January 22, 2025

Toccoa, GA — Charles Head’s announcing career is a storied one. Ranging from local Georgia bullrings to the heights of NASCAR Cup Series prestige, there’s a lot to be found under the yellow hat.

In 1973, Charles Head was a young driver in the cadet class at Toccoa Speedway, piloting a 1955 Chevy. His career path took an unexpected turn when the announcer had to step away for a family emergency. Head, an already seasoned radio personality at WLET-FM, stepped in as the replacement. That decision launched the beginning of a legendary career that spanned five decades.

“I had been working in radio since 1970,” Head recalled. “When the announcer had a family emergency and had to be out for a couple of weeks, I was his personal pick to fill in for him. He never returned to the booth, and I took on the duties from that time on.”

Head quickly found his new passion, trading in this race car for the hot seat mic.

“I was spending tons and I mean tons of money on a race car that never finished better than 4th,” he joked.

In the mid 1980’s, he would venture to the asphalt scene at Anderson Motor Speedway in Anderson, South Carolina as a pit reporter and victory lane interviewer.

“I got used to the asphalt world through my time here. I was announcing here (Anderson) on Friday nights and Toccoa on Saturdays,” he explained.

With these dual opportunities, new doors would open for him a few years later. In 1990, Head launched the CHAMP Racing Show, a groundbreaking radio program spotlighting local talent.

“I felt that the local guys didn’t get enough exposure outside of the fans at the track,” Head said. “In 35 years of the CHAMP Racing show, I’ve had the pleasure of talking with some of the best drivers in the country.”

Head’s career hit a major milestone in 1992 when he was invited to announce at Lanier Raceway, a NASCAR-sanctioned track.

“That was my huge break, I was finally at a NASCAR track—in my humble opinion, the best NASCAR track.”

This huge break would open more doors for Head, including announcing roles at Georgia International Speedway (later known as Peach State Speedway and Gresham Motorsports Park), Dixie Speedway, and Rome Speedway.

In 1995, Head’s career reached its pinnacle.

“Humpy Wheeler called and asked for a meeting in his office at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I had no clue what it was about. When I got there, he wanted to talk about me announcing at Atlanta Motor Speedway. I was shocked and super grateful for the opportunity.”

By late 1995, he had became the voice of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s NASCAR Winston Cup weekends, and it was a role he held for fourteen years.

“Looking back on it, what a thrill. A poor ol’ country boy from a very small town making it to the big leagues. It was a dream come true.”

In 2021, Head joined the broadcast crew at Atlanta Motorsports Park. This new chapter introduced him to downforce cars, Spec Miatas, and competitive Kart Racing.

“I will have to say, I think I enjoyed my time at AMP as much if not more than anywhere else I’ve announced.”

After retiring from dirt track announcing in 2023, Head extended his career for one final season at AMP, reflecting on his 50-year run one lap at a time.

Head reflected on the local racing scene and what made it such a special part of his long and storied journey.

“There’s such camaraderie among local drivers,” he said. “I’ve seen competitors loan parts, even cars, to help someone race—sometimes against themselves. It’s so family-oriented. It felt more like a weekly family gathering than a competition. The racing is great, but the atmosphere is so much more than laps on the track.”

“In the NASCAR world, everything is commercialized and scripted. I’m not much of a ‘script’ guy. Local racing is exhilarating because it’s real.”

It’s not just local racing as a whole that Head finds so appealing. The specificity that is Georgia dirt racing is what he finds particularly compelling.

“There’s something special about Georgia dirt. The bite off the corners, the slickness into the turns, it’s like no other. Watching drivers push their cars to the edge is a hoot.”

Charles Head is not just known for the announcing prowess. His signature yellow hat is not solely a fashion statement, but has been ingrained as part of his namesake. Race fans can often be found referring to Head as “Yellow Hat”. The iconic hat has become Head’s signature physical item, but it started as a practical solution.

“When I was working with NASCAR, the TV crew had trouble spotting me in the pits,” Head explained. “I came up with the brightly colored uniform, and the yellow hat followed. They’d look down and say, ‘Let’s go to Charles; he’s with Rusty Wallace.’”

“I’ve got my regular hat, a yellow top hat for formal events, a chef’s hat for my cooking show, and even a hiking hat. It’s become a big part of me.”

His wife, Debbie, has played a key role in embracing and elevating the “Yellow Hat presence”.

“She’s been with me every step of the way, even selling souvenirs at tracks where I worked. It’s been a family thing.”

Head treasures many memories from his career, from his first announcing gig to forming relationships with legends like Dale Earnhardt Sr., Bill Elliott, and Darrell Waltrip.

“Being welcomed into conversations with them and asked my opinion was incredible.”

One standout memory is his playful relationship with Tony Stewart.

“Tony would mess with me during pre-race intros—poking me, tongue-twisters, or even a wet willie mid-announcement. He kept things fun.”

In 2023, Head was awarded his own day in Georgia—Charles Head Day. It is a reflection of all of his achievements in broadcasting throughout his long tenured career.

“I’m pretty proud of that, not many people can say they have a day named for them.”

The life and career of Charles Head is a testament to following one’s passions, and seizing every opportunity that one can find. Whether Head’s interactions are with a local dirt racer or a NASCAR legend, it’s clear that he embodies the camaraderie that makes racing so special, leaving an indelible mark on the sport we all love.

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Photos: Charles Head collection