I have officially retired from race track announcing after many years on the microphone. For the better part of my life, I lived for doing it and made my living doing it.

Racing has been my life. As a kid, I counted the days off all week waiting to go to the track on race day.

In my adult years, it has been a way of life working as a racing announcer. I made 2015 my last year on the microphone.

The decision was very carefully thought out. And I have absolutely no second thoughts.

I know I want to be done for many reasons. It's both family and professional issues.

First and foremost, it's family. My one and only child is my son Mark Jr. He is the most important thing in my life along with my wife Lorlane.

I'm, as they say, living the dream. My son is six years old and I don't want to miss a day with him. I refuse to let him turn 16 and wish I could go back and enjoy the years I missed.

On the professional side, this is my exit strategy. This is where I get out. The road to failure is not being able to let go of a post.

You have to get out sometime. I don't want to do it until I'm so old that they have to force me out. Nor do I want to keep doing it after losing interest to the point of sounding bad.

I want to go out at my best. The final race I announced at Huset's Speedway on September 13, 2015, I know in my heart that I gave as good of a performance as I ever did during my career.

And I have reached the total satisfaction level. There's a major thrill you get doing this type of thing. Announcing World of Outlaws, All Star Circuit of Champions, NHRA Drag Racing national events and weekly shows featuring the best outlaw sprint racing in the country can give you a high.

Becoming addicted is not out of the question. I was in fact there at one time. But, like a sponge, one can only soak up so much. And I feel I've reached that point.

From this stage on, I know I would begin losing interest in being the best, and when that happens, you start sucking. I have too much at stake for that with so many years of working at being my best to my credit.

There were many years that I dreamed of doing this job. Then I had many years of living out that dream. Now I am looking forward to many years of cherishing the great memories and glowing in the pride.

Check out this short video of my final words at Huset's, the last words ever said over the speakers at Huset's. And that little boy right behind me is my son, Mark Jr.

 

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