“That’s one of the most talented voices in motorsports.” That’s how NBC’s Sam Flood described Rick Allen when he was named lead race announcer for NASCAR’s biggest events. And anyone who’s heard Allen call a race knows exactly what he meant. For nearly a decade, Allen’s energetic delivery and unmistakable “big race” presence helped turn every NBC broadcast into appointment viewing for fans across the country.

With a sports background that spans Olympic trials, college football, and every kind of motor racing, Allen brought a warmth and authenticity rarely found behind the mic. Whether setting the stage for Daytona drama or narrating a season’s final lap, he was the steady heartbeat in countless broadcasts. But as NASCAR’s TV landscape shifted, fans no longer found Rick Allen among them. And now with the latest update, well, let’s just say, it didn’t do much to bring a smile to the community.

A new chapter for Rick Allen outside NASCAR

After nearly a decade shaping NASCAR’s biggest moments for NBC Sports, Rick Allen’s journey as lead race announcer came to an abrupt and difficult end in early 2024. The separation, which blindsided fans and even some colleagues, was as confusing as it was crushing for Allen himself. He recently broke his silence about the move.

Allen admitted that he learned about his contract not being renewed just before hosting the NASCAR Hall of Fame ceremony. Allen was told to keep the news confidential for months. And there was no heartfelt on-air farewell from NBC or an official statement commemorating his legacy. Moreover, fans only learned about the change when Leigh Diffey took his place in the booth that summer.

Despite the pain, Allen hasn’t let adversity sideline him. This August, Allen announced via his social media accounts that he’s embracing a new role. “A little over 30 yrs ago I started my broadcasting career in Memorial Stadium as the PA announcer for the @huskers Tonight I begin a new chapter as the entertainment PA announcer for the @panthers in @bofastadium #keeppounding,” Allen posted on Instagram. Yes, Rick Allen is the entertainment public address announcer for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers!

It’s a full-circle moment: three decades ago, he began his career as a stadium PA voice for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Now, he’s bringing that signature energy and warmth to Panthers football. Allen shared his excitement about starting a new chapter and thanked supporters for helping him keep his passion alive.

With Allen’s transition making headlines, NASCAR fans, who felt robbed of a proper send-off, are organizing and voicing strong reactions online and in public forums. The story is shifting from one of professional loss to a national conversation about closure, recognition, and justice. After all, it is for the voice they spent years welcoming into their living rooms.

Fans rally behind Rick Allen

Rick Allen’s departure from the NBC Sports NASCAR booth sent shockwaves through racing’s fanbase. Reactions continue to ripple across social media, podcasts, and conversation threads. “It’s really weird to see him go from national TV to PA announcer for the Panthers in the span of a year,” one fan wrote. The sentiment is shared widely. After an illustrious career leading high-stakes broadcasts, Allen’s shift from primetime TV to stadium announcements seems abrupt.

Others are less sympathetic to NBC’s handling of Allen’s exit. The consensus is that “NBC did him dirty.” As Allen revealed, he was instructed to stay silent. Being the guy that he is, he complied without thinking much. It wasn’t until an emotional conversation with Michael Jordan, who told Allen that his silence might send the wrong message, that Allen realized the depth of his predicament.

“I didn’t know why. I went into that lunch meeting not having a clue my contract wouldn’t be renewed…was crushed,” Allen admitted recently on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. This revelation intensified fan anger. Many argued that NBC should have honored Allen’s legacy with transparency and respect.

The idea of Allen returning to the booth remains a rallying cry. “Have him do Trucks and be the lead guy for Fox’s portion of the Cup schedule,” one fan suggested. Still others long for a reunion: “Put the old Truck booth back together—Rick Allen, Phil Parsons, and Mikey Waltrip.” That trio is remembered as one of the sport’s most beloved broadcast teams, and fans hope Fox might revive that chemistry.

Through it all, many express relief that Allen found work (even if outside NASCAR). Especially, after he opened up about the pain of not being wanted anywhere. “In all reality, I’m glad he found some announcing work, he wasn’t ‘desperate’ sounding on Jr’s podcast, but you could tell he was hurt that he wasn’t wanted anywhere,” a fan found the silver lining among the black clouds.

While the community debates what went wrong and looks for potential comebacks, one thing is clear. Rick Allen’s voice still matters to NASCAR fans everywhere, and the fight for justice and recognition goes on. Nevertheless, we wish Allen a successful stint at the Panthers.