CART: John Stark joins CART Sports Entertainment

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 27, 2001

DETROIT - Veteran television producer/director Charlie Stark, who has won five Emmy Awards during a distinguished television broadcast career, has joined Championship Auto Racing Teams as the open-wheel racing sanctioning organization continues to expand its efforts to enhance the entertainment aspects of its sport. Stark, who won Emmy Awards for programs that focused on baseball's California Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers, college football's UCLA Bruins and the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, has been a mainstay on the Southern California television sports and entertainment scene since the mid-70s. As an executive producer of CART racing, he will focus on development of broadcast profiles of the drivers in the FedEx Championship Series. "I am really looking forward to telling the story of the drivers of CART racing," said Stark. "These men are so approachable, so willing to cooperate in telling their stories and they all have great stories to tell to our national and international fan base. "Once more people have the opportunity to meet our drivers and get to feel that they better know them, they will begin to follow our sport and cheer for their successes. They are the stars of the most exciting and competitive open-wheel racing series in the world. I am very excited to have the privilege of telling their stories and help grow CART racing." In addition to his awarding winning productions, Stark directed international coverage of the World Super Bikes competition from Laguna Seca Raceway in 1999. He also has worked on a wide variety of live sports events and taped sports programs. Additionally, he has produced and directed numerous entertainment programs, stories and segments. His credits include several programs for the Disney Channel; America's Most Wanted; Hard Copy; Make Me Laugh; several specials for Los Angeles' KCBS Television; and a variety of syndicated television programs during the past 20 years. Stark, who has a bachelor's degree in radio and television broadcasting with an emphasis in film from San Diego State University, will be working out of CART's newly created Los Angeles-based sports entertainment office, which is headed by CART Senior Vice President of Sports Entertainment Jay Lucas. Stark, who will carry the title of executive producer, also will be working closely with CART Vice President of Broadcasting Keith Allo on various projects. "Charlie has a rich and extensive background in all aspects of television production and his story-telling ability will be a key element in building and growing CART racing," said Lucas. "We look forward to adding his insight and expertise to the CART team."

Text provided by Ron Richards

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