Legendary commentator Mike Raymond dies

Legendary Australian motorsport commentator Mike Raymond has died.

Known as the voice of touring car racing in the country, Raymond has passed away following a short battle with pneumonia, aged 76.

A pioneering television commentator and producer, Raymond was a commentator for the Seven Network for over two decades of Bathurst 1000 and Australian Touring Car Championship telecasts, and his voice formed an indelible part of some of The Great Race’s biggest moments.

However, the man who first fell in love with motorsport in his visits to the Sydney Showground and went on to cut his teeth as a speedway commentator was more than just a talker.

Raymond was a producer and at one stage ATN7’s (Sydney) head of sport, introducing the world-first Racecam and ensuring that the personalities behind the wheel became part of the show.

Critically, he and Seven also played a part in CAMS and sponsor Shell accepting that the ATCC should run as a V8-only Ford versus Holden formula in 1993, essentially the beginning of V8 Supercars.

Raymond was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 1996 and was inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame last year.

Speedcafe.com extends its condolences to Raymond’s family and friends.

CLICK HERE for a feature on Raymond’s career.