We are sad to report of the passing of Art Eckman, the longtime television host of Monster Energy Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross, as well as the weekly Moto World show, and countless other sporting events, near his home in Georgia. He was 81 years old.
For an entire generation of motorsports viewers Eckman was the voice of supercross and motocross. Teamed with AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame rider David Bailey in the TV booth, Eckman's voice became synonymous with two-wheeled motorsports. He highly respected in and around the paddock by such racing icons Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Stanton, Damon Bradshaw and Jean-Michel Bayle, and later also became a mentor for future TV analysts and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Jeff Emig, Ricky Carmichael, Grant Langtson and James Stewart. His voice was an indelible part of the sport and will be missed.
Earlier this year, Art attended the Atlanta Supercross, which gave long-time fans and colleagues a chance to catch up with one of the legendary figures of this sport.
Art is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donna Haines Eckman, as well as two daughters, Christine Eckman and Kara Eckman Mecke, along with Kara’s husband Ralph Mecke and their two children, Alastair and Cedric Mecke.
Plans for a Celebration of Life service will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. In memory of Art’s life and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to InCommunity. InComunity, is a non-profit organization that provides support to individuals with developmental disabilities. Over the years, this organization has been a significant part of the Eckman family as its staff has helped Christine Eckman thrive in her community.