Goodbyes are definitely not easy, and Chase Elliott acknowledged that, bidding farewell to someone who was a garage staple. As it turned out, an important member of the NASCAR on FOX crew will be quitting as we enter 2023.

The new year is starting on a sad note for the NASCAR on FOX crew and a few drivers as well.

Vince Welch has been a familiar face for fans of NASCAR tuning into FOX to watch races every weekend. The reporter has been an important part of the NASCAR & HOOPS commenting, taking his seat next to Michael Waltrip in the booth. So, when he announced his departure, it caught a few people by surprise.

The commentator broke the news on Twitter with a post that said, “Today brings me to end of 2022 & my run at FOX. Will greatly miss seeing those in the NASCAR garage…so many smart, selfless, hardworking people I respect. Network TV world is unique space; blessed to spend 20+ yrs in it. Now onward. No bitterness. God is good. All the best to u.” 

Plenty of fans were caught off guard, but the news struck the 2020 Cup Series champion harder than other drivers. He even responded to the Tweet, saying, “I had no idea, and I hate to hear this. I always enjoyed having you around the garage and enjoyed listening to you call races in the booth even more. I always found your effort far more professional than many others. Thank you for that, and I hope to see you around again!”

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Other drivers join Chase Elliott to bid Welch farewell

A staple of the NASCAR Truck Series booth leaving the sport was clearly something that caught the fans off guard. But Chase Elliott wasn’t the only driver who bid him farewell. Kyle Busch‘s former truck series driver, John Hunter Nemechek also commented, “I hate to hear this.”

He added, “Have always enjoyed talking with you at track and thank you for the work you’ve put in to be able to call races the way you do. Appreciate your professionalism and you will be missed”

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Welch’s decision is unfortunate, and it is sad to see the commentator go, but all good times have to come to an end. With his chair left vacant, fans are wondering who will replace him. Even more importantly, will the replacement be able to capture Welch’s essence and experience? Only time will tell.