#MediaMonday – Rick DeBruhl

Each Monday, we are posting a blog to help our readers get to know the media just a little bit better.
Today’s #MediaMonday feature has some interesting turns.  And with the Indy 500 just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better.  From Turn One at Phoenix International Raceway to Turn Four at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Rick DeBruhl is within an arm’s reach from the action.
Here’s the green flag:  Rick, time to share!
What do you want to tell the blogosphere about yourself today?
I’m a schizoid kind of guy!
After 31 years doing local news at KPNX-TV, I decided it was time to try something different. I’m now the chief communications officer for the State Bar of Arizona, which means I handle PR, marketing, Arizona Attorney Magazine, web site content and government relations. All challenging and all fun. Most people don’t realize that the Bar is actually a consumer protection agency which fits just fine with my old “Call 12 For Action” world.
Of course I couldn’t leave broadcasting behind completely. I still work for ABC, ESPN and SPEED covering auto racing. Back in the late ‘80s I started working for ESPN covering auto racing as a part time job. I grew up a gearhead and the idea of having someone pay me to work around cars was a dream come true. I actually had car wallpaper as a kid. I worked my way through college as a mechanic. I just like cars! Over the years I’ve been fortunate to cover all kinds of racing. I’ve worked Formula One races in Germany and Italy. I’ve covered events all over North America from NASCAR to IndyCars, from Pikes Peak to Gravelrama (honest, it’s near Cincinnati). I’ve gotten a chance to interview (and friend) people I idolized as a kid. I also help televise the Barrett Jackson auctions on SPEED. In addition to Scottsdale, we broadcast auctions in Palm Beach, Orange County and Las Vegas. Again, I can’t believe people pay me to stand around and talk about cars!
This year I’ll be a part of ABC’s coverage of the Indy 500. I did my first Indy 500 last year, which was an amazing experience. This year is even more special because it’s the 100 anniversary of the first race. That means they’ll be rolling out lots of historical cars including the first winner, the Marmon Wasp (again, not kidding).
What people find odd is that my two jobs have nothing in common. Frankly, I like it that way. Whether it’s dealing with lawyers or racers, I get enough variety to keep me constantly interested.
Schizoid? Yes.
But also fun.