Dave Despain
Dave Despain: The Voice of Motorcycling
For nearly a decade, Dave Despain has been a prominent figure in motorsports broadcasting with ESPN, covering a diverse array of racing disciplines, from motorcycles and USAC sprints to Winston Cup stock cars, IMSA road racing, and Indy cars. Yet, despite his impressive resume, it’s clear that his heart always leads him back to the two-wheeled world of motorcycles.
Despain's journey began not in front of a camera but on the dirt tracks of his youth. A less-than-spectacular career as a dirt tracker served as the launchpad for his broadcasting career. He honed his announcing skills during his time as a disc jockey at a small hometown radio station in Iowa. His work in radio eventually led him to television when the station acquired the first cable TV franchise in the area, allowing Despain to help pioneer the concept of simulcasting.
Although he competed in various races, Despain rode his last event in 1970, qualifying for the main event on the mile at Sedalia, Missouri. He quickly realized that while he enjoyed racing, he would never achieve the level of success he desired. It was time to "get a real job."
In 1971, Despain took a significant step in his career by joining the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) as a press release writer for their Racing Department. Over the next ten years, he rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Communications Director. During this time, he ventured into television, and in 1975, ABC approached the AMA looking for an expert analyst for the prestigious Daytona 200. Suddenly, Despain found himself on the legendary “Wide World of Sports,” making his mark in the motorsports broadcasting world.
Despain's broadcasting portfolio continued to expand as he worked on the pioneering motorsports news program “Motor Week Illustrated” on Turner Broadcasting and took on radio roles with NASCAR's Motor Racing Network. He even earned an ACE award nomination for his pay-per-view coverage of Robbie Knievel’s spectacular motorcycle jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace.
In 1991, Despain joined ESPN full-time, solidifying his position as a leading voice in the motorsports community. Throughout his career, he has remained passionate about motorcycles, stating, “I hope I never lose my enthusiasm for riding. Nothing I’ve done in life has given me more fun and satisfaction than messing with motorcycles.”
Dave Despain's career exemplifies the unique intersection of motorsport passion and broadcasting talent. His commitment to sharing the thrill of motorcycle racing with audiences has made him an enduring figure in the industry, inspiring countless fans and riders alike to embrace the freedom of the open road.