(Editorial Note: According to BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs, they are planning to renew their deal in which BSB highlight shows are aired on Velocity in the United States and Canada, but the deal, its details and a schedule have not been finalized yet. – David Swarts)
MCE BRITISH SUPERBIKES AND ITV EXTEND BROADCAST AGREEMENT INTO 2018 SEASON
MotorSport Vision (MSV), the commercial and media rights holder of the MCE British Superbike Championship, and UK broadcasting network ITV have extended their long term partnership to broadcast free to air highlights coverage of the UK’s premier motorsport series to the end of the 2018 season.
The new five year agreement maintains MCE BSB coverage on ITV4 on a Wednesday evening following all twelve rounds of the season with an hour-long programme showcasing the UK’s most spectacular racing Championship. Each programme will be further repeated on ITV4 and ITV and will also be available on the ITV Player on itv.com. In addition an end of season two hour review show featuring race action together with exclusive behind the scenes footage and on-board action will be broadcast each year.
The MCE BSB highlights shows, produced by ITV Sport, will feature all the dramatic highlights action from the previous weekend’s Superbike races and will bring viewers closer to the thrilling action with pre-race grid walks, post race interviews and behind the scenes features. The presentation team takes a new look this year with long term MotoGP broadcaster Toby Moody in commentary and three times British Superbike Champion and former 500cc Grand Prix rider Niall Mackenzie providing expert analysis, both joining presenter James Haydon, himself a former BSB race winner.
In recent weeks ITV Sport has added the MotoGP World Championship to its strong motorsport portfolio which also includes the Isle of Man TT races, the BTCC, BRDC Formula 4 and FIA Formula E Championships.
ITV’s Director of Sport Niall Sloane said: “The MCE British Superbike Championship delivers great action on every occasion and together with the unique personalities of the riders provides for compelling viewing. We are looking forward to a great season ahead and welcome the new commentary team of Toby Moody and Niall Mackenzie.”
MCE British Superbike Championship Series Director Stuart Higgs said: “I am delighted that we have extended our partnership with ITV to 2018, which in doing so will confirm ten consecutive years of MCE British Superbikes being broadcast free to air on ITV4. As we continue to develop the championship, ensuring that it remains accessible to as many people as possible is extremely important. This long term broadcast commitment with ITV is great news as we start what looks set to be an epic 2014 MCE BSB Championship season starting this weekend at Brands Hatch.”
For more information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com