Australia finally gets Champ Car TV coverage
07/15/07 The Seven TV Network in Australia today confirmed the signing of an agreement that will see the network build on its leadership in sports with expanding coverage of the Champ Car World Series. Today’s signing strengthens Seven’s commitment to the upcoming Lexmark Indy 300 on the Gold Coast and complements the network’s partnership with V8 Supercars Australia.
Beginning next weekend with the eighth round from Edmonton, Canada, the big news for Australian fans is that they will now be able to follow the progress of Australian driver Will Power of Team Australia. The Toowoomba driver is currently placed second in the international open wheel series championship, just two points adrift of the outright lead and will be one of the main contenders for a win at his home event, the Gold Coast’s Lexmark Indy 300, October 18-21.
Today’s announcement allows Seven to deliver a total season package of the major motorsports categories that form the foundation of the Lexmark Indy 300: Champ Cars and V8 Supercars. Seven will be undertaking up to 12 hours of coverage of the Lexmark Indy 300 race weekend.
Seven will schedule full race coverage of each round late Monday night – early Tuesday morning.
Commenting, Seven’s Head of Sport, Saul Shtein, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing Australian fans coverage of the Champ Car World Series. Our first months in V8 Supercars has been a terrific ride and we’re looking forward to working with Will Power, Team Australia, Champ Cars and V8 Supercars in the lead up to Indy on the Gold Coast."
Lexmark Indy 300 General Manager, Greg Hooton, said Seven was already attributing strongly to the immense popularity of the home grown V8 Supercar Championship in 2007 and the addition of all remaining rounds of Champ Car is bound to intensify in the build up towards this year’s Lexmark Indy 300.
“Our thanks to Seven for broadening their commitment to the Lexmark Indy 300 to now include full coverage of both racing categories in the lead up to our October event," he said.. “A special thanks also to the many Australian motor racing fans for their patience during the lengthy process to deliver the Series and we now look forward to moving full steam ahead towards this year’s Lexmark Indy 300."
One of the key instigators who has worked hard behind the scenes for the national television deal for the Champ Car World Series in Australia is Team Australia co-owner Craig Gore.
“I’m just thankful that Australian audiences will be able to share in the successes of Team Australia’s home grown strike weapon Will Power in the lead up to Indy," said Gore.
“The Seven deal will ensure a magnificent build up for Will’s return to the Gold Coast where he should still be in a position to be challenging for the Championship.
“The only way is forward from here and I know with this added exposure everyone will know who Will Power is before he comes home to create history at this year’s event. We collected pole position last year and we’ve got our eyes firmly set on the major prize this year."