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.

We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.

Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.

Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated