Art Eckman, a distinguished television broadcaster with a career spanning more than 55 years including World of Outlaws events that aired on The Outdoor Channel, passed away on Nov. 4. He was 81 years old.
Eckman’s booming voice and knowledge of motorsports made him the perfect fit to document World of Outlaws racing in the early 2000s, along with series announcer John Gibson and color analyst Brad Doty. Art was part of the team that called more than 120 broadcasts that included everything from Steve Kinser’s 500th victory and his 20th series crown to the emergence of Donny Schatz as a perennial champion.
“For someone with such a vast sports broadcasting background at the highest levels, Art was so completely approachable and appreciated all of the information we could provide him so he could call the races with his unmistakable voice,” said the World of Outlaws’ Chris Dolack. “It was important to Art that he be accurate and detailed in delivering the stories to the fans during World of Outlaws broadcasts Wednesday nights at 8 p.m.”
“I had watched Art Eckman doing motocross for years and never dreamt that we’d end up working together,” Doty said. “He worked hard to learn Sprint Car racing. Sad to hear he has passed.”
Plans for a Celebration of Life service will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.
