Extended Clear Channel TV Deal Means More Bad News For AMA Pro Racing In Battle Over Supercross

Extended Clear Channel TV Deal Means More Bad News For AMA Pro Racing In Battle Over Supercross

© 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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From a press release:

Clear Channel Entertainment Announces Extension of
EA SPORTS Supercross Television Agreement Through 2005

ESPN Regional Television To Produce EA SPORTS Supercross In 2002

AURORA, Ill. (November 14, 2001) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division announced today that the current agreement with ESPN to air EA SPORTS Supercross presented by Speed Stick on ESPN2 has been extended through the 2005 supercross season. In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment announced today that ESPN Regional Television (ERT) has been selected as the television producer for the 2002 season of EA SPORTS Supercross Presented by Speed Stick on ESPN2.

Supercross has been on the ESPN network for more than 15 years and has enjoyed tremendous growth in viewers, production quality and exposure during that time.

“We are ecstatic to announce the extension of our agreement with ESPN to continue to air supercross. They have been a tremendous partner over the years and instrumental in the growth of the sport,” said Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division.

Burke Magnus, Director, Motorsports Programming and Acquisitions for ESPN said, “We are pleased to extend our agreement with Clear Channel Entertainment for supercross through 2005. Supercross has been and will continue to be a significant part of our motorsports programming line-up. It was important to us to get this extension done with Clear Channel Entertainment for the future growth of the racing series.”

This year, with more than 90 hours of coverage, all fifteen EA SPORTS Supercross races will be broadcast on ESPN2, including the prestigious season opener at Edison International Field in Anaheim, Calif. That race, along with Indianapolis, Houston and Dallas will also be broadcast on ABC Sports. The one-hour ABC specials will be featured on Sundays on Jan. 6, Feb. 10, Mar. 24, and Apr 21.

ESPN Regional Television has most recently produced all of the NHRA television programs aired on ESPN and ESPN2. Their coverage of NHRA has received motor sports industry praise for capturing drag racing in a way never achieved before in a televised format.

Along with being the producer of ESPN’s popular RPM 2Night, ERT is also known for producing the CART series for ESPN and ABC, as well as acting as producer of select college football, college basketball and professional golf televised events.

“This is an exciting time for ERT. EA SPORTS Supercross already has a huge following, and we are honored to be presented with the challenge of elevating the production quality of the TV program. The first show is going to captivate fans more than ever,” said Geoff Mason, executive producer for ERT.

Mason will provide leadership on all elements of the supercross production with Shawn Murphy, coordinating producer, and Steve Johnson, producer. Additionally, Mark Causey has been named as director. Causey was recently the television director of CART’s 2001 season.

Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division said, “This takes us to a premiere level in supercross television. ESPN Regional Television has completely redefined motor sports television. Our viewers will see improved quality in every element of supercross on television from this team of creative, experienced professionals.”

This year, with more than 90 hours of coverage, all fifteen EA SPORTS Supercross races will be broadcast on ESPN2, including the prestigious season opener at Edison International Field in Anaheim, Calif. That race, along with Indianapolis, Houston and Dallas will also be broadcast on ABC Sports. The one-hour ABC specials will be featured on Sundays on Jan. 6, Feb. 10, Mar. 24, and Apr 21.

For more information, visit www.pacesupercross.com.

About Clear Channel Entertainment (formerly SFX)
Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide (NYSE:CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, including 44 amphitheaters in the U.S. and 28 venues in Europe. Each year, more than 62 million people attend approximately 26,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including: Live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; and specialized sports and motor sports shows.

In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment owns leading talent management businesses that specialize in the representation of athletes and broadcasters, including independently operated baseball, basketball and football businesses. Clear Channel Entertainment is headquartered in New York City.

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