SPEED Signs MotoGP – USGP on FOX

SPEED signed a new multi-year deal with Dorna Sports for broadcast rights to the world’s most prestigious motorcycle racing series, the MotoGP World Championship, continuing a successful relationship that began in 1997, when the series was known as the FIM World GP 500. As part of the new deal, the 2007 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix will air live on FOX in 2007 with SPEED broadcast talent, giving the series unprecedented exposure for its lone U.S. event.

The interest in MotoGP in the United States is rapidly on the increase, and with Kentucky’s reigning MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, runner-up for the inaugural SPEED Performer of the Year in 2006, defending his No. 1 plate this season, there is an added edge for race fans as he looks to hold off the challenge of seven-time World Champion and motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi.

“With this important continued relationship with MotoGP, SPEED puts an exclamation point on its position as the leader in worldwide motorcycle coverage," said Hunter Nickell, SPEED Executive VP & General Manager. “With MotoGP, Supercross, World Superbike and the recent addition of AMA Motocross, SPEED is the clear leader in this arena. In addition to the racing coverage, SPEED also continues to look at delivering cool new motorcycle lifestyle shows, adding Super Bikes! in 2006 and Epic Ride earlier this year."

The decision to put the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix on FOX continues an effort by SPEED to work with its network partner to lift the exposure of key events and major racing series carried on SPEED. The Rolex 24 at Daytona, Formula One and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series join MotoGP in this partnership program for 2007.

As part of the deal, SPEED will air 14 MotoGP World Championship events on same-day delay, beginning with this weekend’s event in Qatar (March 11 at 6 p.m. ET). MotoGP 250 and MotoGP 125 events also will air on SPEED. In addition, SPEED will air MotoGP highlight packages on SPEEDtv.com and through mobile phone relationships.