Longtime NASCAR announcer and broadcaster Ken Squier has died at the age of 88.
Squier passed away on Wednesday night in Waterbury, Vermont, where he owned the local WDEV radio station.
Known for bringing fans closer to the sport, Squier was a fan favorite. His impact on stock car racing was acknowledged by Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who expressed gratitude for Squier’s role in growing the sport.
Earnhardt credited Squier for his pivotal role in the introduction of NASCAR to the rest of the world in 1979 during the Daytona 500.
Squier also opened Thunder Road speedway in Vermont in 1960. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott described him as “a true Vermont legend and dear friend.”
NASCAR named its annual award for media excellence after Squier and broadcaster Barney Hall. Winston Kelley, executive director of NASCAR Hall of Fame, highlighted Squier’s ability to articulate the human side of NASCAR competitors.
Among Squier’s signature phrases was ‘common men doing uncommon things,’ which effectively communicated the unique skills and risks involved in racing.
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