Longtime Iowa announcer dies at 73
Veteran eastern Iowa race announcer, publicist and radio personality Phil Roberts of Davenport died Nov. 28 at Davenport Lutheran Home. The former Walcott resident was 73.
Roberts announced at a variety of racetracks for more than 40 years and served as publicist for the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series for 12 years and later with the World Dirt Racing League (2002-08). He announced at Iowa tracks in Maquoketa, Tipton, Davenport, West Liberty, Cedar Rapids and Blue Grass as well as East Moline, Ill.
He produced and voiced a motor racing news program titles “Around the Track” from 1973-1990. He also spent many years as an award-winning newspaper and radio reporter and spent 27 years as a volunteer firefighter in Walcott, including a term as assistant chief. Among other hobbies he collected antique radios and firefighter memorabilia.
Roberts was inducted into racing Halls of Fame including with Quad City Raceway (2016), the Iowa Racing Hall of Fame (2019) and Jackson County Speedway (2022).
Among survivors of Philip M. Roberts are his wife of 53 years, Sherry Roberts, four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchlidren. The date for a celebration of life will be announced. Memorials may be made to the Walcott Volunteer Fire Association or Speedway Fire Rescue.
