Ben Dodge Jr

Announcer, Broadcaster, Promoter
CLASS OF 2017

Ben Dodge has a long history in southern New England racing, doing everything from publishing programs to announcing, from promoting race tracks to producing TV shows.

In the early 1980’s, Ben was part of Dick Williams’ Coastal Racing Association, as Editor-in-Chief of the circuit’s souvenir program ‘Coastal Racing Review’. In 1980, he began announcing at the New Smyrna Speedway for their annual World Series of Asphalt Racing event in February known for attracting many of the best modified drivers from the northeast, something he did for over 40 years.

Dodge also began a long association with Riverside Park Speedway in 1981. He guided the track through most of it’s years as a NASCAR sanctioned facility where he spent time as a track announcer, promoter and eventually general manager through the 1996 season.

In the early 1990’s, he began his long association with Thompson Speedway where he also announced regularly. He was involved in management as well, holding title of Special Advisor when he left the track following the 2012 season after 21 seasons at the famed Connecticut track.

At Stafford Speedway, Dodge was one of the many legendary personalities that have called races on the PA at the 1/2 mile track.

Dodge was also instrumental in bringing short track racing to regional television, hosting “Raceweek” and “NASCAR New England” shows for NESN in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He also hosted the sydicated radio program “This Week in Racing”

In early 1986, when only 29 years old, Dodge was presented the Frank Maratta Award for outstanding contribution to auto racing.