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“The Voice” Bruce Flanders passes at age 75
I’m sorry. I wish I could change or make what I say less painful but it is not possible.
On Friday, August 14, motorsports announcer Bruce Flanders died.
Flanders had put up an amazing fight. Doctors gave him six months to live when he was diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) disease almost twelve years ago. Chemotherapy, trails drugs and group procedures, Bruce did it all. Some showed short term promise but a cure or even stabilization was not to be.
Things took a tragic turn when Bruce’s wife Vickie Flanders passed unexpectedly last year. In perfect health her passing not only robbed Bruce of the love of his life but also of his caretaker. Although Bruce hid the hurt and stress it was there. Unfortunately no one could help, it was what it was.
Bruce and Vickie Flanders
Daughter Megan Flanders moved back home and became his caretaker. His brothers Paul and John and Bruce’s best friend Ike Clanton along with Flanders relatives did their share to help with both the physical and mental part of this terrible situation.
Megan Flanders
The Flanders Brothers L/R: John – Paul - Bruce
The day before Bruce passed I went to see him. In and out on consciousness I sat there next to him till he woke. I told stories about our lifelong friendship. Unfortunately Bruce’s speech was very limited and difficult to understand so all he could do is listen. I did most of the talking and he responded with head shakes or garbled replies. Still very much interested in what was going on it was wonderful but after a while Bruce dozed off again. Still I was pleased cause during that short time the Flanders I love and respect relived a lifetime.
Flanders home phone rang consistently. Even though all the calls went to an answering machine there was a device by his hospital bed that allowed him to hear the person who was leaving the message. Unfortunately he could no longer move more than a few inches so all Bruce could do is listen but he enjoyed hearing all those positive messages that friends and strangers left.
L/R: Bruce Flanders – Harald Zechner – Terry Clanton – Bob Brayton
The calls, emails and social media posts were one of the few positive things Bruce had left. Because he would sleep 22 hours a day Megan played or read them to Bruce when he was awake. Sometimes several times. They would always bring a smile to his face.
Bruce Flanders was born in Pasadena as were his two brothers John and Paul. TheirCanadian dad Earl married Lucile from Altadena California. Earl liked Speedway and at its pre-war height he raced four or five venues a week. In 1948 he won the AMA Jack Pine Enduro.
Earl and Lucile Flanders loved motorcycling and racing
In August of 1945 Earl and Lucile opened Flanders Company. In the 50's they became the Western U.S. Distributor for BMW and NSU motorcycles. A Flanders Racing team soon followed with riders likes Dave Ekins and Harlen Bast. It was a great joy and education for three boys growing up around racing and the networks that support it.
The family that motorcycles together stays together and the Flanders family did it all. Earl was an AMA competition committee member, AMA district referee and Southern California race promoter. Earl also managed the annual speed trials held on the Utah Salt Flats. Speedway, Enduro, Desert, Bonneville, it didn't matter. Bruce Flanders loved motorcycles as much as his mom and dad did. Earl and Lucile Flanders and Bruce are in the Trailblazers Hall of Fame.
Earl and Lucile Flanders at the Trailblazers Banquet
(L) Larry Huffman and (R) Don Emde with 2018 Trailblazers Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Flanders
In 2018 Bruce Flanders was inducted into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame!
(I nominated Bruce to the Hall of Fame in August 17, 2017 and the board voted him in that day however he did not officially receive that title till the Trailblazers Banquet on April 7, 2018)
Middle brother Bruce graduated from Saint Francis High School in La Canada California. An AA degree in Business at Pasadena City College was planed but Geology, a very visual science was a course requirement. Bruce being colorblind ended up dropping the class.
Now carrying less than 15 and 1/2 college units Flanders was drafted. On his 21st birthday Bruce was in boot camp and by his 22nd in Vietnam. He served in the Army from 1966
through 1968. He never talked about it. War is hell.
A young Bruce Flanders
Normal life returned once Bruce became a civilian again. Motorcycles, Flanders Company, racing. Bruce was enjoying it all. Tradition dictated that every year in August, Earl and the boys went to Bonneville. Bruce became an announcer there in 1968.
Bruce at Victorville 2005
Dorcey Wingo Photo
Family friend Jack Milne was putting a deal together to run Speedway in Orange County and needed an announcer. Jack's first choice was Earl Flanders but he declined and recommend Bruce for the job. On Friday, June 13, 1969 Bruce Flanders became the first announcer at Costa Mesa Speedway.
An upcoming work commitment to announce at Bonneville required a short absence from Speedway. When Bruce returned Larry Huffman had replaced him as the Costa Mesa announcer.
Motorsports announcers L/R: Larry Huffman and Bruce Flanders
No hard feelings Bruce would rather race. 1970 saw him competing at Costa Mesa on a JAP owned by Butch Fairchild. His next machine was a Velocette powered Speedway bike that Flanders Company shop foreman George Williams designed and helped build. Longtime Velocette aficionado Ernie Pico provided the motor. It was a very light combination but suffered from too much chassis flex.
Bruce Flanders and Paul Flanders with the Speedway Bike that was custom built at Flanders Company
A Division-1 rider in Lancaster and Bakersfield and D-2 at Costa Mesa Bruce raced
Speedway for four years. Unfortunately it was Flanders the announcer that got all the attention. Bruce retired from active competition in 1974 when Lions Drag Strip hired him to be their Motor Cross announcer.
Bruce Flanders holding his original racing leathers
In 1975 Bruce Flanders was announcing Speedway Motorcycles four nights a week. Car promoters also came calling. In 1977 Ascot hired him to announce their Saturday night Sprint Car show.
Bruce Flanders gets the crowd going at Inland Motorcycle Speedway
Known for doing his homework demand for Flanders services grew. In 1978 it was over 100 gigs. The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Formula Atlantic, the Toyota Pro Celebrity race, and Oldsmobile Pro Series were just a few of Bruce's clients. Del Mar, Caesars Palace, Sears Point, Glen Helen, IMS and dozens more utilized his services.
There were TV and cable shows. In 1983 Bruce hosted two Formula One shows for television. He also hosted award winning television productions for Mickey Thompson, Ultimate Frisbee, the short-lived "Fast Company" and many more.
Bruce Flanders interviews Speedway World Champion Bruce Penhall for a RAZ Video Production
2004 Dorcey Wingo Photo
In 2008 Bruce came down with pneumonia. Hardly able to move he spent days in the hospital. A cigarette smoker for over forty years Bruce was diagnosed with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Almost always fatal they sent him home from the hospital to die.
Quitting is not a family trait so Flanders daughter Megan, son Mike and wife Vickie slowly nursed him back. Oxygen machines (24/7) and up to three mile walks daily, Bruce regained his strength. Spending countless computer hours he searched for every COPD clinical trial on the internet. Often unaware these trials existed Bruce's doctors were amazed with his research. Often reluctant they approved his enrollment in a variety of cutting edge procedures. Some showed improvement, some were disastrous.
Following in his father’s footsteps Bruce Flanders son Michael is a Motorsports Announcer
“This new clinical trial has been the most invasive so far and I’m a little anxious about the whole deal,” Bruce told me after one such enrollment. “I always walk a lot but still had to increase my exercise regimen by around fifty percent to qualify. I needed to bring the most fit body that I could to this procedure. I sure hope I live long enough to see stem cell therapy help to fix this problem" he relayed.
Lifelong friends Harald Zechner and Bruce Flanders
Flanders best medicine was his announcing and even in the darkest hours he performed. Unable to walk more than 10 steps at a time and always hooked up to an oxygen tank friends and family drove him to work. His voice still crisp and clear Bruce Flanders articulated why he was one of the best in the business. The fans gave him courage, the promoters gave respect. Even the racers were in awe.
Right up till the end Bruce Flanders kept that golden voice that he was so well known for.
2011 Dorcey Wingo Photo
"The Voice of Speedway" is a title the fans gave Bruce when he first announced the brakeless two-wheel circuit. A title richly deserved, fans, racers, sponsors and promoters loved the verbal excitement he brought to announcing. Bruce much like his dad Earl loves Speedway motorcycle racing.
Wednesday nights Flanders announced Speedway at the Grand Arena in the City of Industry. "The Voice of Speedway" is so well respected there they hold an annual event in his honor each year. One of the seasons biggest nights "The Bruce Flanders Ugly Hawaiian Shirt Contest" is so popular it has achieved cult status. Promoter Kelly Inman has already made plans to make this a Championship event in Bruce Flanders honor.
Bruce Flanders in one of his many “Ugly” Hawaiian Shirts
Flanders was also "The Voice of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach." Their announcer there since 1978 Bruce is admired for his proper pronunciation of all those foreign names and his knowledge of the cars and racers.
2020 would have marked Flanders 42nd year of announcing at Long Beach had the race not been cancelled
Bruce was also the "The Voice of Irwindale Speedway". There since the track first opened in March of 1999 he announced NASCAR, USAC, Sprint Cars, Super Moto, Monster Trucks, Demolition Derby and a host of other 2 and 4 wheel disciplines that raced at the 1/2 mile Super Speedway. Bruce announced there for 18 years before the Speedway closed. “I won't be working Saturday nights anymore he told me. I thought I would go before Irwindale Speedway did."
A Birthday surprise featured Bruce Flanders on the cover of Irwindale Speedway Program
"I have announced more different forms of racing machines in more places for more different people and sanctioning bodies' than I can remember", Bruce would always boast. True that cause announcing was his life’s passion.
Bruce Flanders holds a picture of him standing with Speedway World Champions Jack Milne and Bruce Penhall
Once I asked Bruce if he had any regrets and his reply was as genuine and down to earth as he was; “I have ridden the bull for the full 8 seconds, I lived through Vietnam, I've got a great family. I set a land speed record for "Pops" Yoshimura on a Kawasaki KZ 1000 at Bonneville back in 1973. I rode Speedway and everything else with two wheels for years. I'm respected in the industry as a good announcer and person. Regardless of what else happens, it's been a good life."
The Family Flanders: John, Paul, Caeson, Megan, Bruce,Teri, Heather and Jeff
We will miss you Bruce Flanders. Rest in Peace my friend.
Respectfully,
Harald "Howie" Zechner
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Well. I’m sorry. I wish I could change or make what I say less painful but it is not possible. Today, Tuesday August 11, Megan Flanders informed me that her father Bruce Flanders is on his death bed. Whether a matter of hours, days or even a week doctors can’t say but Megan did relay that they told her the time has come.
Bruce has put up an amazing fight. Doctors gave him six months to live when he was diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) disease almost nine years ago. Chemotherapy, trails drugs and group procedures, Bruce did it all. Some showed short term promise but a cure or even stabilization was not to be.
Things took a tragic turn when Bruce’s wife Vickie Flanders passed unexpectedly last year. In perfect health her passing not only robbed Bruce of the love of his life but also of his caretaker. Although Bruce hid the hurt and stress it was there. Unfortunately no one could help, it was what it was.
Daughter Megan Flanders moved back home and became his caretaker. His brothers Paul and John and Bruce’s best friend Ike Clanton also are doing more than their share to help with both the physical and mental part of this terrible situation.
Now under constant hospice care his body weight is less than 100 pounds. On drugs and anti-depressants Megan tells me pain is not an issue and hopefully it will not be.
When I asked Megan if she wanted this made public she said yes and asked that everyone email or call Bruce to offer comfort and say how much they admire the man we affectionately call “The Voice of Speedway”. Bruce has no physical strength and sleeps about 22 hours a day so please leave a message on the answering machine or computer. Megan reads them to her dad when he is awake. Contact information is 909/880-1610 or BFFlanders@aol.com I will report more after visiting him tomorrow.
Howie Zechner (August 12, 2020)
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Bruce Flanders, the voice of everything
by Howie Zechner
April 21, 2016
Those of us in the two-wheel persuasion think the Flanders guy is a motorcycle announcer. Of course, why wouldn¹t we? After all he started at the Orange County Fairgrounds announcing Speedway Motorcycle racing in 1969. Just the beginning Bruce went on to be the track announcer at countless Speedway venues and was so revered at the now defunct Inland Motorcycle Speedway that fans openly rebelled when a new promoter spoke of bringing in another.
Forty-seven years gone and Flanders still announces Speedway at the City of Industry. He is the man that fans, racers and promoters call The voice of Speedway. Don¹t believe me, well stop by any Wednesday Night and see for yourself. https://www.facebook.com/IndustryRacing/?fref=ts
Flanders should be good you say. After all dad owned Flanders Company, a
motorcycle dealership, repair facility and parts house in Pasadena California. Bruce, brothers John and Paul all worked there so motorcycles, speed, sponsorship and racing were the family¹s business. John Flanders still works the business to this day.
It was a wonderful upbringing Bruce told me. Dad Earl, the 1948 Enduro Champion and mom Lucile were big-shots with the AMA, SCTA, SRA and other motorcycle organizations. Both Earl and Lucile Flanders have been inducted into the AMA and Trailblazers Hall of Fame.
As Chief Timing Official at the Bonneville Salt Flats Earl, Lucile and the boys were accustom to spending weeks on the road. Racing the Catalina GP or handling Enduro check points out in the middle of the Mojave Desert for races like the two-day Greenhorn Enduro, wherever they competed or officiated it was a family affair and the kids enjoyed participating.
Bruce¹s exposure to such a wide variety of disciplines and locations led to an education that shaped the cornerstone of Flanders announcing career. Racing Speedway motorcycles for a few seasons also helped, as did a 1973 record setting run at the Bonneville Salt Flats for the fastest production motorcycle. Flanders 141.703 mph Yoshimura Kawasaki record stood for seven years.
Promoting was one more brick in Flanders wall of motorsport evolution. Drags, Speedway motorcycles and motocross at the old Irwindale Speedway and Sprint Cars at Corona Raceway. But like a moth to flame it always came back to announcing. It¹s what Bruce loved. He knew it would be his life's calling.
Know for his obsession with name pronunciation, race states and sponsorship Bruce Flanders is a perfectionist who always does his homework before word one is uttered. He research¹s every event and all those involved. Not being prepared or having all the facts are not in Bruce¹s MO (modus operandi) and is a betrayal of everything the man believes in. That devotion to detail has not gone unnoticed. It¹s made him an announcing superstar.
I average 53 flights out of a suitcase before it needs replacement the Flanders guys joking told me. No lie he¹s worked most every major sanctioning body and racetrack in America and even some in Europe. A short list includes names like Formula One, IndyCar, CART, NASCAR, AMA, NHRA, IMSA, SCCA, FIM, SCTA and more. Better know locations include Ascot, the Hangtown GP, the original Irwindale Raceway, Glen Helen, Laguna Seca, Sears Point, the Caesars Place Grand Prix, the Miami Grand Prix, Daytona Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen, Irwindale, Fremont, Orange County International, Lions Drag Strip, England¹s Wembley Stadium, Euro Speedway Lausten Ring in Germany and so many others. More than one of the above have called Bruce Flanders the voice of. It¹s a respect title like judge, or president or sir I¹m guessing.
The Irwindale Event Center is another place that Flanders calls home. Built in 1999 this Half Mile Super Speedway features NASCAR and another dozen or so four-wheel classes and sanctioning bodies. Fans there call him The voice of Irwindale Speedway. Judge for yourself as it runs most Saturdays between May and September. http://www.irwindalespeedway.com/
The Grand Prix race at Long Beach is another Flanders haunt. Bruce has
announced every race there since 1978. The Associations president and CEO, the drivers, the fans, the advertisers all love him. Naturally they call him The Voice of the Grand Prix. For more information, visit http://www.gplb.com/
On Thursday April 14, 2016 Bruce Flanders became the 25th person to be inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame. Movers, shakers and motorized royalty were in attendance and sang the praises of Flanders. The Mayor spoke about Bruce¹s legendary contributions to the field of motorsports. Flanders medallion that includes a microphone was unveiled in the sidewalk on Pine Avenue in front of the Long Beach Convention Center.
Congratulations Bruce Flanders. You truly are The voice of everything.
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Happy Birthday to "The Voice of Speedway" Bruce Flanders June 5, 2020
A few years back I was honored to nominate Bruce into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame. Below is my presentation. It's well worth a read cause Bruce Flanders represents the best in the racing brotherhood
Bruce Flanders was born in Pasadena as were his two brothers John and Paul. Their Canadian dad Earl married Lucile from Altadena, California. Earl liked Speedway and at its pre-war height he raced four or five venues a week. In 1948 he won the AMA Jack Pine Enduro.
In August of 1945 Earl and Lucile opened Flanders Company. In the 50's they became the Western U.S. Distributor for BMW and NSU motorcycles. A Flanders Racing team soon followed with riders likes Dave Ekins and Harlen Bast. It was a great joy and education for three boys growing up around racing and the networks that support it.
The family that motorcycles together stays together and the Flanders family did it all. Earl was an AMA competition committee member, AMA district referee and Southern California race promoter. Earl also managed the annual speed trials held on the Utah Salt Flats. Speedway, Enduro, Desert, Bonneville, it didn't matter. Bruce Flanders loved motorcycles as much as his mom and dad did.
Middle brother Bruce graduated from Saint Francis High School in La Canada California. An AA degree in Business at Pasadena City College was planed but Geology, a very visual science was a course requirement. Bruce being colorblind ended up dropping the class.
Now carrying less than 15 and 1/2 college units Flanders was drafted. On his 21st birthday Bruce was in boot camp and by his 22nd in Vietnam. He served in the Army from 1966 through 1968. Don't ask him about it. War is hell.
Normal life returned once Bruce became a civilian again. Motorcycles, Flanders Company, racing. Bruce was enjoying it all. Tradition dictated that every year in August, Earl and the boys went to Bonneville. Bruce became an announcer there in 1968.
Family friend Jack Milne was putting a deal together to run Speedway in Orange County and needed an announcer. Jack's 1st choice was Earl Flanders but he declined and recommend Bruce for the job. On Friday, June 13, 1969 Bruce Flanders became the first announcer at Costa Mesa Speedway.
An upcoming work commitment to announce at Bonneville required a short absence from Speedway. When Bruce returned Larry Huffman had replaced him as the Costa Mesa announcer.
No hard feelings Bruce would rather race. 1970 saw him competing at Costa Mesa on a JAP owned by Butch Fairchild. His next machine was a Velocette powered Speedway bike that Flanders Company shop foreman George Williams designed and helped build. Longtime Velocette aficionado Ernie Pico provided the motor. It was a very light combination but suffered from too much chassis flex.
A Division-1 rider in Lancaster and Bakersfield and D-2 at Costa Mesa Bruce raced Speedway for four years. Unfortunately it was Flanders the announcer that got all the attention.
Bruce retired from active competition in 1974 when Lions Drag Strip hired him to be their Motor Cross announcer.
In 1975 Bruce Flanders was announcing Speedway Motorcycles four nights a week. Car promoters also came calling. In 1977 Ascot hired him to announce their Saturday night Sprint Car show.
Know for doing his homework demand for Flanders services grew. In 1978 it was over 100 gigs. The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Formula Atlantic, the Toyota Pro Celebrity race, and Oldsmobile Pro Series were just a few of Bruce's clients. Del Mar, Caesars Palace, Sears Point, Glen Helen, IMS and dozens more utilized his services.
There were TV and cable shows. In 1983 Bruce hosted two Formula One shows for television. He also hosted award winning television productions for Mickey Thompson, Ultimate Frisbee, the short-lived "Fast Company" and many more.
In 2008 Bruce came down with pneumonia. Hardly able to move he spent days in the hospital. A cigarette smoker for over forty years Bruce was diagnosed with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Almost always fatal they sent him home from the hospital to die.
Quitting is not a family trait so Flanders daughter Megan and wife Vickie slowly nursed him back. Oxygen machines (24/7) and up to three mile walks daily, Bruce regained his strength. Spending countless computer hours he searched for every COPD clinical trail on the internet. Often unaware these trails existed Bruce's doctors were amazed with his research. Often reluctant they approved his enrollment in a variety of cutting edge procedures. Some showed improvement, some were disastrous.
“This new clinical trial has been the most invasive so far and I’m a little anxious about the whole deal,” Bruce told me after one such enrollment. “I always walk a lot but still had to increase my exercise regimen by around fifty percent to qualify. I needed to bring the most fit body that I could to this procedure. I sure hope I live long enough to see stem cell therapy help to fix this problem" he relayed.
Flanders best medicine is his announcing and even in the darkest hours he performed. Unable to walk more than 10 steps at a time and always hooked up to an oxygen tank friends and family drove him to work. His voice still crisp and clear Bruce Flanders articulated why he is one of the best in the business. The fans gave him courage, the promoters gave respect. Even the racers were in awe.
"The Voice of Speedway" is a title the fans gave Bruce when he first announced the brakeless two-wheel circuit. A title richly deserved, fans, racers, sponsors and promoters loved the verbal excitement he brought to announcing. Bruce much like his dad loves Speedway motorcycle racing.
Wednesdays finds Flanders announcing Speedway at the Grand Arena in the City of Industry. "The Voice of Speedway" is so well respected there they hold an annual event in his honor each year. One of the seasons biggest nights "The Bruce Flanders Ugly Hawaiian Shirt Contest" is so popular it has achieved cult status.
Flanders is also "The Voice of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach". The announcer there since 1978 Bruce is admired for his proper pronunciation of all those foreign names and his knowledge of the cars and racers. 2018 will mark Flanders 40th year of announcing at Long Beach.
Bruce is also the "The Voice of Irwindale Speedway". There since the track first opened in March of 1999 he announces NASCAR, USAC, Sprint Cars, Super Moto, Monster Trucks, Demolition Derby and a host of other 2 and 4 wheel disciplines that race at the 1/2 mile Super Speedway. Bruce expressed his sadness with the news that the Speedway will close at years end. "After 18 years I won't be working Saturday nights anymore he joked. I thought I would go before Irwindale Speedway did"
So what's next for the Flanders guy? Well the doctors say he's in his sunset but Bruce never got the memo. His calendar is already filled with 2018 commitments and his attitude and resolve are unshakable.
"I have announced more different forms of racing machines in more places for more different people and sanctioning bodies' than I can remember Bruce boasted. "Announcing is what I do and what I enjoy. "Its what keeps me alive.
"Still, I'm not complaining" Bruce continued. I have ridden the bull for the full 8 seconds and it is not over yet. I lived through Vietnam; I've got a great family. I set a land speed record for "Pops" Yoshimura on a Kawasaki KZ 1000 at Bonneville back in 1973. I rode Speedway and everything else with two wheels for years. I hope that I'm respected in the industry as a good announcer. Regardless of what else happens, it's been a good life"
So far Bruce Flanders is beating the odds but time is a cruel mistress. Hopefully this Board will approve Bruce for induction into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame. He is a worthy candidate.
Thanks for listening
Harald "Howie" Zechner |
