Jason Pridmore has been around the AMA Superbike paddock seemingly forever. It started as a kid as he grew up immersed in racing with his father Reg, a three-time AMA Superbike Champion, and it turned into a racing career of his own that included two World Endurance Championships and two AMA Championships. Additionally, he runs JP43 Training where he works with riders from track day junkies to professional racers. MotoAmerica is also happy to have Pridmore in our paddock as the lead color commentator on the TV broadcasts.
What was your introduction to the motorcycle world?
I was lucky enough to grow up with motorcycles all around. My father was a three-time AMA Superbike Champion so from an early age motorcycles were in my blood.
What led to you being a motorcycle racing broadcaster?
When I was racing, I had been asked to do a few stints on TV covering some World Superbike races at Laguna Seca and I also did a little bit of pit reporting during the Daytona 200. As my racing career started to wind down the TV bug got me a little and I realized I could use my experiences to hopefully educate the racing audiences. When the chance was offered to get in the booth full time with MotoAmerica, it was an easy decision.
What part of the job do you enjoy the most?
Without question the best part of my job is on Fridays getting to go watch practices from all around the circuit for the classes Greg (White) and I call. It’s like homework for me so I can help be part of telling each rider’s story from the perspective of what they’re doing on track. I am also very grateful that I have such a great relationship with the riders and crews. I have so much respect for the jobs they’re doing.
What part of the job is the most difficult?
I think the most difficult part of the job is making sure to get the stories as accurate as we can. We don’t have enough time to truly tell all the stories that go on in a weekend so we have to choose our words wisely at the start of the shows and then elaborate on those during the telecasts the best we can.
What do you like to do when you’re not at the racetrack?
Being around bikes is still my favorite thing, but when I am not at the track you can usually find me at a golf course somewhere. Even leading up to our MotoAmerica weekends there are quite a few riders and friends who get a round or two in before the weekends kick off.
