Hal Hamrick, an announcer for Universal Racing Network which broadcast the first Daytona 500, passed away on Saturday. He was 79. Hamrick was also an administrator and publicist at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway. He was also the publisher of FasTrack, the only weekly publication dedicated to covering grassroots racing in the United States.

When working at Universal Racing Network, Hamrick worked with Hank Schoolfield, the publisher of Southern MotoRacing who encouraged Hal to pursue FasTrack.

NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter: "Hal Hamrick did, indeed, do a lot for the sport, especially in its formative days. He built a lot of excitement into the sport as an announcer and was a contributing member of the NMPA (National Motorsports Press Association). His publication in his twilight years has certainly been a huge boost for stock car racing's grassroots local tracks."

Funeral arrangements:

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Parkwood Baptist Church, 1729 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia (704-864-3930).

The Celebration of Hal Hamrick's Life will be at 3:00 pm, Wednesday at Parkwood Baptist Church.

Greene's Funeral Home (704-853-1300) are in charge of the arrangements.

Since there will be no graveside services, in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that any tributes be made as contributions to:

Parkwood Baptist Church, 1827 Dixon Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317 (www.victoryjunction.org)
American Heart Association, 222 S. Church Street, Ste. 303, Charlotte, NC 28202

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