Talladega Unveils New “Barney Hall MRN Booth"

MRN Pres. David Hyatt, Earnhardt and
Talladega VP Brian Crichton

Barney Hall, the legendary voice of the Motor Racing Network, who coined the phrase, “They don’t race ‘em anywhere in the world like they do at Talladega,” will forever be a part of the venue with the dedication and naming of the “Barney Hall MRN Booth,” which sits high atop the start/finish line at NASCAR’s Most Competitive track.

When the MRN team of announcers return to Talladega Superspeedway for the pivotal NASCAR Chase Elimination races, they will perform their weekend duties from the all new “Barney Hall MRN Booth,” named in honor of Hall, a long-time supporter of Talladega Superspeedway, who first covered racing events at the 2.66-mile track in 1970.

Hall, who passed away in January at the age of 83, was a giant inspiration among his fellow announcers, providing fans with a smooth, detailed, insightful and folksy style that fit perfectly into what Talladega was all about. His calm demeanor and storytelling were second to none.

“Barney was an incredible friend to this race track, since the beginning,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “His honest delivery of words painted an incredible picture of the racing here at Talladega for those who were listening, long before we had television coverage. And, he was right – they don’t race ‘em anywhere in the world like they do at Talladega.”

Last week, six-time Talladega Superspeedway winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. helped cut the ribbon on the “Barney Hall MRN Booth,” which inside features a huge collage of photos of Hall and his memorable, iconic Talladega phrase “They don’t race ‘em anywhere in the world like they do at Talladega.” Earnhardt was joined by MRN President David Hyatt and Talladega Superspeedway Vice President Brian Crichton.

Hall, who many called “the Voice of NASCAR” for more than half a decade, was honored as the National Motorsports Press Association’s Broadcaster of the Year in 2014. He was inducted into that organization's Hall of Fame in 2007. In May 2012, NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame jointly announced the creation of a new award to honor the media’s contributions to the success of the sport. It carried the names of two legendary MRN broadcasters: Hall and Ken Squier, who were also the first recipients.

While he won’t be competing in the Alabama 500, Earnhardt will be at Talladega, interacting with fans as part of the track’s Fan Driver Question & Answer session on Sunday morning at the start-finish line. The Q&A will also feature Chase drivers Carl Edwards and defending Alabama 500 champ Joey Logano, along with Brian Scott, Michael Annett and 1989 NASCAR Champ Rusty Wallace. To be a part of this event, fans can purchase Talladega’s “Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade” for $75 (must also purchase a Sunday admission ticket). The “Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade” will be in effect on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. until the conclusion of Driver Introductions. The Alabama 500 gets underway at 1 p.m. CDT. To purchase, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com .

Talladega Superspeedway’s weekend schedule kicks off on Friday with practice sessions for both the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and the Alabama 500. Saturday’s schedule includes qualifying for the NCWTS fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola (9:30 a.m. CDT), the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola (the Round of 8 Elimination race in the NCWTS Chase), which gets the green flag at 12 Noon CDT, and Foodland/Food Giant Qualifying for the Sprint Cup Series. Sunday’s Alabama 500, which will see the field of 12 contenders for the title be reduced to eight at the checkered flag, is set for a 1 p.m. CDT start on Sunday, Oct. 23.