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SPEED Signs Dave Despain to Multiyear Deal
SPEED signed veteran motorsports broadcaster Dave Despain to a new two-year deal, keeping the popular host of Wind Tunnel through 2010...
Erik Arneson  |  Posted December 18, 2008   Charlotte, North Carolina
Dave Despain, the popular host of Wind Tunnel on SPEED. (Image: SPEED)

SPEED™ SIGNS VERSATILE WIND TUNNEL HOST DESPAIN TO NEW DEAL THROUGH 2010

PRUDHOMME: ‘DAVE CERTAINLY DOESN’T SUGARCOAT ANYTHING’

SPEED signed veteran motorsports broadcaster Dave Despain to a new two-year deal, keeping the popular host of the Sunday night program Wind Tunnel on the team through 2010.

“Very few people can step from one motor sports discipline to another with the ease and proficiency that Dave manages on a weekly basis,” said SPEED President Hunter Nickell. “Dave has worked hard to become one of the true icons in racing and SPEED is privileged to have him continue as part of our team.”

Closing in on 450 episodes of his popular fan-participation show Wind Tunnel, Despain has interviewed everyone who is anyone in the world of racing. Three-time NASCAR champ Darrell Waltrip has made the most guest appearances (9), followed by Jeff Gordon (7), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (7), Funny Car king John Force (6) and open-wheel veteran Paul Tracy (6). Longtime motor sports writer Robin Miller has enjoyed the most co-hosting appearances at 13.

"I love the fact that the voices on Wind Tunnel cover the entire racing spectrum; from the fans in the stands, to the folks watching on TV, to the big time stars putting on the show to the movers and shakers who make it all happen,” Despain said. “We stick our noses into every nook and cranny of racing and always seem to find something interesting."

The Wind Tunnel format has proven popular in the garage area, as many of the players tune in on Sunday evenings to get their fix.

“Dave is a hardcore racer and that’s why I like to watch his show,” said 2007 Daytona 500 champion Kevin Harvick. “He isn’t shy about giving his opinions, even if they aren’t popular, and I like a guy who isn’t afraid to say what he thinks.”


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