FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
By David Swarts
Editorial Note: This post (originally written in 2021 and recently updated) is meant to help racing fans who may not be riding the leading edge of technology. Which means they may not see this on the internet. So, please share this post and information with anybody you think may benefit from it, and yes, that may include printing it out and mailing it to them.
It may seem like a difficult time for those trying to watch motorcycle road racing on their TV. Different series are shown on different networks, some live, some tape-delayed, and some not at all. But the truth is there has never been a better time to be a fan of motorcycle road racing, thanks to streaming video.
A screenshot of streaming video coverage of a MotoGP race with a picture-in-picture alternate view of a start via MotoGPโs Video Pass. Photo courtesy Dorna.Yes, MotoAmerica can still be watched on TV networks like FOX Sports and MAVTV and MotoGP and World Superbike races can been seen on NBC, MSNBC, and USA Network* using a regular television receiving programming via a relatively basic cable or dish setup. Compared to streaming video, however, watching motorcycle racing over cable or dish is like trying to ride a motorcycle that only runs when it wants to, only on certain roads, with no way of fixing it โ at least not until your contract expires.
(*Dorna is working on getting us detailed broadcast times and locations for 2022 MotoGP and World Superbike races on NBCUniversalโs family of TV networks, so stay tuned.)
Sometimes broadcast times change, or races switch between networks at the last minute, or the races get pre-empted by coverage of some other sport, or a race runs late due to a red flag and you donโt get to see the finish because the network cuts to the next scheduled program. It can be very frustrating.
American Joe Roberts (16) leading the Moto2 race in Portugal in 2021. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing Team.And thatโs…