In my case Michael, depending on the show I call, it is about pacing my self. For example, in early January, the track I announce at, Talladega Short Track's Ice Bowl, it is a 4-day marathon. Thursday is practice for all our divisions. I try to keep an even tone and delivery knowing there is so much racing left with anywhere from 300 to 375 cars on hand. Practice is from around 10:00am till 6:00pm.
Friday it get's very, very busy. As we practice all divisions from 10:00am till 4:45pm. dang near 6 hours of calling classes and describing the cars and drivers and making announcements. Then after that we get busy with 1 class having qualifying heats races. All the while trying to pace myself, ain't easy some times. We finish up around 6:30. So from around 1 hour before practice begins until we end, I have been in the announcing booth talking for 9 hours, day 2 in the can.
Saturday it get's very hard core. On the mic at 9:00am again, practice for all but 1 division, then we time trial 6 divisions to set the heat races, around 275 cars I will call for qualifying...…..then we have qualifying heats races to set Sundays line-up, usually around 24+ races I call, trying to make it exciting and entertaining AND saving my voice. We will wrap up day 3 around 7:00pm. 10 hours announcing, straight.
Sunday it's Championship day. We start at noon and run B-Mains for the 6 divisions, around 18 races, then it is time for the Main events that start around 3. This is where pacing pays off, we finish up around 7 ish, I started the day at 11:00am going on the air. Another 8 hours in the booth. That is a lot of talking.
When it comes to a regular show it is much easier as we run the most efficient show in all of Alabama. I go live at 6:00pm. We hot lap at 7:00pm. Time trial the Super Late Models at 7:45pm. then start our qualifying heat races right at 8:00pm Features usually start at 9 to 9:15 and we wrap it up at 10:00 to 10:30 normally.
I can tell if I am getting to loud or vocal as I can feel it in my throat. Sugar drinks are a no-no as well as energy drinks, not good for my cords. Ice water or good ole coffee is best. Not yelling is also key. Most folks tell me I have a face for radio and a voice for announcing,lol. Some say a distinctive voice.
TopFuel@Lions
Talladega Short Track Announcer