Former ESPN man takes control of TV coverage.

Champ Car have hired former ESPN advertising manager Mark Reilly as its new vice president of broadcast sales and distribution as it tries to capitalise on some of the new international interest in the series as well as working to regain the viewers lost in its own U.S. market.

In this role, Reilly will report to executive vice president of sales and marketing Will Wilson and will implement advertising sales plans and programme distribution strategies for both the United States and international markets. He will also have responsibility of the domestic and world-feed television productions.

Reilly was formerly the senior partner at Stedmark Associates in New York, following his departure from ESPN Inc. where he had worked for over twenty-two years. During his career at ESPN, Reilly held a number of management positions in advertising/sponsorship sales, programme and network distribution, as well as event staging. Most recently he served within the international division as vice president of sales and event management.

"The opportunity to hire someone with Mark's experience was too enticing for us to pass up," said Champ Car President Dick Eidswick. "Television is one of the most vital components of our Series and we look forward to having someone with Mark's credentials joining Champ Car."

Reilly comes to Champ Car with extensive hands-on experience. During the 1990's, he was instrumental in developing the international television distribution plan and led the host broadcaster negotiations in Japan, Mexico and Germany when the series raced under the CART banner and aired on the ESPN channel. He was also responsible for the placement of the weekly series Nigel Mansells' Indycar, which was broadcast in the United Kingdom on the ITV network for two seasons.

"I'm thrilled that Mark is joining us," said EVP Sales & Marketing Will Wilson. "His track record in the television industry speaks for itself. And he will have an immediate positive impact on our media business as well as play a key role in shaping our strategic direction."

"The Champ Car World Series is a dynamic sports property with worldwide appeal," said Reilly. "I am looking forward to this opportunity and see enormous potential for its future growth."