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. More, from a press release issued by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca: 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.