After a long and grueling race in the desert, George Antill was a welcome face for competitors as they came onto the podium. For over two decades, he was the official podium announcer and director of events for Best In The Desert, tasked with talking to and congratulating each finisher.

On Monday, his family announced his passing. He was 76 years old.

Antill was born on August 4, 1948, and grew up racing motorcycles in Southern California and Nevada; he won the Nevada 250 Expert championship in 1970. With his blonde mane and 5’10” frame whipping it around the course, the Modesto Bee described him in 1983 as “among the nation’s best motocross riders.”

He eventually switched to BMX in the early 1980s, a discipline he quipped in 1983 kept him in better shape than motorcycles. A factory rider for the Raleigh Bicycle Company, he won in his debut race before going on to claim 11 national titles and the 1983 World Championship.

In March 2005, after his riding days were over, BITD recruited him to the role he would hold until his passing.

BITD released the following statement:

George wasn’t just part of the Best In The Desert family—he was family. A proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, George’s passion and spirit touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

George’s love for racing took root in the late 1960s, racing motorcycles across Southern California. After moving to Las Vegas in 1971, he built not only his racing legacy but a beautiful life with his family. By the early ’80s, he’d shifted gears into BMX racing—where he didn’t just compete, he dominated, earning multiple National and World Championship titles.

George also poured his heart into GA Racing, his own BMX apparel company. It became a staple in the sport, with racers across the country proudly wearing the gear he created—designed with passion and pride.

In the early 2000s, George’s decades-long friendship with Casey Folks led him to Best In The Desert in an official capacity. As our Event Expo Director and Mesa Podium Announcer, George became a cornerstone of our events- the voice of the BITD finish line. With his ever-present smile, warm laugh, and unmistakable voice, he brought life to every race and made newcomers feel like old friends.

For over 20 years, George showed up with unwavering dedication, loyalty, and heart. He believed in our mission, our people, and this community—and we’re better because of him. George will forever be part of the Best In The Desert story, and his absence will be deeply felt.

To his family and all who loved him—our deepest sympathies. We’ll miss you, George. Godspeed, and thank you for everything.

The Martelli Brothers, who operate Unlimited Off-Road Racing:

George wasn’t just a guy behind a microphone. He was a storyteller. A man who gave his full self to every broadcast, every call-out, every dusty handshake. You can’t fake that kind of presence. You don’t stand onstage for 12 hours at a time, race after race, telling stories that matter unless you love this world and the people in it.

And George loved it all. He didn’t just announce racers he saw them. He asked about their families, cheered for their kids, and made newcomers feel like champions. Behind the scenes, on the side stage, in the quiet moments, his warmth never wavered. He carried this community with joy. He lit people up.

So we raise a toast, a wrench, and a mic to the man who gave so much of himself to off-road racing. Godspeed, George. The infield won’t sound the same without you, but your stories echo on.

Featured image credit: Best In The Desert