“Part of their NASCAR soundtrack”: Doug Rice lets his emotions flow after making his career’s final call for Joey Logano

The voice that called Jeff Gordon's first victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1994 will be heard no more. After spending almost four decades as an orator, Doug Rice, the lead announcer for Performance Racing Network (PRN), announced his retirement from the broadcast booth.

The announcement became official after he was done calling Team Penske driver, Joey Logano's victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last Sunday. In a recent interview with PRN, the veteran NASCAR commentator revealed the most valuable takeaway from his long and illustrious career.

"All the race fans...I've met hundreds this year, who've come up and said basically the same thing; I've listened to you all my life, which means I'm old," the 69-year-old chuckled. "They come up and say that and they tell you a story about where they were usually with their brother or their dad. It means you've been a part of their NASCAR soundtrack. (0:53)

Since his debut in the 1993 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Doug Rice's voice has been an inconspicuous part of what he called the "NASCAR soundtrack". In 1998, he joined Speedway Motorsports as the President and Affiliate Director for PRN.

"It's been a great ride. And I'll try to get through this, folks. Thanks to God, I've been blessed beyond measure...that let me get through 36 years of this," Doug Rice added. (0:10)

Rice's highlights include calling Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first Xfinity and Cup Series wins at Texas Motor Speedway, Tony Stewart's first win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2005 and the late Adam Petty's ARCA win at Charlotte in 1998.

Charlotte Motor Speedway hands Doug Rice a unique honor

Doug Rice called his second-last race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 13. Following the 109-lap event, the track officials handed Doug Rice a personalized Bruton Smith Trophy, which is what the drivers usually get after winning the crown jewel Coca-Cola 600.

Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith were among those who attended the ceremony were

"Doug has always been the consummate gentleman and professional," Smith said during the trophy presentation ceremony at Charlotte. "You care about your teammates and always did what it takes to deliver a good show."

Jeff Gordon, the current Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, recalled Rice calling the former's first Cup Series win, a snippet of which was screened during the ceremony. Gordon said,

"Doug, you were always so professional and so kind. You don’t get your own logo unless you’re doing something special. We appreciate what you do to build and grow this sport to millions of fans."

"Doug's Last Call" logos featured at several Speedway Motorsports venues throughout the year to celebrate the career of the veteran sportscaster. Needless to say, Rice will forever be someone to look up to for the race fans as well as the current NASCAR play-by-play commentators.