Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth is continuing his policy of seeking expertise from outside the motorcycle industry, announcing a new undefined TV deal with IMS Productions, Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s TV production company, and portraying the deal as the beginning of a “strategic alliance” with Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. That doesn’t mean he’s made a deal for Indy to host an AMA Supercross race, however.

During his tenure at AMA Pro Racing, Hollingsworth has consistently rejected expertise and advice from within the motorcycle industry–which he apparently does not understand and does not respect–in favor of working with car guys, especially car guys associated in some form with the Indy Racing League.

The new deal may be fitting, given the pending 2003-season IRL vs. CART-type split of the hugely successful Supercross Series currently promoted by Clear Channel Motor Sports (formerly SFX Motor Sports, formerly PACE Motor Sports)under AMA sanction. In 2003, Clear Channel’s existing Supercross Series events will compete head-on with a new AMA series of events promoted by Jam Productions, a Chicago-based concert promoter with no motorsports event experience.

Contact information for an AMA Pro Racing press release on the subject also revealed that Hollingsworth has hired a new Los Angeles-based public relations agency.

The AMA release follows:

AMA Pro Racing, the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the U.S., and its new Supercross promotional partner, JamSports, today announced a strategic alliance with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation (IMS).

Initially, IMS Productions, the corporation’s broadcast arm and video-production company, will work with AMA Pro Racing and JamSports to develop and execute long-term television plans for the AMA U.S. Supercross Championship, beginning with the 2003 season. The three organizations also will collaborate to cross-market AMA Supercross and other AMA Pro Racing series with the Indy Racing League and other IMS motorsports properties.

“IMS Productions has tremendous experience in producing racing broadcasts,” said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Our alliance with AMA Pro Racing will benefit both organizations — and since Indy Racing and AMA Supercross share fans, we’re confident that both sports will grow as a result.”

“Partnering with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation was our number-one choice,” said Mike Held, a JamSports principal responsible for television and marketing. “Mr. George’s commitment to motorsports, in all its forms, is unparalleled, and IMS Productions’ experience in building brands through television packages for The Indy 500, The Brickyard 400 and The Formula One U.S. Grand Prix provides a solid foundation for the future of our television product. With that support behind us, we believe that AMA Supercross will get the attention it deserves.”

Scott Hollingsworth, CEO of AMA Pro Racing, added: “IMS Productions’ position in the market is an invaluable asset that positions us for some big moves in television. Having a partner with the reputation and resources of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation will help advance the AMA Pro Racing brand, as well as our vision for professional motorcycle racing.”

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

Beginning with the 2003 season, IMS Productions will work with AMA Pro Racing and JamSports in other facets of television marketing and broadcast agreements. IMS Productions will also aid in the design and development of AMA Pro Racing broadcasts, including talent selection and support programming.

About IMS Productions

IMS Productions is a full-service television production company, featuring an all-digital mobile unit, studios and editing facilities. The company has produced the world feed for the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race since 1988, and every Indy Racing League telecast to date in conjunction with ABC Sports. It also produces the host feed for the SAP United States Grand Prix Formula One race and the ABC broadcast of the race.

The company has successfully produced other sports and entertainment feature programming as well, such as college basketball and professional hockey. In addition, IMS Productions has provided facilities for the FOX and CBS networks for professional sports broadcasts, as well as concerts and game show broadcasts.

AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for professional motorcycle sport in the United States. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.