The 2003 Supercross battle pitting AMA Pro Racing and JamSports against current series promoters Clear Channel Entertainment heated up with news of live Speedvision coverage of AMA Supercross. Clear Channel had previously announced week-delayed coverage of its entire 2003 Supercross series on ESPN2, with four events also seen on ABC network TV.

The potential impact of live TV coverage on paid spectator attendance is unknown.


Text of the press release follows:

AMA PRO RACING, JAMSPORTS ANNOUNCE TELEVISION PARTNERSHIP WITH SPEEDVISION NETWORK TO TELECAST LIVE AMA SUPERCROSS EVENTS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing, the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the U.S., and its new Supercross promotional partner, JamSports, today announced a television partnership with Speedvision Network.

Speedvision, the first and only 24-hour cable network devoted exclusively to the excitement and heart-pumping action of motor sports, is being re-launched early next year as Speed Channel.

Beginning in 2003, Speed Channel will broadcast three hours of live, national television coverage of every AMA U.S. Supercross Championship race in each venue. Speed Channel will also promote each event weekly prior to telecast. In addition, AMA Pro Racing has the option to take eight 250 Class programs to another television network. The television partnership runs through the 2005 season, with an option to extend.

“Our television package is a home run,” said Scott Hollingsworth, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Live coverage of AMA Supercross benefits fans, teams and riders and is the single most important element in growing the sport in the future. The nearly 50% increase in coverage provides opportunities to build the fan base, develop rider personalities and serve the commercial needs of teams, riders and sponsors.”

“A consistent, live programming schedule, week in and week out, from January to May is by far the most important component to ensure the growth of AMA Supercross,” said Mike Held, a JamSports principal responsible for television and marketing. “This, along with the commitment of our partners at Speed Channel and Indianapolis Motor Speedway will give these amazing athletes national exposure on a level never before available.”

“Speed Channel is thrilled to finally be able to bring live Supercross coverage to our loyal motorcycle viewers,” said Jim Liberatore, president, Speedvision Network. “We have been partners with the AMA since the start of Speedvision six years ago, and we share their vision for the future of Supercross.”

The 2003 AMA Supercross season will consist of 16 events in stadiums across the United States. The 2003 AMA Supercross Championship will begin in January in Los Angeles, visit many of the major media markets in the country, and conclude in New York in May, where the champion will be crowned.