As 2025 ends, I wish to use this as a possibility to tie up a free finish of my very own. After practically 14 years, I’m formally bringing the curtain down on the Motorsport Broadcasting web site. Why am I scripting this once I’ve solely printed two articles previously 18 months? For me, it’s necessary to acknowledge the closure of this chapter in my life fairly than let it drift off into the sundown.
I began Motorsport Broadcasting, then The F1 Broadcasting Weblog, once I was 19 again in April 2012 in the direction of the tip 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 facet 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 exterior of this web site are extra diverse than what they have been 5 to 10 years in the past, with working (a marathon runner too!), swimming, and an elevated social circle filling the time, in addition to going by way of a strategy of self-discovery. I’ve spent lengthy durations this 12 months with out even fascinated by this web site. A number of years in the past, I’d 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 study. There’s issues I didn’t do this I want I did, however you’ll be able to’t do every little thing. I need 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 figuring out of view holding 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 exhausting 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% as we speak.” Nobody. You’ll be discovered, rapidly. It’s straightforward to be an armchair critic with out gaining access to all of the details, considering that you are able to do it higher. I’ve all the time tried to be truthful 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 the direction of a single get together 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 digital camera, and there are a couple of I wish 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 form 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 all the time being a pleasant face within the Formulation E paddock and through numerous Autosport weekends. To the individual that as soon as known as me an “offended scholar,” David Croft, I ought to most likely admit all these later that this quote was justified regardless of my finest makes an attempt to disclaim it! Genuinely although, Crofty, thanks for the help, and for the hours of leisure over time.
To the entire Whisper group, led by Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard and Sunil Patel, thanks to 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 lots of others: Jennie Gow. Jennie had a stroke three years in the past and has since returned to broadcasting on 5 Reside F1. Jennie’s phrases to me ring true every single day: “Once you’re having a nasty day, simply keep in mind that a superb day is simply not far away.” These phrases struck a chord when she first stated that to me, they usually nonetheless do now. Thanks, Jennie.
There’s numerous different individuals I may thank, however I fear I’d invertedly miss somebody off, and it might flip right into a “who’s who” function name of motor sport broadcasting personalities. Because of this small nook of the web, and thru my function as Neighborhood Champion with Racing Pleasure, 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 ceaselessly 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 provide, 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. Practically 14 years isn’t unhealthy for one thing that I by no means supposed to final anyplace close to that lengthy!
All posts will keep on-line, however there will probably be no new content material transferring ahead. If you wish to see what I’m as much as transferring ahead you’ll find me on LinkedIn or comply with my Substack. As I stated up entrance, my love for sports activities broadcasting has not waned, so if you happen to’re engaged on a venture and you’re feeling my enter could be helpful, I’m nonetheless comfortable so that you can drop me a message and I’ll see how I might help. In case you’ve met me and wish to comply with my Instagram, I’m additionally comfortable 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
