The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

IRL: Galles ECR Racing signs Starz Encore as sponsor

30 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.-- Galles ECR Racing owner Rick Galles announced that the team has signed Starz Encore as a major associate sponsor for its 2000 Indy Racing League program with driver Al Unser Jr.

Starz Encore Media Group is a premium television company providing 12 premium movie channels to the United States market and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Group. Their affiliated cable television and satellite companies distribute their product. The product is nationally distributed by DirecTV and Echostar and then regionally distributed by entities such as Cox, AT&T, Comcast, Time Warner and Charter.

"Starz Encore believes that this partnership is a partnership of champions," said Michel Champagne, vice president of affiliate marketing, Starz Encore Media Group. "The Starz Encore SuperPak is the leader of premium movie services to digital cable and satellite television. Galles and Al Unser Jr. are proven winners. This is a great opportunity to showcase our SuperPak to America."

Galles ECR Racing also unveiled Tickets.com as its primary sponsor this weekend.

"The addition of both the Starz Encore and Tickets.com partnerships to our team signifies the incredible growth and strength of the Indy Racing League," Galles said. "The home entertainment industry is a virtually untapped market in motorsports, and it is exciting to have Starz Encore come on board with our team and take advantage of the exposure and marketing opportunities that the Indy Racing League has to offer. I am looking forward to developing a strong relationship with them, as this solidifies the racing package that we need to be competitive."

Text Provided by Indy Racing League

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.