Jeff Hammond
Encyclopedia
Jeff Hammond is an American NASCAR
personality. Currently, he is a commentator for NASCAR's coverage on Fox Sports
, as well as a partial owner of Red Horse Racing
. Red Horse Racing is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. It is co-owned by business executive Tom DeLoach and NASCAR on Fox broadcaster Jeff Hammond. They field the #7 Stemco Duraline/K&N Toyota Tundra for Miguel Paludo and the #17 Wiss Tools/K&N Toyota Tundra for Timothy Peters in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He is also referred to as Hollywood Hammond by his Fox colleague Darrell Waltrip
. He is an alumnus of East Carolina University
.
in Charlotte, North Carolina
, he was named a 1973-74 High School Prep Football
All-American as a cornerback
. He played college football at East Carolina University
for Pat Dye
until he suffered a career-ending injury in 1975.
, but soon moved to the jackman position. He served on the crew for three championship seasons between Cale Yarborough
and Darrell Waltrip
. In 1982, Hammond was promoted to the crew chief
position at Junior Johnson Motorsports for Darrell Waltrip
and Waltrip won his second consecutive championship. Hammond and Waltrip became the top driver-crew chief combination in NASCAR, winning 43 races during the eighties including the 1985 Winston Cup championship. Hammond followed Waltrip to Hendrick Motorsports
, where they won the 1989 Daytona 500
.
In 1991, Waltrip and Hammond formed Darrell Waltrip Motorsports
, where the combination clicked again, but in mid-1992, Hammond left after a win at Pocono Raceway when car owner Felix Sabates
named him to work with Kenny Wallace
for the 1993 season. Hammond teamed up again with Waltrip in 1997, but the two were unable to recapture the magic of the '80's. In 1998, Hammond joined Roush Racing
as the crew chief for Chad Little
. The combination was an immediate success. Despite failing to qualify for the spring race at Atlanta Motor Speedway
, Little finished second at the Texas 500, and had a career high 15th place in the championship standings. Hammond stayed at Roush Racing until the end of the 2000 season, including a stint where he was crew chief for the first six races for Kurt Busch
, before leaving after he was hired to work at Fox Sports.
Hammond has worked with four NASCAR champions in his career—Cale Yarborough (a mechanic), Darrell Waltrip (a crew chief for two of the three), Terry Labonte (1987 for a few races), and Kurt Busch (2000 in his first races).
.
When the series moved to Rockingham, NC, for the second race of the season, Fox unveiled a new mobile studio for NASCAR pre-race broadcasts to be used at venues where no permanent on-site studio was available. With Hammond's nickname from the past ("Hollywood"), Waltrip remarked "There's Hollywood Hammond inside the Hollywood Hotel," and the nickname stuck with the broadcast studio where he and Chris Myers
broadcast the pre-race shows. He has also donned the "Sparky the Spark Plug" outfit at Texas Motor Speedway
races. In 2005, he became an owner of Red Horse Racing's Craftsman Truck program, where they have won two races.
Hammond has also broadcasted wrestling events for TNA, where during the organization's time where it was broadcast on Fox Sports Net, Hammond hosted an interview segment known as the "Six Points of Impact!" He has also wrestled in TNA.
Hammond's position in the booth is unique. On selected qualifying shows, he will call qualifying from the broadcast booth. On selected qualifying events, he will report from pit road. During the race, he is positioned in the studio but will frequently exit the studio to demonstrate from the cutaway car, and during pit stops will analyse pit stops. Also, because of the long nature of the races, he and Chris Myers will recap the race while there is a break with the main booth. Hammond also is able to substitute for a pit reporter if necessary, which happened in 2002 when Steve Byrnes
was unable to work the Dodge Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway
because of an emergency situation with his wife Karen regarding her pregnancy.
where fans can write in and he answers one question every column.
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
personality. Currently, he is a commentator for NASCAR's coverage on Fox Sports
Fox Sports (USA)
Fox Sports is a division of the Fox Broadcasting Company . It was formed in 1994 with Fox's acquisition of broadcast rights to National Football League games...
, as well as a partial owner of Red Horse Racing
Red Horse Racing
Red Horse Racing is an American racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. It is co-owned by business executive Tom DeLoach and NASCAR on Fox broadcaster Jeff Hammond...
. Red Horse Racing is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. It is co-owned by business executive Tom DeLoach and NASCAR on Fox broadcaster Jeff Hammond. They field the #7 Stemco Duraline/K&N Toyota Tundra for Miguel Paludo and the #17 Wiss Tools/K&N Toyota Tundra for Timothy Peters in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He is also referred to as Hollywood Hammond by his Fox colleague Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Lee Waltrip is a 3-time NASCAR Cup Series champion , 3-time runner-up , winner of the 1989 Daytona 500 and 5-time winner of the prestigeous Coca-Cola 600 ,...
. He is an alumnus of East Carolina University
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is a public, coeducational, engaged doctoral/research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, United States. Named East Carolina University by statute and commonly known as ECU or East Carolina, the university is the largest institution of higher learning in...
.
Background
While attending high school at North Mecklenburg High SchoolNorth Mecklenburg High School
North Mecklenburg High School is a high school in Huntersville, North Carolina. The school was founded in 1951 as an all-white school. It integrated in the 1960s. With over 3000 students, it was the largest school population-wise in North Carolina during the 2005-2006 school year. The current...
in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
, he was named a 1973-74 High School Prep Football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
All-American as a cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
. He played college football at East Carolina University
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is a public, coeducational, engaged doctoral/research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, United States. Named East Carolina University by statute and commonly known as ECU or East Carolina, the university is the largest institution of higher learning in...
for Pat Dye
Pat Dye
Patrick Fain Dye is a former American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at East Carolina University , the University of Wyoming , and Auburn University compiling a career college football record of 153–62–5...
until he suffered a career-ending injury in 1975.
Racing career
Hammond's NASCAR career began in 1974 as a tire changer for Walter BallardWalter Ballard
Walter Ballard is a former NASCAR Winston Cup driver from Houston, Texas.He made a single Grand National start in 1966 and did not return to the series until 1971 when he ran a nearly full season in a car owned by his father Vic capturing 11 top tens on his way to Rookie of the Year honors and a...
, but soon moved to the jackman position. He served on the crew for three championship seasons between Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough
William Caleb "Cale" Yarborough , is a farmer, businessman and former NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver and owner. He is one of only two drivers in NASCAR history to win three consecutive championships...
and Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Lee Waltrip is a 3-time NASCAR Cup Series champion , 3-time runner-up , winner of the 1989 Daytona 500 and 5-time winner of the prestigeous Coca-Cola 600 ,...
. In 1982, Hammond was promoted to the crew chief
Pit stop
In motorsports, a pit stop is where a racing vehicle stops in the pits during a race for refuelling, new tires, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, or any combination of the above...
position at Junior Johnson Motorsports for Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Lee Waltrip is a 3-time NASCAR Cup Series champion , 3-time runner-up , winner of the 1989 Daytona 500 and 5-time winner of the prestigeous Coca-Cola 600 ,...
and Waltrip won his second consecutive championship. Hammond and Waltrip became the top driver-crew chief combination in NASCAR, winning 43 races during the eighties including the 1985 Winston Cup championship. Hammond followed Waltrip to Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports , originally named All Star Racing, is a current American auto racing team created in 1984 by Rick Hendrick. The team currently competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Chevrolet Impalas...
, where they won the 1989 Daytona 500
1989 Daytona 500
The 31st annual Daytona 500 was held February 19 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader won the pole for the second time in a row.-General information:...
.
In 1991, Waltrip and Hammond formed Darrell Waltrip Motorsports
Darrell Waltrip Motorsports
Darrell Waltrip Motorsports was a NASCAR team owned by three-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip. It was formed in 1991 when Waltrip resigned from Hendrick Motorsports to start his own team, and was originally named DarWal, Inc....
, where the combination clicked again, but in mid-1992, Hammond left after a win at Pocono Raceway when car owner Felix Sabates
Felix Sabates
Felix Sabates is an entrepreneur and philanthropist living in the United States. He is currently a minority shareholder in Chip Ganassi Racing, which fields teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series , GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and the IZOD IndyCar Series...
named him to work with Kenny Wallace
Kenny Wallace
Kenneth Wallace is an American stock car driver who currently drives the #09 Family Farmers/University of Northwestern Ohio/Federated Auto Parts/American Ethanol/Iowa Corn/G-Oil/Marquis Energy Toyota Camry for RAB Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series...
for the 1993 season. Hammond teamed up again with Waltrip in 1997, but the two were unable to recapture the magic of the '80's. In 1998, Hammond joined Roush Racing
Roush Racing
Roush Fenway Racing is a racing team competing in NASCAR racing. As one of NASCAR's largest premier racing teams, Roush runs teams in the Sprint and Nationwide Series, and formerly in the Camping World Truck Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series.Roush first entered NASCAR competition in 1988, but had...
as the crew chief for Chad Little
Chad Little
Chad Little is a former NASCAR driver. He holds a degree in marketing from Washington State University, and a law degree from Gonzaga University...
. The combination was an immediate success. Despite failing to qualify for the spring race at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway is a track just outside Hampton, Georgia, twenty miles south of Atlanta. It is a quad-oval track with a seating capacity of over 125,000. It opened in 1960 as a standard oval. In 1994, 46 condominiums were built over the northeastern side of the track...
, Little finished second at the Texas 500, and had a career high 15th place in the championship standings. Hammond stayed at Roush Racing until the end of the 2000 season, including a stint where he was crew chief for the first six races for Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch
Kurt Thomas Busch is an American NASCAR and NHRA driver. He drives the No. 22 Shell Oil Company/Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and will race on an "opportunity permitting" basis in the Pro Stock division of NHRA...
, before leaving after he was hired to work at Fox Sports.
Hammond has worked with four NASCAR champions in his career—Cale Yarborough (a mechanic), Darrell Waltrip (a crew chief for two of the three), Terry Labonte (1987 for a few races), and Kurt Busch (2000 in his first races).
TV Broadcasting
In 2001, Hammond and Waltrip were reunited once again, this time as broadcasters for Fox Sports coverage of NASCAR. Hammond works for the Speed ChannelSPEED Channel
Speed , is a cable and satellite television network broadcast to various parts of North America, but primarily the United States...
.
When the series moved to Rockingham, NC, for the second race of the season, Fox unveiled a new mobile studio for NASCAR pre-race broadcasts to be used at venues where no permanent on-site studio was available. With Hammond's nickname from the past ("Hollywood"), Waltrip remarked "There's Hollywood Hammond inside the Hollywood Hotel," and the nickname stuck with the broadcast studio where he and Chris Myers
Chris Myers
Christopher Patrick "Chris" Myers ) is an American sportscaster.-Biography:With more than 20 years in broadcasting, Chris Myers has covered premiere events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, NCAA Final Four, The Masters and U.S...
broadcast the pre-race shows. He has also donned the "Sparky the Spark Plug" outfit at Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway is a speedway located in the northernmost portion of the U.S. city of Fort Worth, Texas – the portion located in Denton County, Texas....
races. In 2005, he became an owner of Red Horse Racing's Craftsman Truck program, where they have won two races.
Hammond has also broadcasted wrestling events for TNA, where during the organization's time where it was broadcast on Fox Sports Net, Hammond hosted an interview segment known as the "Six Points of Impact!" He has also wrestled in TNA.
Hammond's position in the booth is unique. On selected qualifying shows, he will call qualifying from the broadcast booth. On selected qualifying events, he will report from pit road. During the race, he is positioned in the studio but will frequently exit the studio to demonstrate from the cutaway car, and during pit stops will analyse pit stops. Also, because of the long nature of the races, he and Chris Myers will recap the race while there is a break with the main booth. Hammond also is able to substitute for a pit reporter if necessary, which happened in 2002 when Steve Byrnes
Steve Byrnes
Steve Byrnes is an American television announcer and producer from New Carrollton, Maryland. He graduated from the University of Maryland. Afterward, he began his television career as a sports producer where he covered several NFL teams. In 1985, he began producing and hosting NASCAR segments...
was unable to work the Dodge Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway
Infineon Raceway, formerly Sears Point Raceway, is a road course and drag strip located on the landform known as Sears Point in the southern Sonoma Mountains near Sonoma, California, USA. The course is a complex series of twists and turns that go up and down the hills...
because of an emergency situation with his wife Karen regarding her pregnancy.
Online Column
Hammond contributes a regular online column on foxsports.comFoxsports.com
Foxsports.com provides sports news, scores, sports statistics, sports and entertainment video, sports fantasy leagues and fantasy information. Launched in July 2001, it is a unit of Fox Interactive Media, which also includes other News Corporation online businesses, including MySpace, IGN...
where fans can write in and he answers one question every column.