While many high school students spend their summers working traditional teen jobs, Chase Danielson is already building a career behind the microphone.
The Mount Vernon High School student can be heard Friday nights at Deming Speedway, where he serves as a track commentator for the dirt track’s weekly racing program during the late spring and summer. For Danielson, what started as curiosity has quickly developed into hands-on experience in motorsports broadcasting, with each race night offering another step in his development.
Danielson’s path into motorsports media began with a simple request: the opportunity to learn from veteran announcer Kaleb Hart, who calls races at both Deming Speedway and Skagit Speedway.
“I got started by asking Kaleb Hart if I could go up to the booth and sit and watch some of the races and learn a little bit more,” Danielson said. “I’ve always been super interested in sports and racing, and Kaleb understood that and gave me a chance.”
That chance turned into mentorship. Hart has worked closely with Danielson in the booth, helping guide him through the fast-paced environment of live race commentary while encouraging his development as a young broadcaster.
“Chase has the natural talent, combined with the work ethic and desire to succeed, to achieve great things as a broadcaster,” Hart said.
For Danielson, the opportunity carries personal meaning that extends beyond the booth. Motorsports is a family connection that has shaped his upbringing and passion for racing.
“I’ve been a motorsports fan my whole life. My dad used to race a 1200 at Deming Speedway, and my uncle used to race a 410 sprint car at Skagit Speedway,” Danielson said. “They both raced before I was born, but I’ve grown up going to both tracks, so racing has been in my blood.”
That connection is evident on race nights, when Danielson arrives at his “office” at Deming Speedway. The familiar setting, paired with a welcoming racing community, has helped him grow comfortable in a role that still presents new challenges each week.
“Working at the track is great. It’s a super awesome atmosphere, and the people there are always so welcoming,” he said. “Doing race commentary can be challenging at times, especially since I’m still pretty new. It’s only my second year doing it regularly, so I still have a lot to learn. Sometimes I get stuck on my own words, but it’s nice to have someone like Kaleb up there who’s been doing it his whole life and gives me pointers.”
Even as a young broadcaster, Danielson approaches preparation with discipline. Much of his work begins before the green flag, reviewing lineups and organizing information that will help him navigate the night’s racing program.
“Preparing for a race broadcast is simple,” he said. “I get a lineup for qualifying, and since I do the same classes every week, I know most of the cars and drivers. I use that to build out heat races. The hardest part is the live play-by-play during the race.”
That live aspect, reacting in real time as cars battle through corners and race conditions change quickly, remains the biggest learning curve in his development.
Beyond Deming Speedway, Danielson has expanded his experience at other venues, including Plaza Park Raceway in California. Those opportunities have exposed him to larger events and new racing communities.
“Some of the tracks I’ve worked at are Deming Speedway and Plaza Park Raceway,” he said. “Deming hosts the Clay Cup Nationals, which is an iconic race where many people from out of state come to compete. The car count is always fantastic, and the work Paul Lemley and the track officials do is outstanding.”
One of his most memorable experiences came while working the Mark Hagopian Memorial Race at Plaza Park Raceway, an event that continues to grow and draws strong competition and crowds.
“Plaza Park is a really well-run facility with great racing, and everyone there was very welcoming,” Danielson said.
With experience now at multiple tracks, Danielson said choosing a favorite isn’t easy.
“I’ve been really fortunate to work at both,” he said. “They’re both incredible in their own ways.”
During the school year, Danielson also works in high school sports broadcasting with TCSN, broadening his experience beyond motorsports. That work has helped him sharpen his play-by-play skills across different sports while building confidence behind the microphone.
“I’ve done high school sports for TCSN, and it’s fun,” he said. “I enjoy sports a lot because I’ve grown up playing them, so it’s easy for me to understand. I’d love to do this on a bigger scale, whether it’s racing or sports broadcasting.”
He also credited TCSN owner Perry Williams for giving him an early opportunity to break into broadcasting and gain real-world experience.
Looking ahead, Danielson hopes to continue growing in motorsports media and eventually work larger events at the regional and national levels.
“My career goal is to keep doing this on a bigger scale,” he said. “I’ve had amazing opportunities like the Mark Hagopian Memorial Race, which keeps getting bigger every year. I’d love to keep doing events like that and continue growing as a broadcaster.”
