Vincent Welch (born August 4, 1964) is an American radio and television personality most recently for Fox Sports. Until 2022, Welch was the play-by-play commentator for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and occasionally, a pit reporter for FOX's coverage for the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. He also does commentary for games for Fox College Hoops.[1]
Vincent Welch | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Welch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2015 | |
| Born | August 4, 1964 |
| Occupation(s) | TV sports announcer and pit reporter |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Commentator on Fox Sports for NASCAR events and occasional pit reporter |
| Children | 3 |
Career
editAfter graduating from Ball State University in 1987, Welch would get an entry-level job in a small radio station in Richmond, Indiana, WKBV.[2] With WKBV, he would do play-by-play commentary for the local high school teams in the area.[3] After three and a half years with the company, he would leave for a part-time job with WISH-TV, and worked his way up into television.[3][1]
In 1992, Welch would earn a regional Emmy Award for sports programming.[4]
In 1995, he would move to WNDY-TV, and was named the sports chief of the station.[5]
In 1998, Welch would move to WIBC, after he felt that he would be let go from WNDY-TV, as another company, Paramount Stations Group, had purchased the station and were letting go staff members. Welch was named sports director for WIBC, taking over for Bob Lamey.[6]
Working for ESPN for various motor sports leagues, he would work as a pit reporter.[7] In 2010, Welch was announced as the lead commentator for ESPN2's NASCAR Nationwide Series coverage.[8]
On January 2, 2023, Welch announced he will not return to Fox Sports for the 2023 season.[9] He currently is with NASCAR Productions as a spotter, primarily working for his son Dillon.
Personal life
editVince graduated from Ball State University in 1987 with a degree in telecommunications.[10] His son, Dillon Welch, was a radio personality for the Motor Racing Network.[11] Dillon is currently a pit reporter for NBC. In 2020, it was announced that Welch had signed an endorsement deal with health and wellness multilevel marketing company Zurvita.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Vince Welch Bio & Career Accomplishments". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ Higley, Jeff (1990-04-08). "WKBV's Welch taking post in Indianapolis". Palladium-Item. p. 19. Retrieved 2022-03-19 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "The Harbingers: Vince Welch". Ball State Sports Link. 2016-09-16. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ a b "Zurvita Welcomes Vince Welch as Zurvita Endorser". AP NEWS. 2020-12-22. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ Tingher, Don (1995-06-13). "Vince Welch to tackle new challenges as WNDY-TV sports chief". Palladium-Item. p. 9. Retrieved 2022-03-19 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Harvey, Jay (1998-03-21). "WIBC appoints Vince Welch to follow Lamey". The Indianapolis News. p. 56. Retrieved 2022-03-19 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "ESPN'S NASCAR Coverage Set to Take Green Flag at Daytona". ESPN Press Room U.S. 2011-02-14. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ Chapin, Josh (2010-06-04). "Former Richmond broadcaster starts new job Saturday". Palladium-Item. p. 9. Retrieved 2022-03-19 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Vince Welch will not return to FOX Sports for 2023 season". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 2, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ Taylor, Chris (2018-09-16). "FOX Sports & Ball State Alum Vince Welch Visits Monday". Ball State Sports Link. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ Kartman, Alex (2015-08-26). "Vince Welch's Son Following in His Broadcasting Footsteps". Ball State Sports Link. Retrieved 2022-03-19.