34 replies to this topic

[3799]

Dow is a great guy. His relaxed style was perfect for a big track like PPMS. Ask him to tell you the story of the Steelworkers Union members who showed up one year at The Pittsburgher.

[Justin314]

Dow is the best in the area..... Thank you for staying around Lernerville.   If not i would hate to see that jagoff at mercer cover lernerville too 

Mike Dutko was one of the best announcers Lernerville has had. to say other wise is moronic.  

[Skull]

Mike Dutko was one of the best announcers Lernerville has had. to say other wise is moronic.

Dutko is knowledgeable, but very irritating. In my book, he ranks fourth at Lernerville behind Bill Steinbach, Dow and Jim Ferguson, who was somewhat limited in his racing knowledge, but wildly entertaing. Bud Daum knew the racing game and had the voice for announcing, but just never really caught on after Steinbach. Walt Wimer is also an excellent racing announcer. His encyclopedic recall of the history of this regions Modified/Coupe racing is something to behold.

[3799]

Thank you Justin amd Skull, but let's keep this focused where it belongs on Dow and the outstamding career he has had at PPMS.

[racer67x]

Dow never seemed to want to call the lower divisions,the big pure stock races Pittsburgher weekend was usually DJ Johnson..he also had young kids calling the young gun/hobby races. maybe he saw the writing on the wall and wanted out. no lates equals no Dow? just a theory..

[Editor]

In all my time working in the tower at PPMS I never heard Dow complain about announcing any division. The Young Guns class has brought the opportunity for young people to get involved. The track was promoting young fans to participate as both flagman and announcer. These young fans are the sports future and they were giving their all to do the job right. Dow guided his young announcer through the entire feature hoping his experience was passed on as a learning tool. Dow is and has always been a professional.

[RocketChassis#1]

For most officals/track employees, etc., these are not career jobs. It something they do for fun, (not a lot of money in it, less then minimum wage, when you break it down by the hours spent), and to be involved in the sport. If people haven't noticed, a lot of key people at the tracks are getting older too, just like a lot of top drivers. There not going to do this forever.Some have been officials for 30-40+ years. I suspect a lot more of these people are going to retire in the not too distant future. Not sure who is going to replace them, as I don't see a big youth movement to be track officials.

[Justin314]

Dutko is knowledgeable, but very irritating. In my book, he ranks fourth at Lernerville behind Bill Steinbach, Dow and Jim Ferguson, who was somewhat limited in his racing knowledge, but wildly entertaing. Bud Daum knew the racing game and had the voice for announcing, but just never really caught on after Steinbach. Walt Wimer is also an excellent racing announcer. His encyclopedic recall of the history of this regions Modified/Coupe racing is something to behold.

 

Ive been going to the races for 24yrs, mainly Lernerville. So i grew up with Dutko and Dow. Didnt get to hear or remember anyone else call a race like those two. My top 3 all time would be Johnny Gibson, Mike Dutko and Dow Carnahan. Regardless glad Dow is staying with Lernerville

[DavyLee2]

Dow IS in the Circle track hall of fame ! .

[flash49]

Bill Steinbach was exceptional, both at Lernerville and Heidelberg,  and Dow is not too far behind.   He will be missed at PPMS, but it will be good to hear him at Lernerville.  I don't have a problem with any local announcers, think they all do a pretty good job.

Edited by flash49, 11 March 2015 - 05:35 PM.

[Paul55]

Ain't like u can hear him in the stands with the speakers that don't work.

[Ring Gear]

Fash 49.. Only been there a few times, but have you ever heard that guy at Marion Center ?  HOW SAD ..

[The Legend]

Let's not get crazy , he's a good local annoucer . Comparing him to the top flight touring announcers is just crazy talk. Those touring announcers generate excitement even if the racing isn't exciting . Dow is knowledgable about the competitors and what's going on at the track it just sounds like he has a cheech and chong spliffy in the booth always burning lol

[Skull]

Let's not get crazy , he's a good local annoucer . Comparing him to the top flight touring announcers is just crazy talk. Those touring announcers generate excitement even if the racing isn't exciting . Dow is knowledgable about the competitors and what's going on at the track it just sounds like he has a cheech and chong spliffy in the booth always burning lol

Let's not get crazy , he's a good local annoucer . Comparing him to the top flight touring announcers is just crazy talk. Those touring announcers generate excitement even if the racing isn't exciting . Dow is knowledgable about the competitors and what's going on at the track it just sounds like he has a cheech and chong spliffy in the booth always burning lol

I don't think anyone is comparing him to national announcers, ones like Johnny Gibson that probably draw a nice salary to do their job. They should be good at it. Dow does a great job, considering what and who he has to know. This is no different then when their is a discussion about regional tracks and you drop the Eldora card, a facility that has nearly unlimited funds and sponsorship connections via Tony Stewart.

[DavyLee2]

Every driver that' steps to the mic after a win is quickly calmed down to talk,  by a best friend that tells you good things about yourself that you didn't think anybody would care to remember. Then they can just be cool and talk to Dow about what happened out there ...and then with a reminder ... " Who do you want to thank ? ".