Evolution of the Pit Reporter

by Davey Coombs

Just like pretty much everything else in our sport, the role of TV pit reporter has greatly evolved over the years—and at times it’s arguably taken a step or two backwards as well. The first we remember was Jackie Stewart, the multi-time Formula 1 World Champion from Scotland who used to show up on ABC’s Wide World of Sports when they covered the U.S. Grand Prix of Motocross at Carlsbad Raceway. The Scotsman was eventually replaced by 1976 Olympic Decathlon Champion Bruce Jenner (pictured), who now goes by her new name Kaitlyn. There was also motorcycle magazine pioneer and promoter Joe Parkhurst, who was on the sidelines for the ’75 Superbowl of Motocross—he’s the first we recall with true dirt bike credentials—and future Motorcycle and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dave Despain, who used to work for the AMA before someone realized he had a golden voice and was both funny and intuitive.