<I>Spike TV</I> to broadcast Champ Car season.
Champ Car races have a new home for television coverage this year, as Spike TV, one of the MTV networks, will telecast the entire 16-race schedule for the first time, starting with the season-opening Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on 18 April.
Spike TV, billed as 'the first network for men', is available in 87 million homes around the globe and adds Champ Car to its regular weekend line-up. The deal also
includes 24 episodes of a Champ Car lifestyle-themed series as part of the network's successful automotive programming on Sunday afternoons.
Champ Car races have a new home for television coverage this year, as Spike TV, one of the MTV networks, will telecast the entire 16-race schedule for the first time, starting with the season-opening Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on 18 April.
Spike TV, billed as 'the first network for men', is available in 87 million homes around the globe and adds Champ Car to its regular weekend line-up. The deal also
includes 24 episodes of a Champ Car lifestyle-themed series as part of the network's successful automotive programming on Sunday afternoons.
"Champ Car racing has a great fan base and the addition to our weekend line-up will broaden our scope with sports and racing fans." said executive vice-president of programming and production, Kevin Kay, "This is an ideal partnership between two evolving brands looking to expand its audience base."
Champ Car has struggled with television ratings in the past, but now has a TV partner that is as excited about the series. This deal could really benefit Champ Car by providing a partner that will actually maximise the series exposure. Having a consistent time slot will also help build the fan base, which is something the championship has needed for a long time. Each race will be shown in a two-hour slot on Sundays at 4pm [Eastern Time Zone].
"Our millions of fans nationwide will now have a network to call home to catch all the excitement of Champ Car World Series racing," stated series president Dick Eidswick, "This partnership will increase our television exposure and bring the thrilling racing of Champ Car to a whole new audience."
All of the broadcasts will be produced by Betelgeuse Productions, based in New York. On-air talent will feature veteran play-by-play announcer Bob Jenkins alongside the always colourful analysis of Tommy Kendall. Derek Daly will be the lead pit-road analyst, while Bronte Tagliani - wife of Rocketsports Racing driver Alex - will serve as a roving reporter to capture the excitement and lifestyle aspects surrounding Champ Car events.
