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Written by:
Marshall Pruett
04/04/2007 - 07:00 PM
Oakland, CA
SPEED Channel host Bob Varsha (Photo: SPEED) » More Photos
With SPEED's new Formula One Debrief show set to debut this Friday, Automotive Editor Marshall Pruett spent some time with Debrief host Bob Varsha to find out if the auto manufacturer-driven F1 series is still something car fans and enthusiasts would find entertaining.
SPEEDtv.com: Formula One continues to grow and grow as a sport--so much so that its now starting to pick up casual fans that might not have otherwise tuned in before. What intrigue or attraction does the series hold that the average car enthusiast might be drawn to?
Varsha: "I think the average enthusiast is easily equipped to appreciate the technology, spectacle and history of Formula One. Isn't that what the car nut is all about... beautiful machines, great performance, and the romance of the automobile? The problem has been getting the sport in front of them given the time slot in which we must air, live as we are, from wherever exotic place around the world, plus the restrictions imposed in our contract with Formula One with regard to such things as re-airing races and the use of on-track video in promoting and enhancing our broadcasts.
"But once we get fans tuned in and they get a sense of what the sport is all about: the color, the noise, the personalities, the wonderful locations, the cars, the legendary tracks... we're sure they'll be hooked. There's really nothing like it."
SPEEDtv.com: F1 has become wildly popular, and most of the teams are owned and funded by manor auto manufacturers--Toyota, Renault, BMW, Mercedes, etc. While the sport is undoubtedly popular, and for all the money that gets spent, is F1 relevant? The flow of technology seems to flow more from production vehicles to F1 than the other way around.
Varsha: "The role of technology is an issue that isn't confined to F1; every form of motorsport these days has been forced to look inward and make some difficult decisions regarding the impact of technology on the cost to the racers and the benefit to the fans. Having said that, a high level of technology has always been part of the F1 mystique, even before the recent influx of the big car companies. I don't think it's entirely accurate to say the flow of technology has been from production cars to F1.
"I agree that there are technical refinements on road cars that you won't find on grand prix machinery, but that is deliberately so: years ago F1 decided that the racing cars were too high-tech, and so such systems as computer-controlled suspensions, fully automatic transmissions, four-wheel steering and so on, technology that is available on road cars now, were banned by rule. This has been a painful process, because the stratospheric levels of F1 technology and creativity are part of the fun to many fans, and as anyone who has ever spent a few minutes with my colleague Steve Matchett can tell you, the engineers and mechanics in the shops are every bit as competitive as the drivers themselves.
"But either way, and thanks in large part to the presence of the big manufacturers, F1 is embarked on a multi-year plan to become more "relevant" to road car tech, specifically in the area of materials, fuels and lubricants, and especially the recapture and reuse of energy from combustion and braking. It will be interesting to watch how that all pans out."
SPEEDtv.com: You're the host and voice of one of our most popular shows, the Barrett-Jackson Auctions--for fans of our other original programming like PINKS! or Setup, what can they expect if they tune into SPEED's new "Formula One Debrief" show?
Varsha: One of the joys of working for a network like SPEED is that a car guy who happens to be an announcer and story-teller can scratch so many types of itch! Our new F1 show "Formula One Debrief" is an opportunity for me and
One of the things we can do is re-roll some of the key moments of the race, and add the thoughts of the drivers themselves thanks to Peter's hard digging at the track. I think it's also safe to say the show will develop as we go through the season. We have lots of ideas we're still trying to figure out how to present, which is part of the fun of a show such as "Debrief."
SPEEDtv.com: I've followed F1 since the mid-80's and can't recall a more fun or lively set of hosts. My wife even stops what she's doing when she hears the 'three crazy F1 guys' on TV--how have you built such great chemistry while keeping a lighthearted approach to a sport that often takes itself too seriously?
Varsha: "Thanks very much. Our "different" on-air approach is something we hear about often, and we all appreciate the compliment. I suppose the short answer is that we three: David, Steve and I, are good friends as well as partners. We spend a lot of time together, we enjoy each other's company, and that quality is something the viewer can sense.
"I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that that kind of rapport isn't always the case in television announce teams. I've known David for about as long as I've been in the business; he was one of my on-air partners (Brian Redman was the other) on my first live race call, the original St. Petersburg Grand Prix Trans-Am weekend back in the early 1980's.
"David was already a fixture on television due to his work with CBS. We've done a zillion shows since, but more importantly, we've traveled the world together. Sharing a rental car for hours on end gives you lots of time for conversation, so we know each other pretty well. The amazing thing is that Steve, who was "discovered" by our original producer, now SPEED VP of Production, Frank Wilson, slotted right into the team despite being a complete novice at television, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Steve would probably tell you it wasn't as easy as that, but that's how it worked out. Remember also that we were a four-man band for years with Sam Posey, who still contributes to our broadcasts. 'Four men in a tub' really teaches you to be disciplined.
"As for our lighthearted approach, well, I'd have to say it's a reflection of our entire SPEED team's approach to the sport, from our top management on down: the job is story-telling, it's supposed to be fun, and it works best if you really care about the sport you're presenting, and the people you're doing it with."
Formula One Debrief debuts Friday, April 6th on SPEED. Be sure to tune in and get an extra dose of expertise and hilarity from our crack broadcast team.
Varsha will also be doing a chat this Saturday, April 7th at 1:30 PM, Eastern. Log into www.speedtv.com/chat to ask Bob the questions you've always wanted to.
Marshall Pruett is Automotive Editor for SPEEDTV.com. Pruett also covers the SPEED World Challenge series and provides other racing features and commentary. Marshall grew up at "Pruett's Olde English Garage," his father's shelter for abused foreign cars, and spent his childhood being dragged across the West Coast to help with his dad's amateur racing exploits. A rather predictable fascination with cars and working for racing teams soon followed.
He's since retired from that career in motorsports, but continues to play with street cars and race cars for a variety of auto manufacturers. He can be reached at marshall.pruett@speedtv.com
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