Uncle Joe Benson at work & play at the California Speedway - 11/2002.

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.

November 1-3, 2002: For the 6th consecutive year Uncle Joe announced at The 500 presented by Toyota at the California Speedway in Fontana, but this year it turned into The Fastest 500 Mile Race in History! There were the traditionally wild announcer antics throughout the weekend, and an Uncle Joe Meet & Greet Saturday morning during Chris Taylor's live ARROW 93 broadcast and Sunday before the race began.

(Photos by Bill 'Digital' McDermott)

Opening ceremonies, including
Berlin's Teri Nunn giving
the "Start your engines" command.

J.B. meeting folks at the
ARROW 93 booth.

Engineer Randy Fann ignoring the 'talent,'
squirrels in Winner's Square,
driver/owner Adrian Fernandez after being interviewed,
and Shawn Parr and Bruce Flanders in a rare moment of silence.

Christiano DaMatta at his
induction into the Walk of Fame.

Joe interviewing with NASCAR Craftsman Truck
race winner Ted Musgrave.

Joe with the crowd gathered for Berlin and The Fixx concert, and
Anne and Eddie Duran (the Mayor of the Infield).

Jimmy Vassar wins
the fastest 500 mile race in history.

2007 NASCAR Sharp Aquos 500

2007 NASCAR Auto Club 500

2006 NASCAR Sony HD 500

2006 NASCAR Auto Club 500

2005 AMA Superbikes

2005 NASCAR Auto Club 500

2004 Grand American Sports Cars

2004 IRL Toyota 400

2004 NASCAR Pop Secret 500

2004 NASCAR Auto Club 500

2004 AMA Superbikes

2004 CalClub Regional

2003 IRL Toyota 400

2003 Grand American Sports Cars

2003 NASCAR 500

2003 AMA Superbikes

2002 CART 500

2002 NASCAR 500

2001 NASCAR 500

2000 NASCAR 500

2002 IRL Toyota 400

2002 AMA Superbikes

2001 CART 500

2001 NASCAR 500

2000 CART 500

1999 CART 500