Bob Varsha (born April 21, 1951 in Northport, New York) is probably the most famous on-air personality for SPEED Channel. Anytime SPEED airs a live special, Varsha is usually there covering it. Varsha is presently the host of the network's live Formula 1 coverage, in addition to being an anchor for SPEEDNews, and a part-time host/narrator for SPEED's World Rally Championship coverage. In 2002 and 2003, Varsha was the host of SPEED's Champ Car coverage. Rick DeBruhl took over Varsha's Formula 1 host chair. After the network lost the rights to broadcast the series to Spike TV, DeBruhl was removed (not just to bring an old friend back to a old spot, but for DeBruhl's sake as well, as he had been slammed by so many viewers on SPEED's message boards), and Varsha returned to his F1 spot in 2004.
Varsha's early years
Varsha graduated from Dartmouth College in 1973 with a bachelor of arts degree in foreign language. While attending Dartmouth, Varsha won varsity letters in cross country and track. He even made the finals of the U.S. Olympic Trials marathon event twice, doing so while attending Emory University Law School . Varsha then went on to practice law in Atlanta, but his life took a different direction when TBS asked him to cover a footrace in Atlanta in 1980. He did so well, TBS offered him a part-time job. In 1986, Varsha joined ESPN, where he not only became their host of Formula 1 coverage, but even hosted gymnastics events. In 1999, Varsha moved to SPEED, then known as SpeedVision. Who knows, if he had stayed with ESPN for the rest of his career, we might even see his great self introduction as 'Hi, I'm Bob Varsha' today. But, sadly, nothing is eternal. Neither is Derek Daly, who was his great partner during those memoriable years at ESPN, never forgetting his famous beloved pet - Candy the owl, which he was bringing to each and every race and kept at commentary box to the great joy of his colleagues.
World will never forget you, and your great combination with ESPN SpeedWorld intro, Bob. Shlurp.
Neither shall we forget those memorable "Ooob's" of the great Candy-the-owl, also known as ^o<O^
Those were one of THE most spectacular memories that every true american F-1 fan will remember and keep in hears forever.
