James Hinchcliffe, race car driver, announced that he would be retiring from IndyCar competition last year. But it wasn’t long before the six time champion discovered a new passion: broadcasting.
Hinchcliffe, 35 years old, talked to PEOPLE about his transition from the track to the broadcast booth and how his experience on Dancing with the Stars helped.
Hinchcliffe stated that he no longer drives, but calls all Indy car races and all sports car races. “I believe one of the things that attracted it in the first instance was the rush of live television. The countdown is done, then the light turns on and you’re on.
Hinchcliffe was a fan favorite in the 23rd season’s celebrity dancing competition. He and Shana Burgess finished second.
He said that competing in the series gave him the opportunity to learn skills in performance that racing did not offer. Hinchcliffe now works for NBC Sports and believes the same performance skills are key to live commentary on races.
It’s more than just doing the steps. It has a whole performance aspect to it.”
Hinchcliffe added: “You’re talking more than just about the race. You’re almost… making people see how dramatic it can be and how cool it’s, what these drivers do out there.”
He said that he is still learning about his new job. “There are a few elements that are new and different to my mind that we will be doing for the very first time. Hinchcliffe said that she doesn’t know yet what ritual or warmups to use.
Unfortunately, the race car driver doesn’t believe he will be able use the same preshow ritual that he did during Dancing with the Stars: Tequila.
