Dave Rieff

ESPN NHRA Host/Pit Reporter

Dave Rieff has been a drag racing commentator for ESPN since 2000. In addition to his primary role as pit reporter, he became host of NHRA Today in 2006. His role expanded in 2007 to include hosting ESPN2’s coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, while continuing as host of the newly named NHRA Race Day and as pit reporter for the NHRA PowerAde Drag Racing Series.

Rieff’s motorsports roots begin in the heart of central Iowa’s dirt track scene.  From 1993 to 1996 he co-produced and reported in Iowa Auto Racing Weekly for WOI-TV in Des Moines, Iowa. It was also during that time Rieff was a track announcer at the Knoxville Raceway while hosting the program Knoxville Raceway Weekly. Rieff worked World of Outlaws events, the Knoxville Nationals and Kings Royal as well as the International Motor Contest Association’s IMCA Super Nationals.

In 1996, Rieff moved to Florida to work as an associate producer and pit reporter for Diamond P Sports. Continuing his involvement in sprint car racing, he was also introduced to NHRA drag racing and the swamp buggies of South Florida, reporting on both. Additional duties included pit lane responsibilities for select NASCAR Limited Late Model Series as well as USAC’s distinguished Four Crown Nationals held each spring in Phoenix.

Beginning in 1999, Rieff became a freelancer continuing his duties with the World of Outlaw sprint cars. During a diverse year he did work for the Discovery Wings channel, hosted a golf infomercial, handled the play by play duties for women’s Fitness America and began reporting on the U.S. Off-Road Championship Series.  

In 2000, in addition to his continuing role in the NHRA, Rieff began as host of the weekly motorcycle highlight and feature program Motoworld, a post he continued to hold until the show’s end in 2003.

Born in Rantoul, Ill., Rieff, who is married with two children, received a bachelor or arts degree in journalism and mass communications from Iowa State University in 1993.

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