can safely say that he brings a lot of fun to the track and you will have yourself saying "wooooo" by the end of the night. Oh and he can quote the entire movie of Days of Thunder too.
Last but not least is a guy who announces at the central tracks of the state. Jon Breckel is the announcer for Dacotah and Jamestown Speedways. I am honored to call Jon a friend but don't let that distract you from the fact that Jon is a heck of an announcer! The previous two announcers are very knowledgeable but I will say that there is no one in our state that is more knowledgeable than Jon. He can recite winners from previous ten plus years ago and there's a good chance that he can tell you the chassis that the winner had. While that may not always transition to the announcer's booth, Jon is announcer that any track would be thrilled to have. Much like the praises above Jon gives his all to each of the races on the track and does an excellent job at covering the entire field. He has little quirks that makes his races entertaining to listen to and watch, I won't spoil them for you but restarts can be hilarious. Without a shadow of a doubt, I can say Jon takes extreme pride in his work and is the consummate professional when it comes to handling his business before, during, and after the race. I can say on a first hand experience that from the moment that he signs in at a track and including the ride to the track Jon is on his A game and is ready to go and performs at a high level. Personally, I could see Jon someday becoming one of announcers of the Wissota 100 and being able to hold his own well with the other announcers.
At the end of the day there would be racing without announcers but let's be honest it wouldn't nearly be as enjoyable to take in without them there. These three gentlemen play a vital role in telling the entire story that is going on at the track. They also paint a picture of how the night is going in general and they also play an extremely important role of captivating the fans in the action. Without our great announcers our story of racing wouldn't be nearly the same.
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