Top Five NASCAR TV Analysts of All-Time

1. Ned Jarrett

From pit reporter to leading man in the booth, Ned Jarrett is synonymous with outstanding coverage of NASCAR on television. Gentleman Ned as he is known continues to show his relevance to the NASCAR community to this day after participating in the broadcast of the 2015 Southern 500 at Darlington with NBC Sports.

Becoming unique in his time by retiring on top after winning the 1965 Winston Cup championship, Jarrett would parlay his on track knowledge into television by starting with a radio program on WNNC in Newton, North Carolina. From there, he would learn the broadcasting game, and become a part of MRN Radio’s coverage in 1978. He famously interviewed President Ronald Reagan at the 1984 Firecracker 400, won by Richard Petty.

Following up on his time on radio, Jarrett would find an opening on television for his talents to continue. He worked frequently on broadcasts seen on ESPN and CBS, always bringing that knowledge that only a champion could. He also became a fan favorite for his passion shown in two distinct moments with his son Dale, including Dale’s first career win at Michigan International Speedway and his win in the 1993 Daytona 500. And while some would malign an analyst today for losing their objectivity in the booth, Jarrett simply exuded fatherly pride, something that many NASCAR fans can connect with.

Surely many still wish that Ned Jarrett would come into the living rooms of NASCAR fans every race weekend, but fans are all thankful for having been able to be a part of his great television ride.

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