Jamie Howe came to the MotoAmerica Championship in 2020 as a well-known and seasoned TV personality in the world of four-wheel racing. She came to motorcycle racing without a lot of knowledge of the sport but with a propensity for studying her craft and working hard. And that was a boon for MotoAmerica as he has slotted in nicely to her various roles for MotoAmerica Live+.
What was your introduction to the motorcycle world?
COVID! Having been around motorsports since 2003, I had covered nearly everything that moves on four wheels. In 2020, when international travel was banned, Michael Hill couldn’t get to the states for the MotoAmerica races. I was lucky enough to be recommended and took the opportunity in a heartbeat. The rest of the industry hadn’t started back yet so I had plenty of time and everyone in the MotoAmerica paddock was eager to teach someone new about their sport.
What led to you being a motorcycle racing broadcaster?
I’ve always believed in saying yes to a new challenge and figuring it out along the way. I truly believe that a reason I have been able to stay present in motorcycle broadcasting is because of the guidance the paddock offered me that first season.
What part of the job do you enjoy the most?
Definitely the people. At the core of broadcasting is storytelling and being able to share stories of competition, innovation, struggles and triumphs – none of that happens without the people who make up the sport. We also have an incredible crew that puts the shows together. It’s a great mix of veteran broadcast crew members and new crew members who are wanting to learn and grow. Everyone behind the scenes works so well together to allow each person to grow and also have fun.
What part of the job is the most difficult?
Having to be the person there when a rider gets back following an incident and put the microphone in their face after asking what went wrong. Those are the difficult moments. But the hardest part of the job today is reading the comments from people on social media who believe they could do a better job than you because of the way you said something or the way you asked a question.
What do you like to do when you’re not at the racetrack?
I spend a lot of time volunteering at my kids’ elementary school. They go to a math-and technology-based school and being able to help with special projects and watch them grow into more confident young people is incredibly rewarding. I also love to be outside and have a hard time with sitting still. The busier the better for me.
