Bob Frey announces retirement!

ChevyII · 10-05-2012, 05:44 PM

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

Carguy49 · 10-05-2012, 05:56 PM

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.

Gary Smith · 10-05-2012, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carguy49

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.

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

D.Johns · 10-05-2012, 06:14 PM

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.

Glenn Hayes · 10-05-2012, 06:46 PM

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.

Tom keedle · 10-05-2012, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Smith

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

him and scelzi would make a GREAT team...

Greg Barsamian · 10-05-2012, 08:07 PM

Keep it "Joisey"
Lewis Bloom

KThomas · 10-05-2012, 08:42 PM

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

Bobby Brannon · 10-05-2012, 09:22 PM

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

Doug Blackley · 10-05-2012, 09:53 PM

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.

10-05-2012, 05:56 PM	#2
Carguy49 VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Fife, Washington Posts: 1,977 Likes: 2,466 Liked 2,938 Times in 706 Posts	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. __________________ Ron McDowell - Did Race Every day is a Gift - Enjoy with family and friends.

10-05-2012, 06:14 PM	#4
D.Johns Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 437 Likes: 15 Liked 18 Times in 6 Posts	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. __________________ 2014 Cobra Jet FS/XX #3345 STK/SS Like us on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel...25886327426822

10-05-2012, 06:46 PM	#5
Glenn Hayes Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida Posts: 348 Likes: 416 Liked 18 Times in 12 Posts	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. __________________ "Real Race Cars Have Tailgates"

10-05-2012, 08:07 PM	#7
Greg Barsamian VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 1,398 Likes: 714 Liked 410 Times in 94 Posts	Re: Bob Frey announces retirement! Keep it "Joisey" Lewis Bloom

10-05-2012, 08:42 PM	#8
KThomas Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 127 Likes: 165 Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Bob Frey announces retirement! No Say it aint so. !!!!!!........... Sure am going to miss his voice.......

10-05-2012, 05:44 PM	#1
ChevyII Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 263 Likes: 3 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	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 Last edited by ChevyII; 10-05-2012 at 05:52 PM.

10-05-2012, 09:22 PM	#9
Bobby Brannon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bossier City,La. Posts: 659 Likes: 3 Liked 104 Times in 35 Posts	Re: Bob Frey announces retirement! Congrat,s on your retirement. You have earned it. You will be missed. Have fun with grandkids __________________ Bobby Brannon 4705 STK, SS

10-05-2012, 09:53 PM	#10
Doug Blackley Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hanover, MA Posts: 430 Likes: 3 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	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. __________________ Doug Blackley 1697 STK