Uncle Joe Benson at work & play at the California Speedway - 11/2001.
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 2-4, 2001: Joe Benson announced all weekend at The Marlboro 500 presented by Toyota at the California Speedway in Fontana. There was an Uncle Joe Meet & Greet in between races on Saturday during Maggie McKay's live ARROW 93 broadcast. Later that evening, J.B. spoke with ol' buddy Michael Anthony of Van Halen as Michael joined CART driver Kenny Brack on stage for a jam session. The night finished off with the Doobie Brothers on the CART Concert Stage, and an encore with Joe and Jan Benson singing backing on "Listen to Music." As if that wasn't enough, Sunday's race had a record 73 lead changes, a win by seven-thousandths of a second, and a payout of $1 million to the winner. Now that, my friends, is racing!!
(Photos by 'Digital' Bill McDermott.)
Uncle Joe talking with folks.
The California Speedway Announcing Brothers:
Joe Benson & Shawn Parr.
Some interviews are harder than others.
Joe & Maggie & the Z!
Saturday night at the Speedway.
Guitarist Kenny Brack, bassist Michael Anthony,
occasional vocalist Brian Herta,
and Uncle "wishes he was a drummer" Joe.
The Doobie Brothers!
"Listen To The Music"
Right in the midst of it all.
2011 NASCAR Auto Club 400
2010 NASCAR Pepsi Max 400
2010 NASCAR Auto Club 500
2009 NASCAR Pepsi 500
2009 NASCAR Auto Club 500
2008 NASCAR Pepsi 500
2008 NASCAR Auto Club 500
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 GrandAm
2004 IRL Toyota 400
2004 NASCAR Pop Secret 500
2004 NASCAR Auto Club 500
2004 AMA Superbikes
2004 CalClub Regional
2003 IRL 400
2003 GrandAm
2003 NASCAR 500
2003 AMA Superbikes
2002 CART 500
2002 NASCAR 500
2002 IRL 400
2002 AMA Superbikes
2001 CART 500
2001 NASCAR 500
2000 CART 500
2000 NASCAR 500
1999 CART 500
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