RPM (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting, Motorsport media |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Motorsport and automotive television program |
| Website | 10play |
RPM is an Australian television series dedicated to motorsports and automotive topics, broadcast on Network Ten. The program originally aired from 1997 until 2008, then made a comeback in 2011 on the sister channel One, before returning to Ten in 2015. It is currently scheduled for Sunday afternoons, although its broadcast times have varied over the years.
The season spans from March through November, coinciding with significant Australian motorsport events such as the Clipsal 500 and Bathurst 1000, alongside international competitions including Formula One and MotoGP. RPM covers a broad range of premier motorsport disciplines like Formula One, MotoGP, NASCAR, the Supercars Championship, and rallying championships both domestic and international. Recently, the show has broadened its scope to encompass wider motoring topics, integrating vehicle reviews with its traditional racing content.
1997–2008 iteration
RPM debuted in 1997 following Network Ten’s acquisition of Supercars broadcasting rights, in collaboration with Foxtel. The original presenting team featured journalist Bill Woods alongside former MotoGP world champion Barry Sheene. The program was typically broadcast on Sunday afternoons, with the exact timeslot adjusting according to the network's motorsport schedule. Sheene departed the show in late 2002 due to health complications and passed away early the following year.
Following Sheene’s exit, Woods continued as solo host, supported by contributors such as Greg Rust, Neil Crompton, and Daryl Beattie. In 2006, model Grace McClure briefly joined as co-host. The following year, Rust succeeded Woods as host when Woods moved to present Ten Weekend News bulletins.
Format
Episodes generally opened with the 'Circuit' segment, where Woods delivered weekly motorsport news, race recaps, and updates on Australian competitors racing internationally. This segment also covered speculation regarding driver transfers for upcoming seasons.
Typically, four additional segments followed (depending on available airtime), focusing on MotoGP and Formula One updates through conversations between the host and specialized analysts. Other features included interviews with drivers, behind-the-scenes insights, technical breakdowns, and coverage of lesser-known or junior motorsport categories. Despite losing Supercars broadcasting rights in 2006, RPM maintained consistent coverage of the Supercars series.
Cancellation
In March 2009, Network Ten announced that RPM would not be returning to air. This announcement coincided with the launch of One, a dedicated 24-hour sports channel aiming to expand motorsport content. Instead of continuing with a panel-style show, the network chose to concentrate on individual event broadcasts and highlight reels.
2011 revival
RPM was revived in March 2011 on the One channel. Greg Rust returned as host with Daryl Beattie reprising his role as MotoGP expert. Craig Baird took over from Cameron McConville as the Formula One analyst after McConville was dropped from Network Ten’s motorsport lineup during the program’s hiatus.
Format
The 2011 iteration was produced live and blended interviews with pre-recorded segments. It shifted from its traditional Sunday afternoon slot to airing on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. The show incorporated Skype interviews featuring personalities such as F1 correspondent James Allen and included studio discussions involving local Supercars drivers and other Network Ten figures.
New segments introduced included 'RPM Retro', which highlighted archival footage featuring former hosts Bill Woods or Barry Sheene. Additionally, betting odds were prominently displayed due to sponsorship agreements with bookmakers. The program also expanded its content to include general motoring topics like safe driving advice.
Cancellation
In early 2012, the series was discontinued as One transitioned its focus from a sports-centric channel to general entertainment programming.
2015 Relaunch
RPM made its comeback on 8 March 2015 when Network Ten secured the Supercars broadcast rights once again, partnering with Foxtel. Following Rust's exit, Matt White assumed hosting duties, accompanied by Aaron Noonan, Alan Jones, and Daryl Beattie, who uniquely participated in all three iterations of the show. Former Formula One competitor and current FIA World Endurance Championship driver Mark Webber appeared as a special guest host during the initial episodes of both 2015 and 2016.
The program was broadcast several times each week on One. Beginning in March 2020, episodes were shortened to a 30-minute duration. In February 2021, Network Ten announced the third cancellation of RPM.
Format
The 2015 edition preserved a blend of motorsport coverage alongside general motoring content, incorporating guests from within and beyond the motorsport community. A notable recurring feature was the 'Battle of Bathurst,' where guests—often current Supercars drivers—competed using a Mount Panorama Circuit racing simulator. In 2015, Chaz Mostert, winner of the 2014 Bathurst 1000, led the guest leaderboard. The following year, episode lengths increased from one hour to ninety minutes, with the first thirty minutes designated as RPM GP.
Hosts
Bold text denotes current hosts or co-hosts.
- Bill Woods – (1997–2006)
- Barry Sheene – (1997–2002)
- Grace McClure – (2006)
- Greg Rust – (2007–2008, 2011)
- Matthew White – (2015–2020)
- Scott Mackinnon – (2020)
Co-hosts
Co-hosts generally focus on particular motorsport disciplines.
- Neil Crompton – (Supercars and Formula 1 expert, 2002–2006)
- Daryl Beattie – (MotoGP expert, 2003–2008, 2011, 2015–2020)
- Cameron McConville – (Formula 1 expert, 2007–2008)
- Craig Baird – (Formula 1 expert, 2011)
- Mark Larkham – (Supercars expert, 2015–2018)
- Alan Jones – (Formula 1 expert, 2015–2020)
- Aaron Noonan – (Supercars expert, 2018–2020)
- Kate Peck – (Motorsport correspondent, 2018–2020)
- Garth Tander – (Supercars driver/panelist, 2019–2020)
- Michael Caruso – (Supercars driver/panelist, 2019–2020)
Reporters
RPM utilizes field reporters to conduct interviews and produce features, particularly at international events.
- James Allen – (Formula 1 correspondent)
- Tom Clarkson – (Formula 1 correspondent)
- Sam Charlwood – (Test Drive reporter and MotoGP host)
Former contributors
- Grant Denyer
- Leigh Diffey
- Alison Drower
- Kylie King
- Will McCloy
- Mark Oastler
- Steve Parrish
- John Smailes
- Peter Windsor
- Mark Howard
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Logie Awards | Most Popular Sports Program | Template:Nom |
| 2007 | Logie Awards | Most Popular Sports Program | Template:Nom |
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Network 10 original programming
- 10 Bold original programming
- 10 Sport
- 1997 Australian television series debuts
- 2008 Australian television series endings
- 2011 Australian television series debuts
- 2011 Australian television series endings
- 2015 Australian television series debuts
- 2020 Australian television series conclusions
- Television programs set in New South Wales
- Television programs set in Sydney
- Auto racing media
- Motorcycle-related television shows
- Automotive-themed television series
- Australian sports TV series
- Motorsport within Australia
- Australian English-language TV shows