USGP on ABC - tape delay

RED BULL U.S. GRAND PRIX ADDS NETWORK TELEVISION TO SCHEDULE

Race To Be Broadcast Live On SPEED, With One Week Delay Nationwide on ABC



MONTEREY, Calif. (July 13, 2006) - In a landmark moment for the sport,
MotoGP World Championship round during the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda
Raceway Laguna Seca 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 U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna
Seca, July 21-23, on a tape-delay broadcast during an hour-long program on
July 30th at 1:00-2:00pm ET and 3:00-4:00pm 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 race will also be broadcast live on SPEED, at 2:00pm PT (5:00pm ET).



The program is an important step for MotoGP which continues to expand its
network of broadcasts to worldwide audiences. Currently the MotoGP World
Championship 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 Grand Prix of 311 million
viewers.



"We are happy to have the 2006 Red Bull U.S. 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
153,653 fans enjoying the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix throughout the weekend at
legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca circuit in Monterey, 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.



For those on-site, a number of spectator amenities have been announced to
improve the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. A new traffic flow plan is in
place to help increase the positive fan experience. Highlights of the plan
include all general admission parking off-site, with spectators transported
via shuttle bus; a motorcycle-only entrance; and increased staffing and
directional signage. Additionally, the number of concession stands has been
increased dramatically, the official souvenir store will now be housed in an
8,000 square foot tent in Yamaha Marketplace, and more and better-located
restrooms will be available throughout the facility. More information is
available at www.laguna-seca.com.



Tickets are on sale now for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca's 50th Season of
Racing including the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 21-23, the 33rd Rolex
Monterey Historic Automobile Races August 18-20 and the Monterey Sports Car
Championships featuring the American Le Mans Series October 20-22.



Tickets and more information are available by calling (800) 327-SECA or
on-line at www.RedBullUSGrandPrix.com.



# # #



About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP:



Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its
inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula
(SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has
seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically
challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns
8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario
Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan
Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on
through a virtual who's who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a
not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season
to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway
Laguna Seca.

 

I remember last year, the announcer said over the PA "If your newspaper's
Sports page doesn't have Nicky Hayden on the headline, cancel your
subscription".

Of course, I don't even know if the GP made the paper at ALL down here in
So. Cal.

It will be nice to see the GP on ABC. I wonder if ABC will simply broadcast
Speeds tape, or if they'll bring in their own commentators. Might be
interesting to see just for that.

Regards,

Will Hartung