ZgixxeR
07-14-2006, 02:49 PM
:thumbup: This is from an email I got
U.S. MotoGP To Air On ABC Network
Jul 13, 2006
From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:
In a landmark moment for the sport, MotoGP will be broadcast on network
television across the United States this summer after an agreement was
reached between ABC and MotoGP’s commercial rights-holders Dorna Sports.
The deal will see the 2006 Red Bull US Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna
Seca broadcast during an hour-long programme on July 30th at 1-2pm ET and
3-4pm PT. The show will include not only the coverage of one of the most
thrilling races of the season, but exciting features, news and interviews of
one of the most spectacular sporting events to take place on American soil.
The programme is an important step for MotoGP which continues to expand its
network of broadcasts to worldwide audiences. Currently MotoGP reaches 207
countries, with 184 of those in live or same day delayed format. An average
of 142 million spectators see the live/SDD broadcasts, with a total average
audience per GP of 311 million viewers.
“We are happy to have the 2006 Red Bull US Grand Prix on ABC,” said Tag
Garson, Sr. Director of Programming and Acquisitions. “It is an exciting
event, which takes place at one of racing’s most renowned venues, and
showcases some terrific action.”
Dorna Sports’ Managing Director, Manel Arroyo added, “It is great news for
the sport to be broadcast across the United States on network television.
Working alongside a prestigious network such as ABC will certainly help us
achieve our objective of bringing MotoGP to the attention of a more
mainstream audience.”
MotoGP is the world’s premier motorcycle championship, featuring the best
racers on the planet riding multi-million dollar, prototype machines that
can reach speeds in excess of 200mph. MotoGP takes its glamorous circus to
all corners of the globe. The machines produce more than 240 horsepower and
weigh in at just 325lb (148kg), demanding the ultimate in riding skill,
which is personified by the likes of Valentino Rossi and American contenders
Nicky Hayden, John Hopkins, Colin Edwards and Kenny Roberts Jr.
For the first time since 1994 MotoGP returned to the U.S. last year, with
over 157,000 fans enjoying the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix throughout the
weekend at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca circuit in California,
Helping to make the deal possible between the two parties was Van Wagner
Sports Group, who will coordinate production matters with ABC and will work
as Dorna's US TV ad-sales agent.