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AMA: Motocross to Air on ESPN through 2001

11 December 1997

ESPN TO CARRY AMA MOTOCROSS THROUGH 2001

WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Fans of American Motorcyclist Association Motocross
will be able to catch all the races on ESPN next year--and through the next
millenium--thanks to a new TV contract for the series.

"ESPN and AMA Pro Racing have signed a multi-year deal to televise the AMA
Motocross series, a move that also positions the series well for the
future," said AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice.

"We're ecstatic," said Vanderslice. "The excellent coverage ESPN has
provided in the past has had a great impact on the popularity of motocross.
The future of motocross looks very bright with this long-term agreement."  

During the May - Sept. motocross season, ESPN will dedicate two hours of
weekend afternoon or weekday prime time coverage to motocross. "The program
will spend an hour each on the 250cc and 125cc classes," said Andy Butters,
program manager for ESPN.  "We'll provide coverage that gives the viewer
the impression they are actually there at the race."

ESPN  coverage of the National Motocross Series has helped bring new
audiences to the sport. The number of motocross fans has more than doubled
in the last decade, and event attendance hit an all-time high last season
with over 200,000 people attending the 12 season races. 

The 1998 AMA National Motocross season kicks off May 10 at Glen Helen
Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif. 

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American Motorcyclist Association
http://www.ama-cycle.org