Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
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With very little fanfare, it was announced yesterday that long time (since 1987) Williams Grove Speedway announcer Bruce Ellis has called it a career and retired. A writer, and long time contributor to Open Wheel and Sprint Car & Midget magazines, Bruce was also elected to The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Like him or hate him, he will always be remembered for his "It's showtime at Williams Grove Speedway" to start the feature. Thanks for the memories Bruce. 

I was a bit suprised yesterday.  Bruce caught a lot of flack the last several years, but many people don't remember him in his prime when he was The Man. Bruce has always been quite knowledgeable and passionate about the sport, and wrote some decent articles from time to time. He is a Hall of Famer. I'm pretty sure The Grove has found an excellent replacement for Bruce though. 

 "We have met the enemy and he is us." 

I hope the Grove brings him out for the National Open to give him some recognition (plaques aren't expensive) in front of a packed house. Like him or not, the man gave the Grove his all and deserves a proper sendoff. 

Bruce didn't have the gimmicks that many today have. He was a very knowledgeable guy that I hope enjoys his time in retirement. I to would hope management will do something to honor this man's dedication to williams grove. 

Well said and I agree he deserves to be honored, maybe have a tribute race for him maybe the first speedweek show but he's earned it and it's not gonna be the same for me. Good job Bruce I appreciate everything you've done for the sport.

Shawn Brouse?

A

Did you ever think maybe Bruce wanted things low key? We are all quick to throw William's Grove under the bus, myself included. I am sure we will hear more on Bruce's decision, maybe from Jeremy Elliott in the future.

Bruce missed some races during 2023.   Maybe he has health issues.      

"......well we're gonna find out soon.   Because it is showtime at Williams Grove Speedway" is about the only green flag commentary that still gets me excited.    I mute or cringe when it is time for most of the other ones.

Sprintcarunlimited reports that Shawn Brouse is taking over primary duties and that Dave Hare will be the second for 12-or-so shows in 2024.        They are both very capable commentators that are easy on the ears.

BAPS hosts the Final Showdown.     Maybe WG could host a "Final 'Showtime'  ".

I have always liked Bruce. He talks to you, not at you.

I always loved the way he says "Lance Dewease" when announcing him in qualifying or lineups. Always used to hope when he and Johnny alternated rows that Bruce got Lance. Just the tone he said it in I always got a kick out of. 

I remember way back before I ever started going to the races, the local independent channel in Pittsburgh would show tape delayed races from the Grove every once in a while...it was the first dirt racing I ever saw.  Bruce was literally the first track announcer I ever heard.  I didn't make it to the Grove in person for another 15-20 years, but I always thought Bruce was an announcer who never stooped to dumb gimmicks and was a total professional.  A poor man's Bob Varsha without the arrogrance.

Where'd the posts go?

shrinkflation ?

Definitely.  I remember how he said Lance Dewease when I was a teenager going to the Grove and loved it.   And still like hearing it.

How did he say it? I've always heard it as rhyming with Thee Geese.

Laaaaaaaaance Dewease

I thought I heard Dave Hare calling the race on Sunday and was hoping he would get the job. I just got home from off grid, I know rahmer won last night but who was the announcer?

Shawn Brouse has replaced Bruce for 2024. Dave Hare will continue to announce at BAPS and will be the second announcer at Williams Grove for approximately 12 races this season as his schedule permits.