“Motor Mouth” Barry hangs up the mic after 44 years
By Martin Agatyn
Date posted: 1 December 2024
An era in Tasmanian motorsport came to an end today.
Veteran commentator Barry Oliver finally hung up the microphone after 44 years at the sixth and final round of the 2024 Tasmanian Circuit Racing Championship at Symmons Plains.
During his time, Oliver, known affectionately as “motor mouth” (it’s even in his email address), has called all forms of motorsport in his home state and all over Australia. He has also stints as the official series commentator for the Australian Touring Car Championships (now Supercars) and the Australian Rally Championship.
However, Oliver’s talents weren’t confined to the commentary booth. He won eight Targa Tasmania outright titles with good mate Jim Richards and numerous other tarmac rallies, including Targa New Zealand.
He also wrote a motorsport column for The Sunday Examiner newspaper in his home state for several decades and was known for his meticulous research.
He was also inducted into the Tasmanian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2019.
Oliver was given a fitting send-off at Symmons Plains today. The control tower was adorned with posters wishing him a happy retirement.
During the lunch break, the PA system played a 25-minute video featuring drivers, officials, commentators, and on-screen presenters from all over Australia.
His wife, Pauline, made a rare appearance in the commentary booth with champagne and flowers from his family as he fittingly called his final race with fellow long-time veteran commentator David Rose to end a distinguished career.
Photo Credit: Angryman Photography
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