“I hate to hear this,” Chase Elliott responds to veteran commentators NASCAR Fox booth exit

“I hate to hear this,” Chase Elliott responds to veteran commentators NASCAR Fox booth exit

Vince Welch and Chase Elliott

The NASCAR world is eagerly waiting for the 2023 season, which will mark its 75th anniversary. The fans and teams are getting ready for a massive year of support, and race broadcaster Fox Sports is going through some massive changes ahead of the season. The racing community will miss Fox’s veteran commentator Vince Welch next season as he announces his exit.

Welch has been a prominent face in NASCAR coverage for the last 20 years. He has played multiple roles for them throughout these years since joining them in 2015.  He is famous for his pit side reports and play-by-play reports. He has witnessed NASCAR legends like Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick earning glory and helping them share the joy with the world.

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Vince Welch announced his exit via his official Twitter handle. He didn’t give any reason for the decision and didn’t give any indications about his future. He tweeted, “Today brings me to the end of 2022 & my run at FOX. I will greatly miss seeing those in the NASCAR garage…so many smart, selfless, hardworking people I respect. The network TV world is a unique space; blessed to spend 20+ yrs in it. Now onward. No bitterness. God is good. All the best to u,”.

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Fans and NASCAR personalities shared some personal messages as replies to his tweets, and among those was 2020 cup champion, Chase Elliott. He tweeted,  “I had no idea, and I hate to hear this. I always enjoyed having you around the garage and enjoyed listening to your call races in the booth even more. I always found your effort far more professional than many others. Thank you for that, and I hope to see you around again!”.

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Chase Elliott’s fellow NASCAR drivers and broadcasters also responded to the exit

Vince Welch and Noah Gregson
Vince Welch and Noah Gregson

TRD driver John Hunter Nemechek shared a similar message as Elliott appreciating the veteran’s professionalism. He wrote,  “I hate to hear this. Have always enjoyed talking with you at the track, and thank you for the work you’ve put in to be able to call races the way you do. Appreciate your professionalism and you will be missed,”.

Danielle Trotta Welch, co-host at Fox Sports, added she is honored to have worked with him. She wrote, “A pro’s pro. Honored to have called u a teammate. Thanks for all you taught me (when I made mistakes, you were always kind & helped me grow) and thanks for all you’ve given to the sport,”.

Zach Sturniolo, the Senior Content Coordinator at NASCAR, wished the best for the veteran’s future end overs. He wrote,  “All the best in whatever comes next, Vince! Wishing you nothing but positives in the new year and beyond,”.

NASCAR driver Anthony Alfredo Thanked Vince for his contribution to the sport. He wrote, “Thanks for your incredible contribution to our sport Vince. Going to miss seeing you around greatly, but excited about what’s next for you,”.

Fox Sports host Mike Joy hailed Vince’s work ethic in his message. He wrote, “ Thanks Vince, you’re a real pro with a standout work ethic. I’ve enjoyed our time together and wish you all the best,”.

Another host Grant Enfinger called him a great human being and teammate. She wrote, “ One of the greatest humans and teammates I’ve ever had. Thank you for so many memories, shows, and laughs,”  

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