Springfield, IL August 3, 2015 (By Jay Hardin Track Enterprises)-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. Childers tenure at Springfield and DuQuoin is the longest of any announcer who has called auto races at the historic race tracks.

Jim Childers

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.