Bringing the curtain down on Motorsport Broadcasting – Motorsport Broadcasting

As 2025 ends, I need to use this as a possibility to tie up a unfastened finish of my very own. After almost 14 years, I’m formally bringing the curtain down on the Motorsport Broadcasting web site. Why am I scripting this after I’ve solely printed two articles up to now 18 months? For me, it’s vital to acknowledge the closure of this chapter in my life somewhat than let it drift off into the sundown.

I began Motorsport Broadcasting, then The F1 Broadcasting Weblog, after I was 19 again in April 2012 in direction of the top of my first 12 months at college, my love of motor sport broadcasting having stemmed from many a day over on Digital Spy Discussion board (which nonetheless exists). Motorsport Broadcasting served me nicely by way of my twenties, with numerous hours spent writing articles, combining the weblog with my day job. For the primary few years, it actually was a aspect gig. Attending Channel 4’s F1 press day in 2016 modified that, and made me realise that there was a lot extra to this, because the years that adopted confirmed: 8 x MotoGP weekends, 4 x Formulation E weekends amongst many included.

Whereas my love and curiosity in sports activities broadcasting remained into my 30s, I felt my love for writing common items waning, not helped by a difficult content material panorama. My pursuits outdoors of this web site are extra diverse than what they had been 5 to 10 years in the past, with operating (a marathon runner too!), swimming, and an elevated social circle filling the time, in addition to going by way of a means of self-discovery. I’ve spent lengthy intervals this 12 months with out even fascinated by this web site. A couple of years in the past, I might have resented writing that sentence, however now, I’m genuinely at peace with it. Time has moved on, the second has handed, and I’ve come to simply accept that’s okay.

As Motorsport Broadcasting grew, so did I. I made errors, some horrible ones as well. I wrote issues that I later regretted, however we dwell and be taught. There’s issues I didn’t try this I want I did, however you’ll be able to’t do all the things. I have to admit in hindsight, I do wince at how a lot content material I wrote pre-COVID. Wait, did I actually write that? Sure, Dave, sure you probably did…

Throughout the 13 years, I’ve been extremely lucky to see first hand what goes into creating the product you see on tv. It’s robust. For each presenter or commentator on-air, there’s an editor, a producer, a replay operator amongst many understanding of view maintaining the present on the highway. I don’t envy the one that makes the robust calls. However being near the motion has given me an respect for all of the onerous yards that goes into producing motor sport broadcasting.

Nobody goes into their shift on-air or within the sales space considering “hey, I’ll solely give it 80% or 90% immediately.” Nobody. You’ll be discovered, rapidly. It’s simple to be an armchair critic with out accessing all of the info, considering that you are able to do it higher. I’ve at all times tried to be honest and current completely different views, typically with success and on different events much less so. However hopefully I’ve by no means come throughout as unnecessarily important in direction of a single social gathering or one other. In more moderen years, I’ve made a concerted effort to shine a light-weight on the fantastic voices and faces that make up our sport.

I’ve been fortunate sufficient to interview many stars in entrance and behind the digicam, and there are a couple of I need to thank. Firstly, a particular thanks go to Kevin Brown and Billy McGinty. Kevin and Billy lead up TNT’s MotoGP operation and Sky’s F1 protection respectively, each of whom have been extraordinarily type to me when it comes to entry – serving to facilitate behind the scenes items and serving to me to get nearer to the manufacturing course of.

Sticking with MotoGP, David Emmett, and Simon Patterson for his or her help with two-wheel protection. Karun Chandhok for at all times being a pleasant face within the Formulation E paddock and through varied Autosport weekends. To the individual that as soon as referred to as me an “indignant pupil,” David Croft, I ought to most likely admit all these later that this quote was justified regardless of my greatest makes an attempt to disclaim it! Genuinely although, Crofty, thanks for the help, and for the hours of leisure through the years.

To the entire Whisper crew, led by Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard and Sunil Patel, thanks on your beneficiant entry and hospitality behind the scenes at each W Sequence and Formulation E. The final thanks must go to somebody who isn’t only a nice broadcaster, however frankly an inspiration to me and plenty of others: Jennie Gow. Jennie had a stroke three years in the past and has since returned to broadcasting on 5 Dwell F1. Jennie’s phrases to me ring true daily: “Once you’re having a nasty day, simply keep in mind that a great day is simply not far away.” These phrases struck a chord when she first mentioned that to me, and so they nonetheless do now. Thanks, Jennie.

There’s numerous different folks I might thank, however I fear I’d invertedly miss somebody off, and it might flip right into a “who’s who” position name of motor sport broadcasting personalities. Because of this small nook of the web, and thru my position as Group Champion with Racing Delight, I’ve met individuals who I’m proud to name mates. It’s opened doorways that I didn’t realise existed, and I’ll be perpetually grateful for that. Whereas this chapter could also be ending, I’ll by no means be too far-off from a motor sport paddock.

There’s one final thanks to present, and that’s to you, the reader. As a result of with out you, there wouldn’t have been 3.5 million hits, 2 million phrases, 1,500 articles and seven,500 feedback on this web site. Thanks for participating, whether or not you’ve gotten been there from day one, or a more moderen follower. Almost 14 years isn’t dangerous for one thing that I by no means meant to final wherever close to that lengthy!

All posts will keep on-line, however there shall be no new content material shifting ahead. If you wish to see what I’m as much as shifting ahead you could find me on LinkedIn or comply with my Substack. As I mentioned up entrance, my love for sports activities broadcasting has not waned, so when you’re engaged on a undertaking and you’re feeling my enter can be helpful, I’m nonetheless completely satisfied so that you can drop me a message and I’ll see how I might help. In case you’ve met me and need to comply with my Instagram, I’m additionally completely satisfied for you to take action.

For now, thanks, and I hope you’ve gotten a cheerful and wholesome 2026. From me, over, and out.

Dave