It was with supreme sadness that Promark Motorsport International Inc., Raceline Radio Network Inc., Snow Trax Television Inc., and Dirt Trax Television Inc., announced the passing of company founder, President and CEO John Massingberd on December 1st, 2008.

John left us in his 54th year, losing a brief but courageous battle with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”.

The oldest of three sons, born in Toronto in 1954, John established Promark Motorsport International and Raceline Motorsport Television in the late 80’s to fill a void in the televising of Canadian racing events.

In 1993, he founded, Executive Produced and co-anchored Raceline Radio, Canada’s first nationally syndicated motorsport radio program, featuring Canadian racing talent. Raceline Radio was the most widely syndicated National Motorsport radio program in Canada.

A year later, John launched Snow Trax Television broadcast nationally in both Canada and the United States. In 2004, Dirt Trax Television, a companion program focusing on the All-Terrain Vehicle market, was launched and has reached similar acclaim with North American enthusiasts.

His energy, infectious sense of humour and genuine charm are what contributed to John’s larger than life persona. His unique vision, business acumen and strong sense of dedication is what drove him to break new ground in the televising and radio coverage of Canadian motorsport racing and the world of snowmobiling and ATV recreation.

He had a solid background in the history of the sport. He also had itchy feet, and would think nothing of packing up the car and travelling during his off-season. He had been looking forward to a trip along the famous Route 66, and had planned to cruise its entire Chicago to Los Angeles length with his partner Kitty Owen.

John was a natural in front of a camera or microphone. His presentation was delivered in a manner that neither talked down to his audience, or left any questions unanswered. He knew his subject matter, and could usually get good quotes from a racer, sometimes not an easy thing to do.

John exemplified living a full life and enjoying every minute of it. His great sense of humour and warm personality will be missed by many great friends and those he met in his travels.
He is missed by his beloved partner Kitty (Katherine Owen), brother Geoff Massingberd and his wife Carole, brother Paul Massingberd and his wife Vicky, nieces and nephews Kimberley, Jason, Kelly-Anne and Liza and all those whose lives he has touched over the years.

Snowtrax Television and Dirt Trax Television were sold in March of 2009 and are no longer under the Promark Motorsports International umbrella. Those that spent many years working hard to make the shows what they were, are no longer a part of what John wanted those companies to be.

His death had a huge impact on many people, family, friends, industry leaders, co-workers and employees.

He is missed.