Uncle Joe - California Speedway, 10/1999

Uncle Joe Benson at work & play at the California Speedway - 10/1999.

Since it's opening in 1997, Joe Benson has been the voice of the California Speedway. In that role, he handles the master of ceremonies duties for race day, as well as doing play-by-play announcing with his old friend Shawn Parr.

October 28-31, 1999: Uncle Joe announced the CART FedEx Championship series Marlboro 500 presented by Toyota season finale at the California Speedway in Fontana. His old friend Shawn Parr provided color commentary, and Jan Benson again handled the producer's duties. The Uncle Joe's 300ZX was on display at the ARROW 93 booth, and besides joining Mary Price during her live broadcast Saturday, Joe stopped by throughout the weekend to meet and greet race fans. Saturday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race ended with the championship and victory going to Jack Sprague. Saturday evening JB brought on musical guest Peter Frampton to what was clearly a record attendance. The night ended with another on stage appearance by J.B. and his old racing friend Robby Gordon, and then the fireworks began.

Sunday morning started off with the PPG Dayton Indy Lights Championship Series finale. The 500 Presented by Toyota CART FedEx Championship Race was full of exciting moments with the checkered flag going to Adrian Fernandez and the championship to Juan Montoya. Tragedy struck early in the race, when Greg Moore's car slid off the track across the grass into a retaining wall. The Benson family had watched Greg make his way up the ranks from Indy Lights to the verge of super stardom. In 1996, he became the youngest driver to compete in the Indy-car circuit, a year later became the youngest to win a race. Rest in peace, Greg.