Journey From Race Fan to Rider to Media Professional
From holding a CBS mic for the first time at a Snocross race to interviewing legends like Chad Reed and other Supercross stars, Haley Shanley’s journey is proof that persistence, preparation and passion can open some pretty epic doors. A lifelong fan turned respected commentator, reporter and host, Haley has worked for Championship Off-Road, Snocross, AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross to bring fans closer to the action.
In this episode, Haley joins host Heather Wilson Schiltz to talk about how she got her start in the pits and in the booth, why rapport with racers matters, and how she prepares her voice and mind for long weekends in sometimes extreme conditions. Whether you’re dreaming of a motorsports media career or simply curious what happens behind the camera, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
🎧 What You’ll Hear:
• How Haley’s high school broadcasting class sparked a lifelong career pursuit
• The full-circle moment of interviewing her childhood idols: Chad Reed
• What it really takes to break into motorsports media
• How she transitioned from a social media role to on-camera commentary
• Why building trust with racers is critical to great interviews
• Her preparation rituals for Supercross, including vocal care on the road
• How she avoids repetitive questions and keeps interviews fresh
• Advice for women looking to break into motorsports careers
📲 Connect with Haley on Instagram
🔔 Subscribe for more stories and strategies from inside the motorsports world
“I was holding the CBS mic, and I’m like, ‘This is so surreal.’ I’m holding this CBS mic flag and mic for the first time. And he’s like, ‘Really? That’s really cool to you? Why is that so special?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, this is actually what I want to do.’ And he’s like, ‘I had no idea. So let’s put you to work.’
So that day, this was two events later after, like I said, that first race in Shakopee… We’re in Michigan, and he just put me to work — rifled off some interviews — and he was impressed with it. And so instead of just putting those like on Dropbox for the sponsor, he’s like, ‘These are good. Let’s send them to the TV truck so that they can just play throughout the day, just to help fill time or whatever.’
That immediately got the attention of John Daniels, the series owner, and Carl Schubitzke and they’re like, ‘Whoa, we have another person on our team who can help create more content — who can help with storylines. Like this is amazing. Let’s keep giving her more.’
So that’s how it really snowballed was just seeing an opportunity — or I wouldn’t even say seeking out an opportunity and going after it — rather, I just kind of like knew what their needs were. I knew where I could fill in, and it was a happy marriage from the get go, if you will. So that’s what ultimately snowballed into, within the next few years with Snocross, more work. “
-Haley Shanley, Motorsports Commentator, Reporter and Host
