Trainer Carmen Auciello was crowned Grand River Raceway’s best guest announcer of 2012 during the track’s closing night on October 12.

The From Bike To Mic series put 16 drivers, trainers and track personnel in the announcer’s booth during Grand River Raceway’s Fun & Frivolity Friday Night cards.

Last week’s online fan poll determined Carmen Auciello, Jody Jamieson and Jen Rankin as the finalists. Pro announcers Gary Guy, Ken Middleton and Greg Blanchard determined the winner based on a 65-point system, which covered 10 criterion, including accuracy, clarity, flow and originality. Jamieson and Auciello finished just noses apart.

“Jody brought excellent energy and colour to the call and added his own unique brand of entertainment,” commented Guy. “The moment is never too big for Double J!”

“Carmen really hit all the points for me in what makes a good race call,” said Blanchard. “He has a good voice, accuracy, and colour, and went through the entire field a couple of times. He certainly didn’t sound nervous or intimidated by the experience.”

“Carmen wasn’t as colourful as some of the others with his race call,” said Middleton, “but he was extremely accurate, had good flow throughout the race and he was head and shoulders the best when it came to going through the field and giving each horse multiple calls during the race. If Carmen ever gives up training horses, don’t be surprised to see him in an announcer’s booth at a track near you — unless you live near Mohawk or Woodbine. Step off, Auciello!”

(With files from Grand River Raceway)