BREAKING NEWS

Longtime Race Announcer Jim Childers Turning Off Microphone

Springfield, IL August 3, 2015 (By Jay Hardin)-Racing fans throughout the country will be saddened to learn that one of the premier motorsports announcers has decided to retire from full-time duties. Jim Childers of Metropolis, Illinois has spent the last 36 seasons entertaining and informing race fans about a wide variety of action. The southern Illinois native made what he termed ‘a difficult’ decision over the winter to step back from a career that began across the Ohio River in 1980.

A long time race fan, Childers secured the job as the announcer at Paducah International Raceway in 1980, a job that ultimately led him to the announcing position for the Midget Auto Racing Association (MARA) series in 1983. A chance meeting with the Director of Motorsports at the Illinois State Fair, the late Bill Oldani, opened the door for Childers to become the long time public address voice at both Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.

While Childers called midget action for MARA and the USAC and ARCA action at both fairgrounds his resume continued to grow, calling late model, modified and sprint car races at a variety of locations across the Midwest.

Jim’s career leaves virtually no stone unturned in announcing circles. He has announced races for NASCAR, USAC, the World of Outlaws, ARCA, UMP, ASCoC, ASCS, NDRA, Hav-A_Tampa, AIS, IRA and the Northern All Stars and many other sanctioning bodies. The list of venues that Jim has worked at is equally impressive, including the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, the Knoxville Nationals, DuQuoin, Springfield, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Terre Haute, Angel Park, Memphis Motorsports Park, Nashville Speedway and Gateway International Raceway.

While Jim would not rule out completely working a race or two in the future, the majority of his traveling will conclude at the end of 2015 including his current role as the voice of the Lucas Oil Powri Midget Series.

“I owe a lot to many people, including the late Bill Oldani, Bob Sargent and Kenny Brown among them.” “I really want to thank the fans, the racers and the people I’ve worked with and for during the last 36 years.” “They made it fun and kept me coming back year after year.”

Jim won’t be away from the track completely as he plans to bring his young grandson to the races. Fans can catch him in action at both the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair, as well as the remainder of the 2015 Powri schedule.

I don't even want to think about not hearing Jim at the midget races. Simply put he is the best

Not only is Jim an excellent announcer, but a truly great guy. He will really be missed!

Congratulations on a great career Jim. Jim made the races exciting, interesting and informational.

One thing I notice with announcers like Jim and Tom Carnegie some times "less" is much "more".

Announcers like Jim can make simple phrases mean much and seem exciting.

Jim's announcing added to our enjoyment greatly, thank you!

Jim is the best on and off the mic. Wish him the best in his retirement!

He has long been one of my favorites! He is always informative and entertaining, and knows when and when not to speak, something that so many announcers seem to not know. He leaves big shoes to fill! Enjoy your retirement, Jim!

I think we'll miss Jim the most at Springfield & Du Quoin. It will not be quite the same at those 2 places next year.

Jim has a great style, he never was a screamer (a style we have always despised), and he knows of which he speaks. And, besides being an world class PA announcer he is one of the nicest guys you'll ever want to meet and talk to.

Good health and good luck to you in anything and everything you decide to occupy your time with following your race announcing gig.

Just a side note, Jim introduced grandstand acts during the Du Quoin State Fair for as long as we've been going to it (20+ years).

I think we will hear him at a race or 2 in the future. Good Luck in your future endeavors Jim.