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Kenley Dean Squier (April 10, 1935 – November 15, 2023) was an American sportscaster and motorsports editor from Waterbury, Vermont. From 1979 to 1997, he served as the lap-by-lap commentator for NASCAR on CBS, and was also a lap-by-lap commentator for TBS from 1983–1999. Squier was the first announcer to give lap-by-lap commentary for the Daytona 500 in 1979. He coined the term "The Great American Race" for the Daytona 500 and helped introduce the Australian-developed in-car camera for the 1982 running of the event.[1] He lived in Stowe, Vermont until his death.

Key Information

Sports announcing career

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Early career

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Squier's father, Lloyd, owned and operated WDEV in Waterbury, Vermont, and Ken began his on-air work at age 12. When Lloyd Squier died in 1979, Ken Squier inherited the station and was its longtime principal owner and CEO.[2] Squier's racing-announcing career began when he announced a stock car race from the back of an old logging truck at a tiny dirt track in Vermont at age 14.[3] He was the announcer at Malletts Bay, the Northeastern Speedway, and the Monadnock Speedway in the 1950s. In 1960 he opened Thunder Road International SpeedBowl, the Barre, Vermont, quarter-mile oval, which was subsequently sold in April 2017.[4][5]

Squier was among a group of six men who founded Catamount Stadium in Milton, Vermont, which operated from 1965–1987. He was a frequent announcer at this track, dubbed "The Home of the Brave".

Squier co-founded the Motor Racing Network with Bill France, Sr. in 1970. He announced races on the network for several years before moving to television in the later 1970s.

NASCAR announcer

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Squier served as a pit reporter for the first live "flag-to-flag" coverage of the Greenville 200 on ABC in 1971[citation needed] and he joined CBS Sports a year later.[6]

Squier believed that people would watch the entire Daytona 500. "It was a tough sell," he said. "There was a general feeling that this was more of a novelty thing and that it wouldn't work on a national level."[7] On February 18, 1979, CBS aired the 1979 running of the "Great American Race" flag-to-flag. Television ratings were high, in part because a major snowstorm on the East Coast kept millions of viewers indoors. Richard Petty won the race, but a fight between Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough made headlines throughout the United States.

For the next 20 years, beginning in 1981, various TV stations would get NASCAR coverage on various tracks: CBS, TBS, TNN, ESPN, ABC, and NBC. Squier would work for CBS and TBS over this time, covering half of the Winston Million races—the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600.

Squier stepped down as a lap-by-lap announcer on CBS in 1997 and was replaced in the booth by Mike Joy. Squier had announced every Daytona 500 from 1979 to 1997. He remained as TBS' lead commentator until retiring in 1999, with Allen Bestwick replacing him. Squier became the studio host for both networks, where he remained until 2000. Squier was also present in the Fox Sports studio during pre-race and post-race coverage of Daytona Speedweeks and the 2001 Daytona 500, the first-ever regular season Winston Cup Series event televised by Fox.

On July 13, 2014, NASCAR on TNT broadcast its final race at the Camping World RV Sales 301. After the pre-race show, Squier said goodbye to NASCAR on TNT in this speech:

Hello everyone, I'm Ken Squier. And as the engines have fired at New Hampshire, I remind you that this is the final NASCAR broadcast for Turner Sports. I was the play-by-play announcer for TBS for 18 years. Beginning in the very first year of NASCAR coverage, 1983. It's been a real honor to be a part of today's broadcast, and I wish my colleagues the very best today on TNT. As this amazing, 32-year run comes to a close, I hope you enjoy today's race.

In September 2015, it was announced Squier would call part of the Bojangles' Southern 500 race as part of a throwback weekend for NASCAR to celebrate the years 1970–1974. Squier was joined by Ned Jarrett and his son Dale Jarrett. As part of the deal with Darlington with its throwback theme for the next several years, the trio called part of the race again in 2016 as the years 1975–1984 were celebrated. They returned in the same capacity for 2017.[8] Squier got some media reaction after nicknaming Erik Jones "That Jones Boy" for his top 5 streak.

Style

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Squier's unique broadcasting style featured grandiose words and colorful metaphors. He often described NASCAR drivers in his era as "common men doing uncommon things". He called a last-lap battle at the 1979 Daytona 500 as "two of the greatest, fiddling, fidgeting with first place" and summed up Dale Earnhardt's wreck at the 1997 Daytona 500 with: "A true American hero, stymied another time at Daytona." His many catchphrases included describing wrecks as "side over side, end over end" and calling wrecked racecars "all torn up". A battle for position involving a large pack of cars drew comparisons to "an Oklahoma land rush." Drivers battling side by side would be "door handle to door handle" or "knuckle to knuckle". He was also known for the ability to switch between the "radio" style of broadcasting and "TV" styles. One of the best-known examples was the 1981 Talladega 500, when with a handful of laps to go the video went out and only the audio remained. Squier called the final laps and described Ron Bouchard's upset victory in typical style: "Three cars came out of the tri-oval, lined up like a squadron of P-51s out of World War Two and down they came to the line!"

Announcer in other sports

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Squier announced CBS Sports' occasional CART IndyCar broadcasts in the 1990s as well as hosted the 1982 Individual Speedway World Championship from the Los Angeles Coliseum alongside four-time Speedway World Champion Barry Briggs of New Zealand and pit reporter Dave Despain. Squier hosted CBS' "live flag-to-flag" coverage of American Formula One races in the 1980s (e.g. Detroit, Dallas) along with David Hobbs and pit reporter Chris Economaki.[9]

Squier also announced a wide range of sports outside of auto racing, including ice skating, golf, and tennis.[10] He announced outside of the United States, including Australia, Japan, and Europe.[10] He was a play-by-play announcer for CBS' United States coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics.[11] In 2013, he was an announcer on the television show R U Faster Than a Redneck?.

Later life and death

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Squier contracted COVID-19 in November 2020.[12] After long-term rehabilitation, Squier recovered from his illness by April 2021.[13]

Squier died from complications of an intestinal blockage in Stowe, Vermont, on November 15, 2023. He was 88.[14]

Selected filmography

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Squier acted in several movies, primarily as an announcer.

Business ventures

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Career awards

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Halls of Fame

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Broadcasting awards

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  • Henry T. McLenore Motorsports Press Award – Journalism
  • Buddy Shuman Award, Motor Racing Network – Radio Race Coverage
  • E.M.P.A. Art Peck Award – Announcer
  • Eastern Motor Sport Press Association Award – Journalism
  • Vermont Sportscaster of the Year: 1963, 1967, 1969, 1973, 1997
  • Flock Award, Charlotte Motor Speedway: 1987

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ken Squier

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ken Squier (April 10, 1935 – November 15, 2023) was an American sportscaster, track promoter, and motorsports pioneer renowned for his contributions to broadcasting and the development of venues in the . Born in , to radio station owner Lloyd Squier, who operated , young Ken began his career in early, announcing his first stock car race at age 14 and promoting his initial event at age 16. In 1960, at age 25, he founded Thunder Road International Speedway in Barre, , which opened that year and became a cornerstone of regional short-track racing, attracting local workers and drivers with Thursday night events. In 1965, Squier established Catamount Stadium in Milton, , further expanding his influence in the sport. Squier's national impact grew through his work in radio and television; in 1970, he co-founded the (MRN), NASCAR's official radio broadcaster, which provided play-by-play coverage of races nationwide and helped elevate the sport's visibility beyond the Southeast. On television, he served as the lead lap-by-lap announcer for the on from 1979 to 1997 across 19 seasons, and as a commentator for events on TBS from 1983 to 1999, introducing millions to the excitement of with his distinctive, storytelling style. He also hosted studio programming on until 2000. Throughout his career, Squier remained deeply tied to , owning and managing radio station, where he blended motorsports coverage with local news and community events. His legacy was honored with induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2010, the in 2018, receipt of the inaugural Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence in 2013, and posthumously into the Vermont Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2025, recognizing his role as one of the sport's original and most influential voices.

Early life

Family background

Kenley Dean Squier was born on April 10, 1935, in . He was the oldest child of Lloyd Ellsworth Squier, a Waterbury resident who owned and operated the local radio station , founded in 1931, and Guila Alice Rowell Squier, who hailed from South Albany, Vermont, linking the family to that rural community. Squier's upbringing occurred during the golden age of radio, a period when broadcast media flourished as a of and information, coinciding with the early development of organized car racing in the United States. Growing up in Waterbury, he was immersed in the family radio business from a young age, with serving as a central hub that exposed him to live broadcasts of local events, including auto races from nearby dirt tracks. This environment fostered his early fascination with both radio and motorsports, shaped by his father's role in the station and the broader cultural context of Vermont's rural life.

Entry into radio and racing

Squier's entry into broadcasting began in his early youth at his family's radio station, WDEV in Waterbury, Vermont, where he began regular on-air duties at age 12. This early involvement, reflecting the familial influence of his father Lloyd Squier, who owned WDEV, honed his skills in local radio, blending community service with emerging interests in storytelling. By age 14, Squier expanded into motorsports announcing, debuting as a track announcer at Morrisville Speedway from a flatbed truck, and continuing at local speedways in the late 1940s and 1950s, including Mallets Bay and Northeastern Speedway. These teenage experiences at regional and asphalt ovals introduced him to the pageantry and intensity of , which he later described as inspired by childhood visits to county fairs. Throughout his high school years at Waterbury High School, from which he graduated in 1953, Squier continued his dual roles as an announcer and motorsports correspondent at , integrating racing coverage into the station's programming to connect with Vermont's rural listeners. This period marked the beginning of his lifelong fusion of and , where he produced reports and commentary that highlighted local drivers and events, laying the groundwork for his future national prominence.

Broadcasting career

Local announcing

Following his high school graduation in 1953, Ken Squier transitioned to full-time roles in , leveraging his early experiences to build a reputation as a prominent voice in . He focused on announcing at regional speedways, including Malletts Bay Speedway in and Northeastern Speedway in Lower Waterford, where he provided play-by-play commentary that captured the excitement of local dirt and asphalt events. This work solidified his standing among Northeastern racing enthusiasts during the mid-20th century, as he narrated races that drew crowds from , , and beyond. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Squier expanded his local announcing to other tracks, such as Barre's —which he co-founded and opened in 1960—and Fair Haven's Devil's Bowl Speedway, which began operations in 1967. His trackside calls emphasized the drama of stock car battles, often from makeshift booths amid the roar of engines, contributing to the growing popularity of short-track racing in the region. At the family-owned radio station in Waterbury, he hosted regular motorsports segments, delivering live race coverage from these venues and conducting post-race interviews with drivers to engage listeners in the community's racing culture. Squier also participated in early television experiments with local racing broadcasts during this period, appearing on Vermont stations to promote events and provide color commentary, which helped bridge radio's immediacy with TV's visual appeal for regional audiences. These efforts, often rudimentary due to limited , foreshadowed his later national innovations while keeping the focus on grassroots stock car scenes.

NASCAR roles

Squier co-founded the (MRN) in 1970 alongside NASCAR founder and other partners, establishing the first dedicated radio network for live coverage. He served as MRN's lead commentator from 1970 to 1978, providing play-by-play narration for major events and helping expand the sport's radio audience nationwide. In 1979, Squier joined as the lap-by-lap announcer for the , delivering the first live, flag-to-flag national television broadcast of the event, which drew unprecedented viewership due to its dramatic finish. He held this role for 19 consecutive seasons through 1997, also serving as studio host until 2000. Additionally, Squier provided commentary for events on TBS from 1983 to 1999. During his tenure, he coined the phrase "The Great American Race" to describe the , a term that became synonymous with the event. In 1982, Squier helped introduce NASCAR's first in-car camera during the , revolutionizing viewer perspective by offering onboard footage from a driver's viewpoint. Squier's broadcasting extended to other prominent NASCAR races, including the Talladega 500 on in 1979, where he narrated the high-speed action at the superspeedway. After retiring from full-time announcing, he returned for special throwback segments on broadcasts of the at from 2015 to 2017, joining and to evoke the sport's heritage during the event's throwback weekend theme.

Other sports

Beyond his prominent work in , Squier demonstrated versatility as a broadcaster by covering open-wheel motorsports events for . In the 1980s, he provided play-by-play commentary for the network's live flag-to-flag coverage of American races, including the in 1985 alongside analysts David Hobbs and Chris Economaki. He continued this role for the 1987 , again with Hobbs and pit reporter Economaki, highlighting the high-speed action on street circuits. Transitioning into the 1990s, Squier handled occasional CART IndyCar Series broadcasts, such as the 1990 Valvoline , where he teamed with Hobbs, Johnny Rutherford, Economaki, and to narrate the race's tactical battles and driver performances. Squier's expertise extended to winter sports through his contributions to CBS's Olympic coverage. For the in , , he served as the play-by-play announcer for events, capturing the intense, collision-prone races that marked the sport's Olympic debut. He returned for the in , , calling alongside figure skating analyst , emphasizing the athletes' precision and endurance in events like the 500-meter and 1,000-meter races. In his Vermont-based radio career with , Squier supported regional sports broadcasting, including WDEV's broadcasts of college hockey games at , helping to amplify coverage of the Cadets' matches during the winter season. Through the station's programming, he also contributed to announcements for local high school and community events, fostering community engagement with Vermont's sporting traditions.

Style and innovations

Ken Squier's broadcasting style was characterized by a dramatic, approach that brought the intensity of races to life, focusing on the excitement of high-speed action, personal narratives of drivers, and the broader historical significance of the sport. He portrayed drivers as everyday heroes facing extraordinary challenges, using vivid language to immerse audiences in the drama unfolding on the track. This narrative emphasis helped elevate from a regional pastime to a nationally compelling , connecting viewers emotionally to the human elements behind the machinery. Squier's calls often featured signature phrases and colorful metaphors that captured pivotal moments with flair, such as describing cars "like bullets they propel themselves out of the corner" or a driver "fireballs his way into the lead." He vividly narrated strategies and crashes, like likening a pack of racers to an "Oklahoma land rush on the backstretch," and famously exclaimed "And there's a fight!" during the chaotic post-race brawl at the 1979 Daytona 500. These elements, including his recurring motif of drivers as "common men doing uncommon deeds," added poetic depth and memorability to his commentary, influencing how excitement was conveyed in motorsports broadcasts. In terms of innovations, Squier played a key role in introducing in-car cameras to television coverage, first implemented during the 1982 , which allowed viewers to experience races from the driver's perspective and heightened immersion. This technological advancement, inspired by his observations of similar tech at international events like the , was paired with multi-angle views to provide dynamic, real-time visuals of on-track action, transforming broadcast production standards. His efforts at , where he served as motorsports editor, helped pioneer these tools that became staples in modern racing telecasts. Squier's work with the (MRN), which he co-founded in 1970, established a pooled coverage model utilizing multiple announcers positioned at turns, pits, and the booth to deliver comprehensive, real-time radio play-by-play of events. This collaborative format, with Squier as the original lead anchor, enabled nationwide syndication to over 500 stations and set the template for immersive audio broadcasting in motorsports, profoundly shaping contemporary radio and TV production approaches.

Business ventures

Track developments

Ken Squier founded in Barre, , in 1960 by purchasing farmland at the end of Fisher Road and constructing a quarter-mile, high-banked oval track that opened to a capacity crowd in June of that year. He operated the venue for decades, scheduling weekly Thursday night races to accommodate local granite industry workers paid on that day, and regained full control in 1982 through a partnership with Tom Curley, which elevated its status as a premier short track in the Northeast. Squier sold Thunder Road in April 2017 to former track champion Cris Michaud and promoter Pat Malone, marking the end of his direct ownership after 57 years. In 1965, Squier co-founded Catamount Stadium in Milton, , as part of a including Jack Dubrul, the Cooley brothers, John Campbell Sr., and Gordon Fitzgerald, who selected a site just south of the town boundary and built a one-third-mile paved oval track. The venue quickly became a NASCAR-sanctioned facility, hosting diverse divisions such as sportsman coupes and , and operated successfully until its closure in due to financial challenges and competition from larger tracks. Squier actively promoted local stock car racing through weekly series at both tracks and signature events that drew regional crowds, including the inaugural Vermont Milk Bowl at Thunder Road in 1962—a three-segment, enduro-style race run over three days that remains an annual tradition. He also established other specials like the Labor Day Classic and Vermont Governor’s Cup at Thunder Road, while at Catamount, promotions featured mascots such as Nas-Cat and pageants like Miss Catamount to engage fans. In 1979, Squier partnered with Curley to launch the North Tour, a series that evolved into the American-Canadian Tour (ACT), sanctioning weekly and touring events across and to sustain grassroots racing. Squier's track designs emphasized fan accessibility and excitement, with Thunder Road's high banking allowing close-up viewing from grandstands and its compact layout fostering an intimate atmosphere for spectators. At Catamount, operational innovations included sourcing bleachers from President Lyndon B. Johnson's inaugural for cost-effective seating and introducing varied racing classes to attract both local drivers and national stars like Jerry Cook. These features helped position both venues as community hubs for in , prioritizing affordability and engagement over large-scale infrastructure.

Media companies

Following the death of his father, Lloyd Squier, in 1979, Ken Squier inherited and assumed operation of , the family-owned radio station in , which had been broadcasting since 1931. Under his leadership, Squier emphasized "" programming tailored to community needs, including live coverage of high school sports, town meetings, agricultural reports, and local news to foster a strong connection with central listeners. He made minimal changes to the station's format, prioritizing local content over syndicated shows to maintain its role as a vital regional voice. In 1970, Squier co-founded the (MRN) alongside NASCAR founder , taking on executive roles and serving as its inaugural anchor to deliver live radio broadcasts of stock car races. This venture marked a pivotal expansion of coverage from regional to national audiences, with MRN producing flag-to-flag commentary for major events and growing into the sport's primary radio outlet. Squier's oversight helped secure affiliations with hundreds of stations, solidifying MRN's influence in motorsports media. Squier extended his media entrepreneurship into television production by co-founding World Sports Enterprises with Fred Rheinstein in , focusing on motorsports content for broadcast networks. The company partnered with and TBS to produce early and ASA race telecasts, handling production for over 100 events annually and contributing to the sport's transition to mainstream TV visibility. These collaborations included innovative coverage techniques that enhanced viewer engagement during key races. After Squier's death on November 15, 2023, his family sold and the broader Radio Group—including stations WLVB and WCVT—in January 2024 to businessmen Mermel and Scott Milne. The transaction, finalized later that year, was guided by Squier in his final months to ensure the stations' continued emphasis on independent, community-driven programming. The new owners pledged to uphold 's legacy without major alterations to its format or operations.

Posthumous activities

Following Ken Squier's death on November 15, 2023, his family completed the sale of the Radio Group, including flagship station , to Vermont businessmen Myers Mermel and Scott Milne in early 2024. The transaction, announced on January 11, 2024, and finalized later that spring, was arranged in Squier's final months to ensure the stations' continued operation as independent media outlets serving central communities. New owners pledged to maintain WDEV's daily programming, local focus, and commitment to , preserving its role as a vital voice for regional news, weather, and events amid challenges facing independent radio. At , which founded in 1960, operations continued under family oversight with dedicated tributes to his legacy. The 2024 season opened on May 4 with the Kenley Dean Extravaganza, a celebration of life event featuring a car show and the Community Bank 150 race, drawing fans to honor his contributions to short-track racing. Later that month, track officials announced the , a new Triple Crown series comprising three marquee events to perpetually recognize Squier's vision for the venue. The series extended into 2025, culminating in a 100-lap championship race on July 31 that crowned Jason Corliss as the 2025 winner, reinforcing Thunder Road's status as the "Nation's Site of Excitement" through ongoing races and community engagement.

Awards and honors

Hall of Fame inductions

Ken Squier was inducted into the in 2018 as a pioneer in motorsports , recognized for his role in elevating stock car racing's national profile through innovative television coverage. Selected via the pioneer ballot by a 54-member panel of NASCAR executives, historians, and media members, Squier received 40% of the votes, meeting the threshold for induction alongside Robert Yates, , , and .. The ceremony took place on January 19, 2018, in , where Squier delivered an acceptance speech emphasizing gratitude and the friendships forged in the sport, stating, "This is always a thank-you time speech... Some of us are inconceivably lucky to call these folks friends." In 2010, Squier was enshrined in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in the category, honoring his 60-year career that included founding the and pioneering live flag-to-flag broadcasts, such as the on . The selection process involved a panel of motorsports experts evaluating nominees based on sustained contributions to the sport's growth and innovation, with Squier's storytelling and promotional efforts cited as key factors in popularizing . The induction ceremony occurred in , as part of the hall's annual event, though specific speech details from Squier are not widely documented. Squier's contributions to Vermont sports were acknowledged with his induction into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of the inaugural class, categorized as a contributor in and media. Chosen by a selection committee for his local impact, including founding in 1960 and promoting 's racing heritage nationally, the honor highlighted his five-time designation as Vermont Sportscaster of the Year. The ceremony was held on November 17, 2012, in St. Albans, , inducting 13 individuals; Squier's enshrinement underscored his role in bridging local short-track racing with NASCAR's broader stage. In 2025, Squier was posthumously inducted into the inaugural class of the Vermont Motorsports Hall of Fame, recognizing his lifelong dedication to motorsports in as a broadcaster, promoter, and track founder. Selected by a of racing historians and enthusiasts for his pivotal role in local and national , the honor celebrates his founding of Thunder Road and his broadcasting legacy. The induction ceremony is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Vermont SportsCar Country Club in .

Broadcasting awards

Throughout his broadcasting career, Ken Squier received numerous accolades recognizing his excellence in sports announcing, particularly in motorsports and local coverage. These awards highlighted his contributions to radio race commentary, , and overall sportscasting innovation. Squier was honored with the Henry T. McLenore Motorsports Press Award for his journalistic work in motorsports. This prestigious recognition, presented by the , acknowledged his impactful reporting and storytelling in the field. In 2012, Squier received the Buddy Shuman Award from , established in memory of early driver and technical inspector Louis Grier “Buddy” Shuman. The award celebrated Squier's pivotal role in advancing NASCAR broadcasting and the sport's growth through radio and television coverage. Squier earned the E.M.P.A. Art Peck Award in 1976 from the Eastern Motorsports Press Association, specifically for outstanding announcing performance. This honor underscored his skill in delivering engaging, high-energy race narratives that captivated audiences. He was also recognized by the Eastern Motor Sport Press Association with an award for , further affirming his dual prowess in broadcasting and written motorsports coverage. In 1987, Squier was presented with the Flock Award by for his significant contributions to media. Named after the influential Flock family of racing pioneers, this accolade highlighted his longstanding dedication to promoting the sport through innovative broadcast techniques. Locally, Squier was named Vermont Sportscaster of the Year five times by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association—in 1963, 1967, 1969, 1973, and 1997—reflecting his consistent excellence in covering sports, including at Thunder Road. These wins established him as a dominant figure in regional broadcasting.

Later life and death

Health issues

In November 2020, Ken Squier contracted , announcing his positive test on November 12 during a broadcast on his radio station. He was initially hospitalized for observation on November 11 and sent home, but returned via on November 13 due to worsening symptoms. Squier spent several weeks in the hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility in late January 2021 to continue his recovery. Following his discharge from rehabilitation in early 2021, Squier engaged in ongoing health management that included and monitoring for long-term effects of the virus. These efforts contributed to his gradual return to limited activities, such as a public appearance at Thunder Road International Speedway in June 2021, though he significantly reduced his public engagements compared to prior years to prioritize recovery. In the years leading up to late 2023, Squier faced additional complications, including a and a fractured from a fall, which exacerbated his frailty and necessitated further medical interventions. These health setbacks culminated in his admission to care on November 14, 2023, while residing in , where he received end-of-life support at home.

Death and legacy

Ken Squier died on November 15, 2023, in Waterbury, Vermont, at the age of 88, due to complications from an intestinal blockage following a brief illness. A celebration of life event, known as the Kenley Dean Extravaganza, was held on May 4, 2024, at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, Vermont, where family, friends, and racing enthusiasts gathered to honor his contributions. Additional tributes occurred during Thunder Road's opening weekend on May 5, 2024, featuring ceremonies that highlighted his role in Vermont's motorsports community. NASCAR organizations, including the Motor Racing Network, issued statements mourning his loss and planned retrospectives on programs like NASCAR Live to celebrate his broadcasting legacy. Vermont leaders and local media outlets also paid homage, emphasizing his impact on the state's cultural and economic landscape through racing and radio. Squier's enduring legacy as "The Voice of NASCAR" stems from his pioneering work in motorsports broadcasting, including co-founding the in 1970 and providing the first national television play-by-play for the in 1979, which elevated the visibility and set standards for race coverage. His distinctive style, marked by vivid narration and passion for the sport, influenced generations of announcers and helped NASCAR transition from regional appeal to a national phenomenon. In , Squier promoted racing culture by founding Thunder Road Speedbowl in 1960, fostering local talent and community events that became integral to the region's identity. Posthumously, Squier's influence continued through tributes and initiatives in 2024, including memorial events at Thunder Road that drew crowds to reflect on his foundational role in American short-track . In 2025, Squier was posthumously inducted into the inaugural class of the Motorsports Hall of Fame, with the ceremony held on December 6. His legacy endures via the Squier-Hall Award for Media Excellence, which he co-inspired in 2012 and continues to recognize outstanding broadcasters.

References

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  34. https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/king-of-the-road-3067335/
  35. https://www.insideradio.com/free/motor-racing-network-founder-ken-squier-dies-at-88/article_45931a30-849f-11ee-920e-ab45f8601e5f.html
  36. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/programming-and-sales/ken-squire-mrn-co-founder-dies
  37. https://www.avid.wiki/World_Sports_Enterprises
  38. https://vtdigger.org/2024/01/11/squier-family-to-sell-wdev-to-former-gop-candidates-myers-mermel-and-scott-milne/
  39. https://wdevradio.com/files/2024/01/MERMC.Radio.Vermont.Press.Release.v8.1.10.2024.pdf
  40. https://www.mynbc5.com/article/squier-family-sells-radio-vermont-group/46354855
  41. https://www.wcax.com/2024/01/11/wdev-radio-vermont-group-sold-new-owners/
  42. https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-01-11/wdev-announces-new-ownership-but-promises-same-daily-programming
  43. https://www.thunderroadvt.com/home/2024/3/12/kenley-dean-extravaganza-the-ken-squier-celebration-of-life
  44. https://www.thunderroadvt.com/home/2024/5/31/thunder-road-announces-squier-cup-late-model-triple-crown-to-honor-late-founder
  45. https://www.thunderroadvt.com/home/2025/7/31/pelkey-claims-the-100-lap-showdown-corliss-takes-home-squier-cup
  46. https://www.vtcng.com/stowe_reporter/news/local_news/ken-squier-inducted-into-nascar-hall-of-fame/article_871c3618-01fa-11e8-bf65-9f5e7ea821b8.html
  47. https://vermontsportshall.com/2012squier.html
  48. https://vermontsportshall.com/2012class.html
  49. https://www.vermontmotorsports.net/post/vermont-sportscar-to-host-inaugural-vermont-motorsports-hall-of-fame-ceremony
  50. https://www.timesargus.com/squier-in-running-for-award/article_5ef2584c-adf4-5f11-9df1-7ac2c2e7eb61.html
  51. https://www.ourherald.com/articles/vermonts-ken-squier-honored-by-nascar/
  52. https://vermontbroadcasters.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/vab-35th-magazine.pdf
  53. https://barrettmedia.com/2023/11/16/ken-squire-legendary-nascar-broadcaster-dies-at-88/
  54. https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/covid19/squier-tells-listeners-he-has-covid/article_777cc8bc-21b8-5957-b82a-7f2058e467a1.html
  55. https://www.facebook.com/nascarhall/posts/weve-received-the-following-update-from-the-family-of-nascar-hall-of-famer-and-c/10157991276970886/
  56. https://www.jayski.com/2021/01/30/hall-of-famer-ken-squier-positive-for-covid-19/
  57. https://www.waterburyroundabout.org/news-archive/cf1cp94gte90hz270jtmpb3d731sx5
  58. https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/auto-racing-broadcasting-legend-ken-squier-returns-to-thunder-road-from-bout-with-covid-19/
  59. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2023/11/dick-vitale-return-delayed-ken-squier-health-cfp-exec-director-mlb-opening-night/
  60. https://www.jayski.com/2023/11/16/ken-squier-enters-hospice-care/
  61. https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/nascar/2023/11/16/ken-squier-beloved-nascar-narrator-dies-at-88-a-great-american-loss-daytona-500-vermont/71606935007/
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYwl8oZcnYs
  63. https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/ken-squier-honored-during-thunder-road-opening-weekend/
  64. https://racer.com/2023/11/17/ken-squier-1935-2023
  65. https://sports.yahoo.com/legendary-broadcaster-ken-squier-dies-133021152.html
  66. https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/ken-squier-a-legend-of-vermont-and-nascar-dies-at-88-39528155/
  67. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/17/shav-glick-2024-squier-hall-award-honor/
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