If you watched an IndyCar race anytime in the last 25 to 30 years, chances are you heard the voice of Gary Gerould, dropping insights, updates and knowledge from pit lane.
And if you’ve watched any NHRA race anytime in the last 10 to 15 years, chances are you’ve heard Gerould at the far end of the drag strip, able to capture the emotion - good or bad - as drivers leave their 300-plus mph rocketships on earth.
One of motorsports’ true professionals, best pit reporters, most genuine individuals and iconic voices announced Wednesday that at the conclusion of this year’s NHRA season, he’ll hang up his microphone after a legendary 37-year career.
After 37 yr covering network TV motorsports, have decided this season will be last. Tough decision. An amazing ride! Incredible memories!!
— Gary Gerould (@ggerould) October 14, 2015
Here’s a great sentiment from his son, Bobby:
Happy my Dad will have time to do as he pleases next summer. He models self-discipline, generosity, & kindness. That's a good way to be.
— Bobby Gerould (@BobbyGerould) October 14, 2015
Reactions immediately poured in from friends, fans and colleagues to thank Gerould for his service and his dedication to motorsports, which he’s done along with his other primary role - play-by-play voice for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Here’s a mere sampling:
@ggerould thanks for everything Gary, you're the ultimate professional and a great friend too.
— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) October 14, 2015
Sad to hear, you will be greatly missed @ggerould!! Best wishes from your DSR friends. https://t.co/E4IU4eexuY
— Don Schumacher Racing (@shoeracing) October 14, 2015
@ggerould a role model for many of us, Gary. Congratulations on an amazing career!
— Mike Massaro (@MikeMassaroTV) October 14, 2015
A true pro. He will be missed! https://t.co/2kusStdZ1M
— Marty Snider (@heymartysnider) October 14, 2015
Always a pro. Always a friend. They don't get any better. Thank you Gary. https://t.co/rXTT6sE909
— Vince Welch (@vincewelch) October 15, 2015
You're a class act Gary. I enjoyed my time working alongside you and have enjoyed your coverage always. 😘 https://t.co/KxYtp418sP
— Jamie Little (@JamieLittleTV) October 14, 2015
@ggerould Class, kindness, sense of humor, and good bits! #bobbaboey will miss you
— Lewis Bloom (@lewisbloomphoto) October 14, 2015
I feel very fortunate to know and have worked alongside this legend. #ClassAct https://t.co/td0veeVH0k
— Alan Reinhart (@NHRAReinhart) October 14, 2015
Selfishly saddened but extremely proud to have shared a mic with you. Simply one of the best...period. https://t.co/FvFVBgi42M
— David Rieff (@DaveRieff) October 14, 2015
One of few guys who set the benchmark for classy coverage. As a kid I learned a lot from watching GG. Will be missed https://t.co/6onbxEtE19
— Matt Yocum (@MattYocum) October 14, 2015
On of the all time greats! https://t.co/kqo6xjnj2s
— Eddie Gossage ™️ (@eddiegossage) October 14, 2015
An all-time pro. https://t.co/c2yLBX5Aat
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) October 14, 2015
A pro's pro https://t.co/8TR7McvOMz
— Andy Hall (@AndyHallESPN) October 14, 2015
You have always been my hero! You've set the standard for all of us living in the pits. Great skill and a class act! https://t.co/yXn232ywiS
— Rick DeBruhl (@rickdebruhl) October 14, 2015
Thanks for everything, GG. One of the best all-time. https://t.co/N9Ozql6Pa3
— Tony DiZinno (@tonydizinno) October 14, 2015
. @ggerould simply one off the all-time GREATS in broadcasting! He's seen it all and covered it all from the Olympics to Indy 500 w class!
— Steve H. Shunck (@SHUNCK) October 14, 2015
Gerould was on pit road for ABC’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500 from 1990-1999, and 2002-2004.
But it wasn’t just open-wheel and drag racing that Gerould maintained a steady presence on. He also has called some NFL games play-by-play and the 1988 Summer Olympics for NBC.
Once the Kings moved to Sacramento in 1985, Gerould was named its play-by-play voice. He celebrated his 2,000th broadcast during the 2010-2011 season. The Kings put this video together, below:
Gerould hanging up the mic does allow us to search the archives and find a handful of interviews, including his gem with a then-pissed off A.J. Foyt at Nazareth in 1991.
Below that is one with Pat Patrick at Pocono in 1989.
Meanwhile, here’s Gerould explaining how much it cost to run an IndyCar in 1985, some 30 years ago.
We wish Gary nothing but the best, and thank him for his awesome career.