Dick Berggren retiring after FOX's last race of the season, Dover

[Sgt Slaughter]

From Jayski.com:

Next week's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover marks the end of an era for NASCAR's longest-serving TV pit reporter, who celebrates his 70th birthday during Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. After 12 years on NASCAR on FOX, Berggren will give his final pit report for the network at Dover in the same informative and passionate manner he has since first establishing himself in the role 31 years ago. Ironically, Berggren made his NASCAR broadcasting debut at Dover in 1981 alongside Mike Joy, his NASCAR on FOX and SPEED colleague, the only NASCAR broadcaster on-air longer than Berggren. "After the FOX portion of the year ends, I've always traveled to local tracks where I still enjoy sitting in the stands with a hot dog in one hand and a beer in the other, watching the local heroes," Berggren said. "I can't get enough of local-level racing so I'll do more of that now." The Speedway Illustrated founder says that in addition to contributing stories and columns to the publication, he very well may continue to pop up on pit road at NASCAR races periodically. But he also has set in motion lofty goals and projects to which he can dedicate his newfound extra time. The Massachusetts resident has founded a corporation with the intent of building an auto racing museum at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He already has acquired an agreement with the speedway, tax-exempt status from the IRS and the support of a powerful Board of Directors. "Life will be different without FOX," Berggren expressed. "I'm very proud of having been part of the NASCAR on FOX broadcasts from the beginning. I'm dreading the 2013 Daytona 500 because I won't be there on pit road as part of that team. That will be hard, but nothing is forever and I understand that. I'm looking forward to walking into the museum on the day it opens. That's a whole new challenge and one I fully expect to conquer. But it's time to move on. I'm ready. However, it would be nice to pick up a few TV things here and there. I'd really like that.

I'm sure going to miss him around the race broadcasts.

 

[Mo Neenja31]

Noooo!

 

[GMcD]

I hate to hear this, I really enjoyed him and he added to the overall enjoyment of NASCAR on Fox. He will be missed.

 

[Elio Lugaru]

I will miss seeing him.

 

[Danilo]

I saw this notice today on Speed Center Facebook page, He will be missed.

 

[Relly]

He was one of my favorite parts of FOX/SPEED broadcasts, sad to see him go.

Enjoy retirement Dick!

 

[4WideRacing]

It's sad to see him leave, hopefully FOX will replace him with someone good. Sounds like Dick will have a busy retirement!

 

[JRRacing64]

I can't remember a season without Dick Berggren at the track. He's gonna be missed. Maybe he can replace Jimmy Spencer on Race Hub?

 

[SBJR7]

People Like Dick, is what makes Fox the BEST NASCAR coverage to date. Nobody will be able to replace this Legend. Thanks for the time, and effort Mr. Berggren.
-BHR48

 

[sprintwide2755]

Dr. Berggren is the absolute best pit reporter I've seen covering racing. I and i'm sure all long time race fans will miss the incredible insight he has provided in all of his years with ESPN/TNN/TBS/FOX, etc. God speed Doc Berggren!

 

[dalejrgamer]

Dammit, first Bob Jenkins takes his indefinite leave of absence because his wife has brain cancer, now this?

The only decent person left on FOX is Mike Joy...and even he's becoming a terrible PBP man.

 

[HMAC80]

Dick always asked the best questions, I thought. It's a damn shame to see him go, but I'm happy that he's doing what he wants to do with the rest of his life. He'll be missed.

 

[MattSRD28]

I still miss Stock Car Racing magazine. Now he won't be on TV either. Too bad, but he's earned a plentiful and fulfilling retirement.

 

[Hendrick4life]

Man he will be missed on the TV. Hopefully he enjoys retirement and his time away from the track (if that happens lol)

 

[bigrolltide1877]

Its not going to be the same without Dick Berrgren reporting from pit road. He will be missed. For some reason i had a feeling that Dick Berrgren was going to call it quits soon. Wonder who will replace him.

 

[Phantomguy24]

I honestly can't say i'm upset. Maybe I missed his glory years, but it seems like any time hes on TV now he justs asks stupid or annoying questions. This doesn't hurt Nascar on Fox much.

 

[Frigus5]

Dammit, first Bob Jenkins takes his indefinite leave of absence because his wife has brain cancer, now this?

The only decent person left on FOX is Mike Joy...and even he's becoming a terrible PBP man.

The moment I heard Bob Jenkins was retiring (which was yesterday) I nearly cried. Then I heard this, and basically bawled. TV coverage for motorsports are most likely going to go completely down the tube now.

 

[Mystical]

very sad to see him go. Slowly that good nostalgia of Nascar fades away that I enjoyed so much of.