RPM (TV series)
Encyclopedia
RPM is a motorsports television program that aired on Network Ten
in Australia from 1997 to 2008, and returned in 2011 on One HD.. The show airs on Wednesdays at 10:30pm, after initially moving to Tuesdays for the show's return in March 2011. These timeslots are a move away from the show's previous weekend timeslot whilst on Ten. The show has had a variety of timeslots and running times over the show's history, but generally aired on Sunday afternoons.
In general, the show usually runs from around early March to late October each year, in line with major events in the Australian calendar such as the Clipsal 500 and Bathurst 1000
, as well as the Formula One
and MotoGP seasons. The program covers all major forms of motorsport across Australia and the world, with a particular influence on Formula One
, MotoGP, NASCAR
, V8 Supercars as well as the Australian
and World Rally Championship
s.
, Ryan Briscoe
and Will Power
in the United States. 'Circuit' also mentioned rumours, such as potential driver moves for the following season.
Following this, there were usually around 4 segments, depending on the length of the timeslot. In later years, two of these were always taken up by updates from the MotoGP and Formula One series, either previewing or reviewing recent events. This generally involved the host discussing these events with the respective co-host for each form of motorsport. The other segments are usually taken up by either an interview with a driver or motorsport personality, a 'behind the scenes' report, a technical report (such as on the HANS Device
or KERS), or features on other motor sport series, including smaller and obscure series.
Despite Network 10 losing the broadcast rights to V8 Supercars in 2007, the series was still regularly covered by the show. Before the network lost the rights, RPM often aired directly before the V8 Supercars coverage.
for some of its interviews, such as with F1 correspondent James Allen. The show also features in-studio interviews, particularly with local V8 Supercars drivers or other Network Ten
personalities.
The show features some new segments, such as 'RPM Retro', usually featuring clips of Bill Woods
or Barry Sheene
in the early days of the show, as well as more prominently featuring the latest betting
odds
due to a sponsorship deal with a bookmaker
.
The show has also added some general motoring
segments, such as tips for safe driving on public roads .
returned as host, along with Daryl Beattie
as the motorcycle specialist. The only change to the line-up was the addition of Craig Baird
, who replaces Cameron McConville
as the Formula 1 specialist, after McConville was removed from the network's motorsport coverage during the show's hiatus.
and 2007
.
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
in Australia from 1997 to 2008, and returned in 2011 on One HD.. The show airs on Wednesdays at 10:30pm, after initially moving to Tuesdays for the show's return in March 2011. These timeslots are a move away from the show's previous weekend timeslot whilst on Ten. The show has had a variety of timeslots and running times over the show's history, but generally aired on Sunday afternoons.
In general, the show usually runs from around early March to late October each year, in line with major events in the Australian calendar such as the Clipsal 500 and Bathurst 1000
Bathurst 1000
The Bathurst 1000 is a touring car race held annually at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia...
, as well as the Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
and MotoGP seasons. The program covers all major forms of motorsport across Australia and the world, with a particular influence on Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
, MotoGP, NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
, V8 Supercars as well as the Australian
Australian Rally Championship
The Australian Rally Championship is a 6 Round National motorsport Championship run in forested countryside throughout Australia.-Current Competition:...
and World Rally Championship
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
s.
1997-2008 Format
Each show began with the 'Circuit' segment, documenting the latest motorsport news in the past week. This segment included race highlights from the previous week, as well as updates of the progress of Australians abroad, such as Marcos AmbroseMarcos Ambrose
Marcos Ambrose is a championship winning Australian racing car driver. He currently drives the #9 Stanley Black & Decker Ford Fusion for Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series...
, Ryan Briscoe
Ryan Briscoe
Ryan Briscoe is an Australian auto racing driver who has raced open wheel and sports cars in Europe and America.In addition to his native English, Briscoe speaks Italian and French...
and Will Power
Will Power
William Steven Power is an Australian motorsport driver, who currently competes in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, driving for Team Penske.-Australian Racing:...
in the United States. 'Circuit' also mentioned rumours, such as potential driver moves for the following season.
Following this, there were usually around 4 segments, depending on the length of the timeslot. In later years, two of these were always taken up by updates from the MotoGP and Formula One series, either previewing or reviewing recent events. This generally involved the host discussing these events with the respective co-host for each form of motorsport. The other segments are usually taken up by either an interview with a driver or motorsport personality, a 'behind the scenes' report, a technical report (such as on the HANS Device
HANS device
The HANS device is a safety item compulsory in many car racing sports...
or KERS), or features on other motor sport series, including smaller and obscure series.
Despite Network 10 losing the broadcast rights to V8 Supercars in 2007, the series was still regularly covered by the show. Before the network lost the rights, RPM often aired directly before the V8 Supercars coverage.
2011-onwards Format
The show, recorded live, features a mix of interviews and pre-recorded stories. The show now uses SkypeSkype
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chat over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system...
for some of its interviews, such as with F1 correspondent James Allen. The show also features in-studio interviews, particularly with local V8 Supercars drivers or other Network Ten
Network Ten
Network Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
personalities.
The show features some new segments, such as 'RPM Retro', usually featuring clips of Bill Woods
Bill Woods
William "Bill" Woods is an Australian television broadcaster.Woods is currently the presenter of Network Ten's Ten News at Five in Sydney, alongside Sandra Sully.-Early Career:...
or Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene
Barry Stephen Frank Sheene MBE was a British World Champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.-Early life:...
in the early days of the show, as well as more prominently featuring the latest betting
Sports betting
Sports betting is the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome.-United States of America:Aside from simple wagers such as betting a friend that one's favorite baseball team will win its division or buying a football "square" for the Super Bowl, sports betting is...
odds
Odds
The odds in favor of an event or a proposition are expressed as the ratio of a pair of integers, which is the ratio of the probability that an event will happen to the probability that it will not happen...
due to a sponsorship deal with a bookmaker
Bookmaker
A bookmaker, or bookie, is an organization or a person that takes bets on sporting and other events at agreed upon odds.- Range of events :...
.
The show has also added some general motoring
Motoring
Motoring may refer to:* 310 Motoring, an automotive customization garage based in Los Angeles, California* AA Motoring Trust* Best Motoring International, Japanese automobile magazine* Driving* Motoring...
segments, such as tips for safe driving on public roads .
Cancellation
In March 2009 it was announced that the show would not air in 2009. This was despite the simultaneous launch of One HD, a 24 hour sports channel created by the network, including expanded coverage of motor sport. However, the network decided to focus on individual motor sports and highlights packages on the new channel rather than a panel show.Return
In March 2011, the show returned on One. Greg RustGreg Rust
Greg Rust is a motor racing commentator and the front man for Australia's coverage of Formula One and MotoGP on the Network Ten digital sports channel One HD, a commercial TV network. He has also worked for the Nine Network and the Special Broadcasting Service as a freelance...
returned as host, along with Daryl Beattie
Daryl Beattie
Daryl Beattie is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.Beattie posted several good results at the beginning of the 1992 500cc Grand Prix season then teamed up with Wayne Gardner to win the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in Japan...
as the motorcycle specialist. The only change to the line-up was the addition of Craig Baird
Craig Baird
Craig George Baird MNZM is a race car driver. Baird is a very successful driver in his homeland, winning three consecutive New Zealand Formula Atlantic championship titles , and then four consecutive New Zealand Touring Car Championship titles .Since then Baird has raced in Australian Super...
, who replaces Cameron McConville
Cameron McConville
Cameron 'Cam' McConville is an Australian racing driver and motorsport media personality. While retired from full-time competition McConville still races occasionally and is an indemand endurance event co-driver. McConville spent 14 years as a professional driver, ten of those in the largest...
as the Formula 1 specialist, after McConville was removed from the network's motorsport coverage during the show's hiatus.
Hosts
- Bill WoodsBill WoodsWilliam "Bill" Woods is an Australian television broadcaster.Woods is currently the presenter of Network Ten's Ten News at Five in Sydney, alongside Sandra Sully.-Early Career:...
- (1997–2006) - Barry SheeneBarry SheeneBarry Stephen Frank Sheene MBE was a British World Champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.-Early life:...
- (1997–2002) - Greg RustGreg RustGreg Rust is a motor racing commentator and the front man for Australia's coverage of Formula One and MotoGP on the Network Ten digital sports channel One HD, a commercial TV network. He has also worked for the Nine Network and the Special Broadcasting Service as a freelance...
- (2007–2008, 2011-) - Grace McClure - (2006)
Co-Hosts
The co-hosts are usually specialised in a particular area of motorsport.- Daryl BeattieDaryl BeattieDaryl Beattie is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.Beattie posted several good results at the beginning of the 1992 500cc Grand Prix season then teamed up with Wayne Gardner to win the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in Japan...
(Motorcycle specialist, 2003–2008, 2011-) - Craig BairdCraig BairdCraig George Baird MNZM is a race car driver. Baird is a very successful driver in his homeland, winning three consecutive New Zealand Formula Atlantic championship titles , and then four consecutive New Zealand Touring Car Championship titles .Since then Baird has raced in Australian Super...
(Formula 1 specialist, 2011-) - Cameron McConvilleCameron McConvilleCameron 'Cam' McConville is an Australian racing driver and motorsport media personality. While retired from full-time competition McConville still races occasionally and is an indemand endurance event co-driver. McConville spent 14 years as a professional driver, ten of those in the largest...
(Formula 1 specialist, 2007–2008) - Neil CromptonNeil CromptonNeil Crompton is a well-known V8 Supercars presenter and commentator for Australia's Channel Seven, having previously worked in a similar role at Network Ten...
(V8 Supercars and Formula 1 specialist, 2002–2006)
Reporters
As well as the studio hosts, RPM has a number of roving reporters that provide interviews and features, particularly of overseas events.- James Allen
- Tom Clarkson
- Steve ParrishSteve ParrishSteve Parrish is a former motorcycle and truck racer, who now commentates for various British television channels on motorsport.-Racing career:...
Past reporters
- Grant DenyerGrant DenyerGrant Denyer is an Australian television reporter, personality and motor racing driver.-Television career:In 1997, Denyer began his career in the media, he gained a position at Prime Television in Wagga Wagga as a news reporter and journalist...
- Leigh DiffeyLeigh DiffeyLeigh Diffey is an Australian auto racing commentator with the Speed Channel in the United States. He has also worked in Britain and in his homeland of Australia, where he commentated on Champ Car and V8 Supercars for Network Ten in Australia...
- Alison Drower
- Mark Howard
- Kylie King
- Will McCloy
- Mark Oastler
- John Smailes
- Matthew WhiteMatthew White (journalist)Matthew White is an Australian journalist, and currently presenter of Today Tonight and sports presenter.-Career:White began his journalism career at a local newspaper in Manly before moving to radio and joining Newcastle's NEWFM to present breakfast news...
- Peter WindsorPeter WindsorPeter David Windsor is the former Sporting Director of the US F1 Team and a Formula One journalist reporter. He was brought up in Australia, but now has residences in London and Sydney....
Awards
RPM was nominated twice for the Most Popular Sports Program at the Australian television awards, the Logies. The show was nominated in both 2006Logie Awards of 2006
The 48th Annual TV Week Logie Awards were presented on Sunday May 7, 2006 at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne and televised on the Nine Network....
and 2007
Logie Awards of 2007
The 49th Annual TV Week Logie Awards were presented on Sunday 6 May 2007 at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne and televised on the Nine Network. The three key presenters were Adam Hills, Dave Hughes and Fifi Box...
.