With NASCAR back in action, ENC Sports Review wanted to see how some motorsports commentators were handling the return of NASCAR without fans. Today, we had the honor of interviewing Motor Racing Network’s Alex Hayden. We thank Alex for taking the time to answer questions for us. We hope our readers enjoy learning more about Alex.
How long have you been involved in NASCAR?
This is my 24th season with MRN Radio “The Voice of NASCAR”.
Besides MRN Radio, what are some other jobs you have held?
I am currently the Voice of the University of Mount Olive Trojan Sports Network. I have also worked with Nike and Universal Studios in the past.
What is your favorite memory of working for MRN Radio?
My favorite memory was receiving my first MRN shirt. I knew that even if I screwed up, that shirt would always be mine. I Still have that shirt!
Which track is your favorite to call a race?
Martinsville Speedway and Daytona International Speedway are up there on the list, but my all time favorite track to call a race at is my home track the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
What are your thoughts of the season so far?
Impressive performances by so many teams. There have been more different teams finish in the top 10 this season than any season in history.
What is it like calling a race without fans and with strict media/personnel restrictions in place due to Covid19?
It was definitely a surreal experience. I had in my mind what it would be like but I quickly realized it was far more than I could have ever imagined.
Have you had to adapt your reporting style due to the new environment?
I have not had to change my reporting style any. From the anchor booth, once the green flag flies, it’s business as usual.
What are your thoughts about how NASCAR is working to create a unique schedule for getting all of the races in this season?
I’m proud that we are trying to get the number of races in. No, we can’t be at all tracks because some states are still shut down, but we are doing the very best we can and being leaders in the sports world.
When you are not at the track, where is your favorite place to vacation?
I love Key West and get there numerous times a year to get away from the world. There and any other tropical island….St. Somewhere…..St. Anywhere.
Since you worked with the late, great Barney Hall, I’m sure you have several great Barney stories. Can you share one or two of them with our readers?
I was honored to be a pallbearer at his funeral. He and I were very close and I was a sponge when around him when he spoke. One of the best stories was leaving Michigan International Speedway after a Saturday race. He and I left together in the rental car and out of nowhere he said to stop at a golf course to squeeze in 9 holes. Neither of us had any equipment and we were in our MRN clothes. As soon as we walked in the pro shop, everything we needed was waiting on us. He called ahead and we had the best time. We both love the game of golf and never once do we talk racing when on the course. A personal story more so than a work story because people never really knew Barney as he was very private. A genuine man and the definition of a gentleman. I miss him dearly.
We thank Alex for taking time to answer questions for us as he’s preparing to call the action at Darlington Raceway for MRN. You can listen to him call races on various MRN radio affiliates around the country, and can even listen online at http://www.mrn.com/.
To learn more about Alex Hayden, you can listen to the latest episode of The Lapped Traffic Podcast hosted by Brandon Croud at the link below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lapped-traffic-podcast-nascar/id1191851979?mt=2
All pictures were submitted by Alex Hayden.
ENC Sports Review 