John Smailes is one of Australia’s leading motorsport journalists. In addition to being a highly respected writer, he has also made a name for himself as a broadcaster, author, commentator, and PR practitioner, contributing enormously to both the automotive and motorsport worlds.
He began his career as a copyboy at The Daily Telegraph before moving into roles across both radio and television.
Older motorsport fans may remember him from his role on ABC’s broadcast coverage of the Australian Touring Car Championship, as well as his work on Channel Nine’s Formula 1 World Championship coverage.
Younger fans might recognise him from his time at Network Ten, where he was part of its V8 Supercars coverage, the Australian and World Rally Championships, and, of course, the flagship motorsport program RPM.
In recent years, he's gone to publish a number of bestselling books, and is the chair of the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
In 2025, he's co-written an autobiography on the life of an Australian motor-racing icon, Colin Bond, titled Full Tilt, which is available now at all good retailers, just in time for the festive season.
John Smailes joins us on 'The Podium' to reflect on his incredible career and share some of the amazing stories from his time working in motorsport and the media industry.
Show Notes:
Full Tilt – A Champion’s Story of Ford, Holden and the Defining Era of Motor Racing, is available now from all good retailers and online via the link below.
https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Colin-Bond-with-John-Smailes-Full-Tilt-9781761472275
If you'd like to find out more about the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame, head to:
https://www.australianmotorsporthalloffame.com.au
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The Podium Media, 2025.