Crankin (Offline)
#2
1/11/10 9:25 PM
Jan was an inspiration to my past career. Besides those wicked U.S. 30 dragstrip spots (which were copied in style and delivery, all over the states... but never as good), he was the announcer at Santa Fe Speedway for many years! An incredible announcer (what a voice!), would pretty much sum that part of his career.
This is one of those little things that you remember in life, and I always remember this about Jan. Every night at Santa Fe, after all the races were over, trophies handed out, and interviews were done. Jan would do the up sell for next week, telling what races were coming up. Then, at about the point that stands were about 80%-90% empty, he would sign off with this:
"Thank you all once again for coming out. I am Jan Gabriel reminding you, to be kind, be careful, and most of all beeeeeeeeeeeeeee". At this point he would go silent. Sometimes for just a few seconds, or sometimes many minutes would go by, and then he would simply come back on and just say the word, "safe".
That evening's racing program was now officially over.
My description most likely doesn't do it justice, but that has always stuck with me. Has a kid, I always thought that was just the coolest thing. Hearing that booming voice speak to me from that big tower at the top of the grandstand!!! That was bigtime stuff to this kid!
R.I.P. Jan
sprinthead (Offline)
#3
1/12/10 9:43 PM
I grew up west of Chicago and started going to Santa Fe Speedway around the mid to late 70's with my father. I think we went to just about every sprint car and midget race they had. My father and I were talking last night and reminisced about Jan, Santa Fe, and all the great races we saw there. We both agree that Jan was the best announcer we ever heard/saw in all of our years so far while cruising up and down the road.
RIP Jan
