Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

From Drag Race Central

READING, Pa. --

Bob Frey, the long-time announcer and voice of NHRA, has announced that he will retire from announcing at the end of the year. "I've been doing this since 1966 and travelling extensively and it's time to settle down," Frey said. "There are a lot of things at home I would like to do and take care of. I have six grandsons and I would like to see them grow up, play ball and be a bigger part of their lives. Plus, after all these years on the road, I'd like to share some time with my wife. In fact, I think next year I'd like to travel and see the world." He quickly added that he was only kidding about that last part. "If I never see another airport security line in my life I'll be happy."
Bob started announcing at Atco Dragway in 1966 and has been a part of the sport ever since. "I've been doing this since before Funny Cars or Pro Stocks were even classes," he said. "I've been blessed to meet most of the stars of the sport and to be able to call them friends. It's been a great ride but it's time to move on." He went on to say that he intends to stay involved in the sport but in a very limited and selective way. "I plan on doing the Don Garlits Hall of Fame inductions in March and the DRAW auction in October along with other selected events, but not in an announcing capacity. Plus, I hope to be able to continue to write my weekly columns for DragRaceCentral.com. That's something I really enjoy, plus that is something I can do from home and that's a real bonus. And I hope to continue to provide my stats to the folks at ESPN so they can use them on their shows."

When asked about some of his most memorable moments Bob said that it would be tough to pick out any single one. "There has been so much that I have seen, from twin-engine dragsters to today's fuel cars and everything in between. I love a good Competition Eliminator race as much as a Top Fuel one so I really can't single out any particular moment. I've enjoyed every aspect of my career but I'm looking forward to slowing down."

Bob will finish out the season with the races in Las Vegas and Pomona and then begin his retirement. "I'd like to thank everyone who has been so kind to me over the years, especially everyone at NHRA. It's been a dream job and I will miss it."

Thanks for the memories Bob. It will not be the same without you behind the mic. You were a large supporter of the sportsman racer as much as we all know NHRA had you tied up with the Pro's.

Hope to catch up with you in Vegas and wish you all the best in your retirement!

Mike Ferstl
SG SR QR SC 6091

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

:):) Bob Frey is, without a doubt, one of the best at what he does. His knowledge is overwhelming and he is one class act. I don't know who they can get to replace him, but I hope it is NOT another Paul Page. Mike Dunn could do the show without Paul. Anyway, I wish Bob many happy years of retirement. When Steve Evans died we lost a great drag racing personality. At least we are losing Bob Frey to a great thing - RETIREMENT.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

I think Bret Kepner is up there too (even though he picks on me whenever we bump into each other LOL!!):D

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Bob Frey was so great behind the mic and always seem to be smiling. He really loves the sport and it shows.

I wish him a happy retirement and I'm sure he will still be attending some events as a fan.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Bob Fry = #1 ....and he is a great guy and so much fun to hang out with over 20 years at the drag strips across this great land of ours.

Have fun Bob, you more than deserve it.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

him and scelzi would make a GREAT team...;)

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Keep it "Joisey"
Lewis Bloom

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

No Say it aint so. !!!!!!........... Sure am going to miss his voice.......

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Congrat,s on your retirement. You have earned it. You will be missed. Have fun with grandkids

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

The voice of Sportsman drag racing will be missed. So does this mean he will finally get that Volare done that he talked about so much? Hmmm, maybe he can write a book about all the great history he's seen.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Bob's been a great friend to all racers,especially the Sportsman.
He's always managed to bring a little ,sometimes a lot,of humor to our sport.
He, like Dave MacCelland,and Steve Evans before him will be especially missed by the racers.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

BUGGAR again !!

However, guys he really didn't do a lot of sportsman coverage in the last few years (decade) except for early race weekend stuff for sportsman, gotta figure the ESPN time took him away from us.

That been said, I'm gonna miss listening to his ever entertaining voice over the PA during the pro session. Some of the inside, hilarious, joking, poke fun comments will be missed and now it will make the Pro session sound like us now without him!

Him and Reinhart together was like being at a comedy club, good stuff!
I reckon Alan is the best lately at getting the fans revved up about Sportsman racing, I watched people in the stands at Sonoma cheering for Stockers while he was on the mic!

HOW THE HELL do ya replace him? Haven't heard or seen anybody capable lately ???## ???%^*^$U&$^#% b NHRA missing it again without having a back-up plan ?

Gonna miss ya Bob !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

I haven't watched any of the broadcasts this year,has Paul Fudd been on?

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Time for the only logical replacement - Louis Bloom!!

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

x2

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

I was not a big fan of Bob Frey so I won't miss his dry humor. I actually thought he was boring. He was very knowledgeable but just didn't have much excitement. I have been racing down south most of my career and Hasley Hood was the best I have ever heard. He still does some local stuff. I hope they can get a good replacement for him. Actually the guy that does WFO radio is real good. I heard him at a race in West Palm and he was very good.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Kepner picks on everyone! That's one of the things that makes him fun to listen to. Kepner would be an excellent person to slide into the position. Jim

.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

I think someone should offer Bob a seat in a stocker for a few races. He has done a lot for sportsman racers over the years, he should have the opportunity to be a part of the action

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Yeah. Who has a Dodge Aspen?

Bob is a great guy, and a lot of fun.

Alan Rheinhart is probably the logical replacement, he's also a great guy, and a big fan of the sportsman racers.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Sure will miss him, I could see either Leo or Alan take over this position.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

I would think that Alan Reinhart is the heir apparent, and I think that he would do an excellent job. Bob Frey is the best at what he does, and he is a true fan of, and friend to, the Sportsman racers. He will be sorely missed.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Here's one of a younger Bob Frey...and good luck with your retirement.

http://www.draglist.com/photoimages/...Bob%20Frey.jpg

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

x100 for lewis bloom

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

x2

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Sorry folks
Alan has the job...Congrats to the #1 ball buster..Well deserved friend!!!

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Alan's top end interview with Anderson and Line after the final Pro Stock qualifing session was priceless !
He was momentarily speechless when Line said his "Matty box" malfunctioned!
He's definatly my choice as heir appearant.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Alan Reinhart has a great sense of humor and he has made me laugh on numerous occasions at National events. In particular, I appreciate his deep voiced imitation of Jon Lundberg's "Attention in the pits". He has big shoes to fill, but he will do a great job.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

I had hoped to race long enough to get my name mentioned in the "Bob Tales" in the back of the National Dragster.

Another of my dreams dashed....

Best of luck in your future endeavours, Mr. Frey! Drag Racing was better because of you!

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Bob's last day. http://www.nitromater.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Favourite Frey Quote "Competition Eliminator is God's way of saying you have too much money."

Favourite Frey Moment: Mid-90s @ Brainerd, I was on the starting line, shooting pictures for the Winnipeg Sun. I was wearing a red Canada t-shirt and Fred Flintstone sweatpants (it was easy to find myself on the tv broadcast). Bob was taking shots at my wardrobe and summed it up with "On, he's from Canada".

If you're on Twitter, let's try to get #bobfrey trending today. Bob would have a good laugh at that.

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Bob Frey announcing from the booth at Pomona...

http://director-lang-metro.medianews...D&m=1352604991

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

Bob Frey is one of the best or maybe the best that I have ever heard ann.back in his IHRA days,it was just awesome to sit back and listen to him,to me NHRA missed the boat by not making him their pro tv ann.but ofcourse thats just my opinion........................................... ..

Re: Bob Frey announces retirement!
 

They sure did miss the boat on that one for sure Bob is the best. I'm Lewis or Alan will do a great as color men at the race tracks. One thing for sure is we got rid of that lame duck Paul Page finally!!!!!!!!!!

The real reason Bob Frey announces retirement?
 

Going into politics?

Re: The real reason Bob Frey announces retirement?
 

Say hello to your new county prosecutor!