The Best Calls of Dave McClelland: NHRA Drag Racing History Captured By Its Greatest Voice

Announcing is a funny thing. There is no hard and fast gauge to determine the difference between good and bad. It’s all a matter of popular opinion.
So rarely is popular opinion on anything united that when it does happen, greatness is truly realized. Such is the story of the amazing career of the NHRA’s Dave McClelland. A career to be emulated and to be used as an example for all announcers that have and will continue to follow behind him.
This video has 10 of my personal favorite Dave McClelland calls of all time. They are in no particular order until we get to the last three. Strangely or not, they all include Don Garlits, a man who seemingly brought out the best in not only his opponents, but also Dave McClelland as well.
The 272mph record run in 1986, the introduction of Big Daddy for round two at the 1984 NHRA US Nationals, and the electrifying call of Garlits’ win at the 1986 Chief Nationals in Dallas are all gold standard stuff.
Many of the calls in this list have not been heard for a while, or ever by many fans. It is a personal list. You will not see some of them that you expect. Why? They’re fantastic, but they are widely known.
These 10 calls make me smile and each of them have great lessons for announcers. In diction, delivery, vocabulary, energy, and more.
And now, my favorite 10 calls from the hall of fame career of Dave “Big Mac” McClelland.

[@natemiller448]

Brian, im so thankful that you made this vid. DMcC, Steve Evans, Bob Frey are seminal people in my life. Thank you for highlighting their work. Little did i know, Brian Lohnes is becoming my Bob Frey later in life.

[@qibble455]

I have a deep appreciation for Dave. Along with Steve Evans and Brock Yates. Taught this kid everything about the sport. Thank you Brian, I'm loving reliving these great times:D

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for these great words. He sure was the guy!

[@H3110NU]

I forgot dry hops were a thing. Awesome collection of his calls. He definitely is the voice of my NHRA childhood.

[@Guns_N_Gears]

Brian, growing up as a kid in the 80s, these were the voices everyone knew and looked forward to on Sunday. Thanks for the memories. New subscriber here!!

[@ridgerunnerperformance-jas5418]

I don't know if anybody could ever replace Steve Evans energy. But you are certainly as informative to the fans as Evans. That is as about as high of praise as any announcer could ask for. Keep up the good work.

[@user-bl6ne3hc6n]

Hey Brian, Dave is a God in this sport, i waited an hr to meet him, and your right there, your getting there, you're that good,you remind me of Dave, you sound old school with out being old school. NICE JOB, 😊

[@brianlohnes3079]

It’s the most humbling compliment I can possible ever receive. Sincere thanks to you.

[@jimmyconway7900]

Holy s**t dude! I miss this old stuff so much! I love Dave McClelland! Brian, I didn’t even know you had a channel until I saw the “car that killed the gassers” video. Awesome stuff! Hey, if you talk to Magnante tell him we’re all pulling for him!

[@johnh8917]

Cool stuff Brian! The next legend of race broadcasting!

[@paulknight2651]

A great man. Old school class.

[@robbnutter4665]

He was one of my favorites too and I've been going to the drags for more than 50 years. Steve Evans was good also. I especially liked the "SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY" commercials that let us all know when the drags were happening. I think Bob Frye has forgotten more than I'll ever learn. And I really do appreciate the research you do for your videos.

[@parentsbasement7734]

Some people remember the tv stars or movie stars they watched growing up, i was a lucky kid who loved watching diamond p sports on sometimes Saturday but sundays on the country tv channel was drag racing and watching dave and steve tell the tales and call the races. Best there ever was, your not to shabby yourself brian! Love your history stories and ya call a great race. Hope to hear ya for years to come.

[@08letsgotribe]

Thanks for sharing Brian. You remind me a lot of him. Dave was a great guy.

[@cudaman-yq7pq]

Great stuff! If you haven't done it already, a similar piece on Steve Evans would be epic.

[@kev4fun12]

You're making history show by show...you do an incredible job BL.! I knew you'd make it down from the scafolding in Bakersfield and do wonders.! p.s...you nhra insider on ROKU is awesome too.

[@525hemi1]

Awesome compilation of Big Mac, thanks for sharing.

[@davidpace4153]

Great compilation,Brian! I'm especially fond of the one from Columbus in 1981. 😀

[@MichiganQuadTrailsTales]

Excellent! I Enjoyed it back in the day with "Big Mac" and Steve Evans!

[@dougperkins4186]

When I was racing back in the late 80s early 90s, my dream was to have him announce my race and be interviewed by Steve. Still a dream

[@mikeymac9]

This was awesome!

[@andrewfox96]

I so remember him when watch NHRA on tv.

[@pumpgasproductions6244]

Great Video Brian. You have the voice.

[@nitroamerica1024]

His live National Event P.A. calls, paired sometimes with Sid Waterman were as consistent as the scripted T.V. intros. There are some home movies out there as example. His acting held up in the well-budgeted movie Heart Like a Wheel.

[@cskvision]

To think KB had a cylinder out when we broke the 300mph barrier. He may have gone 305-310mph! Dave McClelland and Steve Evans were the best.

[@mdplemons]

Beadle MAY have flat spotted the tires at 7:05 🤔

[@nitroamerica1024]

BTW, Miss Brian's live NHRA calls.

[@ljkking622]

Scotty winning was really special

[@morphman21]

@brian Lohnes, how did dave get the nickname Big Mac?

[@MycontentisgoldJerryGold]

You'd never see a Professional final at night these days because of the live TV schedules.

[@lamarzimmermanmennonitefar5269]

I'll take Mr lohns any day!