Paul Page

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Paul Page is an American motorsports broadcaster who was the lead announcer of ABC Sports' coverage of the Indianapolis 500 from 1988 to 2004. His place was taken by Todd Harris for 2005 in a move that proved unpopular. Page was reassigned to cover other events for the ESPN family of networks, noteably the X Games, NHRA, and has quietly become a fixture calling the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. He called both IRL and Champ Car races, including Champ Car's first race, with among others, Bob Jenkins, Sam Posey, Bobby Unser, Danny Sullivan, Arie Luyendyk, Gil de Ferran and Scott Goodyear. In 1989 and 1990 his work was awarded two Emmy's for the coverage of the Indianapolis 500. He also was host / play by play in shows or series that garnered 13 other Emmy's.

Paul gave the opening introduction to Papyrus's IndyCar Racing II video game, released in 1995. Page also was selected to be the short-phrase commentator for the Destruction Derby 2 wrecking/racing video game of 1996.

From 1974-1987, Page served on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Page served as a pit reporter from 1974-1976, and as Chief Announcer from 1977-1987. Page served as anchor of auto racing telecasts on NBC from 1977-1987. He also worked on NBC's "Sportsworld."

In 2006, Page split announcing duties with Marty Reid on ESPN's coverage of NHRA Drag Racing, sharing duties with Reid, whilst Reid is on assignment, ironically calling the Indy Racing League.

Page's broadcasting career began on WIBC-AM in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1968. On December 1, 1977, while doing a helicopter traffic report, Page was nearly killed in an accident, as he crashed near Speedway, Indiana High School.

Page grew up in Stuttgart, Germany as a military brat, and is married to fellow broadcaster Sally Larvick. He served six years in the U. S, Army. His son, Brian, is a race engineer with Andretti Green Racing. His daughter Marlo is a fashion designer in New York.

Preceded by Sid Collins	Radio voice of the Indianapolis 500 1977-1987	Succeeded by Lou Palmer
Preceded by Jim Lampley	Television voice of the Indianapolis 500 1988-1998	Succeeded by Bob Jenkins 1999-2001
Preceded by Bob Jenkins 1999-2001	Television voice of the Indianapolis 500 2002-2004	Succeeded by Todd Harris 2005