Long Time Voice of Anderson Speedway Announces Retirement
Denny Adams, long time voice of Anderson Speedway, has announced via his personal Facebook that he will retire from announcing after 43 seasons. Adams, in collaboration with Anderson Speedway Officials, will continue to announce races until the evening of July 4th. This will allow him to announce the 75th Annual Lucas Oil Little 500 presented by UAW on May 27th and hand over the reins on July 4th, just as they were handed to him on July 4th, 1980.
“I look forward to the honor of calling the 75th running of the World’s Greatest Short Track Race…the Lucas Oil Little 500 Presented by UAW,” Adams said in his official announcement. “I can’t think of a better way to cap off my career.”
On July 4th, 1980, a 30-year-old Adams was presented with an opportunity that most would call “unexpected”. The original voice of Anderson Speedway, Dutch Hurst, became ill and someone needed to fill in. Being familiar with the scoring tower as a scoreboard operator, Adams stepped up to the plate. Although he had made it known that he would have interest in announcing should Dutch Hurst decide to step aside, the announcement that Hurst was ill and would no longer be announcing came as a shock to everyone, particularly Adams. He went to the Speedway just as he normally had for years, but that day changed his life and the lives of many forever. On that date 43 years ago, the fans of Anderson Speedway were greeted with a voice that they had never heard before, but would grow to love as time moved past them all.
Anderson Speedway not only became a second home for Denny Adams, but also for his family. He worked alongside his wife, Maridene, at Anderson for many years as she would assist with Marc Times and would sell event programs to fans. His daughter, Jessica Larson, began working at Anderson Speedway in 2000 as a scoreboard operator. Many fans will recognize Jess as she has held the position of Office Manager since 2011. Jessica’s sibling would also be active at Anderson assisting their mom with selling programs, and her brother was, at one time, a weekly racer. The Adams family has been a foundational factor at Anderson Speedway for over 50 years.
The first half of the 2023 season will present fans with the unique opportunity to share their favorite memories of Denny Adams as the “Voice of Anderson Speedway”. As we celebrate Denny’s contribution to Anderson Speedway fans can leave notes, write letters, or share stories however they please. Adams will make himself available from time to time for fans to greet him and share stories as he nears his final race.
“I hope to see and talk with many of you at the Speedway,” Adams proclaimed. “I will not be leaving as I will be back as a spectator from time to time. See you soon for the 2023 racing season! Thank each one of you for making this job so special!”
The search has already begun to name Adams’ successor. Adams will play a key role in determining who he will hand the headset over to as he will act as a mentor throughout the first half of the 2023 season. Although an official opening will be posted at a later date, those looking for the opportunity to be the next voice of Anderson Speedway may begin submitting their portfolios. Any examples of voice over work or announcing, along with a resume, may be submitted to jowen@andersonspeedway.com along with a detailed cover letter.
