Brennaman ready to roll for Quaker State 400
When it comes SPARTA, KY. — to going fast, watching Billy Hamilton race around the bases at Great American Ball Park is more Marty Brennaman’s speed.
Yet the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame broadcaster will find himself leading NASCAR’s best drivers to the green flag at the Quaker State 400 on Saturday. Brennaman serves as the pace car driver when the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series visits Kentucky Speedway.
Brennaman’s daughter, Ashley, is the communications manager at Kentucky Speedway. That connection helped give him the inside track to serve as the pace car driver. Brennaman cleared his schedule with the Reds, who are visiting the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend, and it was off to the races.
“They were more than happy to let me do it,” Brennaman said of the Reds.
Brennaman, though, admits he agreed “with a little bit of trepidation.” Brennaman’s wife, Amanda, does most if not all the driving when the couple are together.
“I’m convinced in a previous life she was an over-theroad driver of an 18-wheeler,” Brennaman said. “She does all the driving. She’s an outstanding driver but she likes speed.”
Here are Brennaman’s thoughts on Kentucky Speedway:
You participated in the NASCAR Racing Experience at Kentucky Speedway. How did that go?
“I have an even greater appreciation for what those guys do for a living. I was involved in a ride along where the driver got up to 165 mph. That was an adrenaline rush. I was concerned about doing it . ... (NASCAR drivers), they have incredible hand-eye coordination. And I think they’re all crazy. Believe me when I tell you that. When we finished the ride along I said that’s unbelievable. I have incredible respect for what they do.” What’s the fastest speeding ticket you’ve been given?
“Aww, shoot. Probably 70 or 75. I’m not a big fan of speed.” What was your first car?
“I inherited a car from my first marriage and I think it was a ‘56 Chevrolet. The first car I ever owned was — and they don’t even make them anymore — was a Plymouth Barracuda.”
Do you have a favorite NASCAR driver?
“I’m kind of interested in the guy who won the thing last year, Martin Truex Jr. I look forward to seeing him run and look forward to meeting him. By comparison to most people I’m a novice. I have a working knowledge of the sport, but I’m not rabid by any stretch of the imagination. But I’m not rabid about any sport. I have very few favorite teams. But I have great respect for all of them.”
With the Reds’ recent success, what do you expect from the second half of the season?
“It all depends on who’s traded at the deadline. If they get rid of a number of people that have been instrumental in the recent success this club has had then it’s going to be tough for this team to win. If they’re light in terms of who they trade or don’t trade anybody, then I think they will continue to compete the way they have the last seven weeks. They’ve been a very good team. It’s amazing to watch them play now compared to the first five or six weeks of the season. It all hinges on who is still here after Aug. 1 comes.”
Is there a Cincinnati Reds player you think would make a good NASCAR driver?
“Scooter Gennett. For one thing, he was out at the track with us. He drove one of the cars. He has an interest in the sport and I think he would be a very good driver. I think they got up to 125 mph.” You’re broadcasting the Quaker State 400. Finish this sentence: “And this one belongs to ... ““Martin Truex Jr.”