LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Veteran NASCAR broadcaster Mike Joy has sparked excitement among fans by hinting at a potential return to his hometown track, Lime Rock Park, to call the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ LiUNA 150 on FOX this Saturday. The race marks the series’ historic debut at the 1.53-mile Connecticut road course.
Joy, a native of nearby New Hartford, Connecticut, teased the possibility Tuesday in response to a fan’s question on X, writing, “Hmm. Stay tuned.” The comment sent ripples through the NASCAR community, though FOX has not officially confirmed Joy’s involvement in the broadcast.
The 78-year-old broadcaster has been a fixture in NASCAR coverage since the 1970s, serving as FOX’s lead play-by-play announcer since the network began airing races in 2001. Known for his deep knowledge and passion for motorsports, Joy has called countless NASCAR events, but a race at Lime Rock Park—less than 30 miles from where he grew up—would hold special significance.
Joy tweeted on June 22nd that he would be attending the race, which may pose some difficulties for FOX, with its usual pairing of Jamie Little and Michael Waltrip in the studio back in Charlotte, but surely something can be worked out. After all, the broadcaster should be in person at the race track to begin with.
Lime Rock Park, a storied venue celebrating its 68th year, has never hosted a NASCAR national series event until this weekend’s LiUNA 150, set for 1 p.m. ET on FOX. The race will feature road racing stars like IMSA champion Jordan Taylor and Australian Supercars driver Cam Waters, adding intrigue to the broadcast.
Joy’s connection to Lime Rock runs deep. As a young motorsports enthusiast, he attended races there, and his early broadcasting career included covering events at the track. Fans on X have flooded Joy’s post with support, with one user writing, “Mike Joy at Lime Rock would be legendary. Make it happen, FOX!”
While Joy’s hint has fueled speculation, NASCAR insiders on X suggest the broadcast booth lineup remains fluid, with Jamie Little, who made history as the first woman to call a Truck Series race, also in contention. FOX’s coverage will include practice and qualifying on FS1 and FS2, with the main event airing live on the network’s premier channel, a first for Lime Rock.
If Joy does call the race, it would be a homecoming for the broadcaster, who has often spoken fondly of his Connecticut roots. For now, fans await confirmation, eagerly anticipating whether Joy will lend his iconic voice to this historic NASCAR moment at Lime Rock Park.
Mike Joy at Lime Rock would be a site to behold.
In the meantime, Kurt Busch served as grand marshal for the Pocono race last weekend.
NASCAR Legend Mike Joy Makes Announcement for Lime Rock Park