AMA gets new SX promoter

[XRpredator]

From RacerX:

AMA Pro Racing names new partner for 2003 SX series

After months of speculation, rumors and hearsay . . . AMA Pro Racing has a new partner for the AMA U.S. Supercross Championship Series beginning with the 2003 season.

"AMA Pro Racing has elected JamSports and Entertainment as its new promoter partner for the AMA U.S. Supercross Championship Series commencing with the 2003 season and extending through the 2009 season. JamSports is a division of Chicago-based Jam Productions, the largest independent producer of live events in North America.

"The decision was made by the Board of Directors of AMA Pro Racing after evaluating proposals from several companies, including Clear Channel Entertainment, the current promoter of AMA Supercross events. This current promotional agreement between Clear Channel and the AMA expires at the end of the 2002 season."

Hmmm . . . I thought Clear Channel held all the marbles as far as what stadiums could be used. I also thought they had all the dinero. I wonder if this is going to cause a split in the series like in the late '80s? :think

 

[MX-727]

I don't see how this is going to work without a major controversy and split. Like you, my understanding is that CC has the stadiums locked up, but the AMA has the riders. This will be interesting to follow.

 

[IDkTm]

This could get crazy and bad actually. Clear Channel already took the Arenacross series from the AMA and I think that maybe the AMA was worried that Clear Channel would try the same with SX and so they bolted before it could happen. Now the AMA and Clear Channel are both saying that they'll have an SX series in '03. So which series will the factories go to?

 

[SirReel]

TV will decide

I think the deciding factor on where all the factories will go will be who can get the better TV deal. We have all seen what CC brings (nice ESPN2 coverage at 3 am, no wait it was moved to 4:30 6 months after the race...). Supposedly Jam has a much better deal in the works and that was one of the reasons the AMA went with them... time will tell. Besides the 03 series will be strange enough without MC...

 

[XRpredator]

(Davey Coombs interviewing AMA Pro Racing's Scott Hollingsworth)

What will make your series more attractive to riders and teams?
It's the fundamental ingredients for success. It's market, it's venues, television, and it's the business model that ties all those things together.

How accessible are the buildings - the stadiums - to a new stadium motor sports promoter?
Well, our promotional partner Jam Sports conducts hundreds of events in stadiums throughout the country every year. Many of those stadium are municipally owned, so we believe they will be available. You can usually get a quality venue if you put on a quality event. I think that, as we roll out a preliminary schedule in the next several weeks, you will notice that there are many familiar venues and many familiar markets, and there will be new, major-media markets that will be on our schedule. But we're not concerned about access to first-tier venues throughout the country, in the right markets.

How is this going to make the sport better or worse?
Well, I think in the short term there's going be some upset. But we know the necessary elements of success, and they're back to the same markets, venues, television and rules, which I think are critical, and the business model that is inclusive of the participants. So for the longer term, we think we will establish a platform that integrates the power of live events and broad TV exposure to the benefit of all.

I don't know, people. I'm kinda worried that Clear Channel will hold it's own series to compete directly with the AMA. This could cause some serious bad hooey down the road, and privateers will probably be even worse off for it.:think

 

[SirReel]

There is this scenario...

I just thought of this... The one good thing I could see coming from this... You get the AMA/Jam series that gets a great TV deal (That has to be the driving factor to this). Then you get CC putting up major bucks to try and compete. Then, all the really fast guys go with the AMA because of the TV exposure and since they make most of their money from sponsors, they could ask for even more. This leaves the CC seies with some decent payout for the privateers to battle over. Great raxing in both series... No lappers for the top guys to deal with and we could see them go full out for the whole race. And with the top guys gone, that second pack in SX today would all be battling for the lead! Well... I can dream.:confused:

 

[IBWFO]

For 03/04 it will be interesting, since CC has some of the bigger stadiums locked up. I can see CC trying to pump up the AX series in some of the larger stadiums? Wonder how they would do at filling up Texas Stadium?

 

[XRpredator]

Davey Coombs talks to Clear Channel

What will happen with the EA SPORTS Supercross Series in 2003?
Davey, we are going to produce the same supercross series in 2003 as we have every year in the recent past. Same venues, same people working on the event, same everything. The only change will be that the officials conducting the racing look like they will have to be from another sanctioning body.

What will make your series more attractive to riders and teams?
Our history and results stand for themselves. Since 1996, when we finally had all 15 events, other than Daytona, under one roof – the growth of supercross is undisputed.
Look at the attendance, look at the television exposure, look at the millions of dollars invested in the "show," look at the increased payout to the riders, (which is more than double our contractual obligation) look at the investment to bring the event to premiere venues and markets. We have proven ourselves every step of the way – especially since 1996 – in focusing on producing the best, most entertaining, most watched off-road motorcycle racing series in the world.
Our ability to deliver results to the teams, riders, sponsors, television viewers and the fans is the reason our series is attractive now – and will be in the future.
The money we have invested, risked and put into supercross stands on its own merits. The media exposure we have delivered stands on its own merits. The marketing we have done for the sport and industry stands on its own merits.
That’s what has helped to make our series what it has been and will help make it what it will be.

How is this going to make the sport, better or worse?
Worse – period. Everything about the industry and sport has been doing nothing but getting better since 1996. I can’t find anything about this situation that benefits the fans, riders, viewers, sponsors – anyone.

I don't see 2003 looking very good. It could be good for some guys -- Another SX championship out there for some that don't want to race against The Leprechaun and McGrath. But I can only see this ending badly, and hurting the privateers. It may even hurt the National Arenacross Series.

 

[KWJams]

AMA News Release

-HERE-

 

[cp380sx]

This is a very bad development for SX. One only has to look at what's become of Indy Car Racing since the split between IRL and CART. We ended up with 2 mediocre series instead of one premier series.

It reminds me of when all the local tracks race the same weekend and the turn out sucks everywhere.

 

[KDXkid]

Wow, all I have to say is check out cyclenews.com. Looks like Clear Channel has already got all their venues planned out, which happen to be pretty much all the current locations and dates......Clear Channel Supercross one weekend in Anaheim, next weekend AMA/Jam supercross, same location? trouble!

 

[IBWFO]

This is troubling to me. It seems each group is trying to "Flex" it's muscles if you will. All it will take is for the factories to say they will not attend the CC events and it will be over. I'm assuming the AMA is working this as we speak.
I personally think the AMA is trying to get more "control".

 

[XRpredator]

2003 Clear Channel Schedule out

From RacerX online

Date --------- Venue -------------------------------- City

Jan 4 ....... Edison Int'l Field ....................... Anaheim, Calif.
Jan 11 ....... Bank One Ballpark ..................... Phoenix, Ariz.
Jan 18 ....... Edison Int'l Field ....................... Anaheim, Calif.
Jan 25 ....... TBA* .................................... TBA*
Feb 1 ........ Edison Int'l Field ....................... Anaheim, Calif.
Feb 8 ........ Qualcomm Stadium .................... San Diego, Calif.
Feb 15 ....... Metrodome ............................. Minneapolis, Minn.
Feb 22 ....... Georgia Dome .......................... Atlanta, Ga.
Mar 1 ......... RCA Dome ............................. Indianapolis, Ind.
Mar 22 ....... The Dome at America's Center ....... St. Louis, Mo.
Mar 29 ....... Reliant Astrodome ..................... Houston,Texas
Apr 5 ......... Silverdome .............................. Pontiac, Mich.
Apr 12 ....... Texas Stadium .......................... Dallas, Texas
Apr 26 ....... Rice-Eccles Stadium .................... Salt Lake City, Utah
May 3 ........ Sam Boyd Stadium ..................... Las Vegas

So, where's the AMA going to hold their events?

 

[LOOPOUT]

LOL maybe Anaheim can run a series by itself 3 sx's by CC & 3 by AMA ..

Actually we here in Texas would prob gladly give up a sx at houston or dallas for a National ...

 

[cp380sx]

A friend of mine is actively pursuing a 2003 national for Texas.

 

[IBWFO]

Yet Another CCE announcement. Check this out.
This is getting Interesting

Clear Channel Entertainment Announces Extension of EA SPORTS Supercross Television Agreement Through 2005

ESPN Regional Television To Produce EA SPORTS Supercross In 2002

AURORA, Ill. (November 14, 2001) - Clear Channel Entertainment's motor
sports division announced today that the current agreement with ESPN to air EA SPORTS Supercross presented by Speed Stick on ESPN2 has been extended through the 2005 supercross season. In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment announced today that ESPN Regional Television (ERT) has been selected as the television producer for the 2002 season of EA SPORTS Supercross Presented by Speed Stick on ESPN2.

Supercross has been on the ESPN network for more than 15 years and has
enjoyed tremendous growth in viewers, production quality and exposure during that time.

"We are ecstatic to announce the extension of our agreement with ESPN to continue to air supercross. They have been a tremendous partner over the years and instrumental in the growth of the sport," said Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment's Motor Sports division.

Burke Magnus, Director, Motorsports Programming and Acquisitions for ESPN said, "We are pleased to extend our agreement with Clear Channel
Entertainment for supercross through 2005. Supercross has been and will continue to be a significant part of our motorsports programming line-up. It was important to us to get this extension done with Clear Channel Entertainment for the future growth of the racing series."

This year, with more than 90 hours of coverage, all fifteen EA SPORTS
Supercross races will be broadcast on ESPN2, including the prestigious
season opener at Edison International Field in Anaheim, Calif. That race, along with Indianapolis, Houston and Dallas will also be broadcast on ABC Sports. The one-hour ABC specials will be featured on Sundays on Jan. 6, Feb. 10, Mar. 24, and Apr 21. For more information, visit www.pacesupercross.com.

ESPN Regional Television has most recently produced all of the NHRA
television programs aired on ESPN and ESPN2. Their coverage of NHRA has received motor sports industry praise for capturing drag racing in a way never achieved before in a televised format.

Along with being the producer of ESPN's popular RPM 2Night, ERT is also known for producing the CART series for ESPN and ABC, as well as acting as producer of select college football, college basketball and professional golf televised events.

"This is an exciting time for ERT. EA SPORTS Supercross already has a huge following, and we are honored to be presented with the challenge of elevating the production quality of the TV program. The first show is going to captivate fans more than ever," said Geoff Mason, executive producer for ERT.

Mason will provide leadership on all elements of the supercross production with Shawn Murphy, coordinating producer, and Steve Johnson, producer. Additionally, Mark Causey has been named as director. Causey was recently the television director of CART's 2001 season.

Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment's Motor Sports division said, "This takes us to a premiere level in supercross television. ESPN Regional Television has completely redefined motor sports television. Our viewers will see improved quality in every element of supercross on television from this team of creative, experienced professionals."

This year, with more than 90 hours of coverage, all fifteen EA SPORTS
Supercross races will be broadcast on ESPN2, including the prestigious
season opener at Edison International Field in Anaheim, Calif. That race, along with Indianapolis, Houston and Dallas will also be broadcast on ABC Sports. The one-hour ABC specials will be featured on Sundays on Jan. 6, Feb. 10, Mar. 24, and Apr 21. For more information, visit www.pacesupercross.com.

About Clear Channel Entertainment (formerly SFX) Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live
entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide (NYSE: CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, including 44 amphitheaters in the U.S. and 28 venues in Europe. Each year, more than 62 million people attend approximately 26,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including: Live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; and specialized sports and motor sports shows.

In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment owns leading talent management businesses that specialize in the representation of athletes and broadcasters, including independently operated baseball, basketball and football businesses. Clear Channel Entertainment is headquartered in New York City.

 

[JonV]

downs: i see this as the same scenario with CART and the IRL. teams will need to decide what series they want to run, the competition will be diluted.

ups: it doubles the professional rides available for riders moving up to support classes and full factory efforts. it will be a boon for the privateer industry. more racing on TV.

just my 2c

 

[XRpredator]

The AMA just named the Leprechaun it's Sportsman of the year (click HERE). Showtime signed with AST (who's very tight with Clear Channel).

This may be the last year we see McGrath and Carmichael race each other.:(

 

[marcusgunby]

Unless MC wins i doubt he will race another season.

 

[XRpredator]

This was too good to just link to . . .

(and I didn't write it)

From RacerX online:

Supercross Should be Nothing to be Nervous About
By Pete Johnson
12/11/01

I'm nervous. I'm nervous about terrorism and I'm nervous about Supercross. I'm nervous about terrorism because of what it means to our country and I'm nervous about the potential fracturing of the Supercross hierarchy because of what it means to me and my fellow Supercross fans.

Now more than ever, with all the scary news on TV, I need the distraction that Supercross provides. I was initially introduced to the sport by my brother as a way of distraction after our mom died. It served that purpose well then and continues to provide balance in my life and relief from stress.

That is the reason it is so disheartening to hear of the split between Clear Channel and the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association). The implications of this I can only guess at. Whatever happens, it can't be good. I don't know who is right and who is wrong. I, like most fans, do not have the time and access to make an informed decision. I'm sure all fans following the proceedings have tried to imagine a world with two competing Supercross series. I want to focus on one small but important issue, the record books.

Last year some records were tied and some were broken. Some notable ones: Ricky Carmichael with 13 straight 250cc Supercross wins (tying Jeremy McGrath) and 26 total 125cc wins (beating Mark Barnett's record). If all the riders and teams go the way of the AMA then there really should be no change in the way records are recorded. Assuming the 2003 season looks anything like past seasons.

If the riders and teams go with Clear Channel, everything starts over. The winner of the first round holds all the records. The importance of putting a sport in the context of history will not become clear until that history is gone. The AMA will still keep the records, but a big enough asterisk has not been invented with no MC, RC or any of the rest of the top ten in the 2003 season. As of early December, Clear Channel seems to be seriously taking the initiative in this race to capture the hearts and minds of riders, teams and fans. It is conceivable the principal players could go in that direction.

If the riders and teams split, some going with AMA and some with Clear Channel, it will still upset the integrity of the record books, especially if any of the long time rivals split (the most obvious being McGrath and Carmichael). Look at what happened in the 2001 motocross series when, at the last round, Carmichael opted to race the 125cc race. Kevin Windham won in the 250s, but many felt it was a hollow victory. It's possible he could have beaten Carmichael that day, but we'll never know.

Isn't following the record books a significant part of enjoying motocross and supercross, not to mention bench racing. When Carmichael had the incredible season he did, it was given meaning when it was put in the context of the greats of the sport.

This potential lack of continuity could contribute to a breakdown in all that has been built up in the sport in the last 20+ years. For those new to the sport, it will be misleading and confusing. Potential new sponsors could see it as a sign of instability and they could shy away from supercross and motocross.

Clear Channel has stated that their series would look exactly the same as past seasons but without an outside sanctioning body. Initially, to the average fan, I believe the series would not look that different. Down the road, the importance of the AMA will become apparent, the record books being just one of the aspects that will be missed.

At the first round of the 2002 Supercross series I would love to see some form of protest letting both sides know how the fans stand on this issue. It is easy to get caught up in this year and think next year is so far off it doesn't matter. It would be a shame to not say anything now and for things to fall apart completely.

Like all of us, I have enough to be nervous about. I would imagine both sides have good points and both sides have tried to work things out. I don't know, maybe, maybe not. But, Clear Channel and AMA, for the sake of those who actually make all of this possible in the first place - the fans - please try again.

Excellent! I couldn't have said it better!

 

[Thumper448]

AMA vs. Clear Channel

I don't know what Clear Channel has ever done for the motorcycle business besides grow the sport in an effort to line their own pockets. The amount of money that goes to the riders ( the people that make the show) is absolutely appalling. At least the AMA is out there fighting for the rights of motorcyclists Additionally, Clear Channel has signed with ESPN through 2005. I don't know about the rest of you but I've had it with ESPN's schedule changes. Every time I think about it I can actually feel the stress build up inside. It really pisses me off when I set my alarm to get up at 3:whatever in the morning to push record on my VCR only to find out that the race has been rescheduled. Of course you can't just program your VCR because the Timbersports or Women's college basketball or the 25th replay of the X Games....might run over into the race's scheduled time slot. I also think that splitting up the 125's and 250's sucks. I understand why they do it and I could probably even be supportive if they would just play the programs when they said they would. By the way I mean no personal disrespect to Art, David or DC. Those guys are great but if ESPN doesn't make some vast improvements this season then ESPN and Clear Channel can go pound sand.

Stace

 

[MXFastGuy]

AMA v Clear Channel

Quoting the previous post (Thumper 448):...I don't know what Clear Channel has ever done for the motorcycle business besides grow the sport in an effort to line their own pockets...

Isn't that what business is all about? A company grows our sport (and we all enjoy the benefits) and that company makes money. Welcome to reality.

Regarding the split, that's a different matter. But I don't think we can discount what Clear Channel has already done for our sport.

 

[XRpredator]

Okay, FastGuy, PACE/SFX/Clear Channel has done a lot for the growth of SX, but they don't do diddly for the guys who put on the show. The $250 RacerX Gas Card that the 3rd place LCQ guy gets is right up there with what 20th place gets in the main! With all the money made in SX these days, shouldn't more go to the riders? Shouldn't every race have at least 1/3 the purse of the US Open? I'd like to see it, and maybe that's part of the reason for the split, but I doubt it.

I think the biggest reason for the split is a man named Roy Janson (remember AIR?)

 

[KWJams]

Take a look a Flat track racing--

Joe Kopp won the AMA number one plate for 2001 ---- Chris Carr and Rich King were not at all the same races due to contract obligations to Pace/SFX/Formula USA, or whoever they are owned by this week.

I posted on a flat track forum and Mr Pace-Mike Kidd responded to my comment about being concerned that Joe Kopp's name in the record books would have an asterisk next to it since all the top riders could not compete at all the same races and both series were bogus.

He basically let me know that I was full of dung.

I support free enterprise---but when a company is making money then they usually end up being bought out, new owners are in it for the bottom line--not for the riders benefit.

My opinion is that, right or wrong, as a fan, an AMA Championship will always be the REAL CHAMPION!

Every year we go to Sturgis for the Grand National---Pace locked up the venue as a Formula USA event. We have not seen a race since 1999.

This suxs! :mad: :mad:

 

[MXFastGuy]

AMA v Clear Channel

As XRpredator has conceded, the sport has grown, but we are in need of a fatter purse for the riders. The sport has, in fact, grown quite rapidly.

Hopefully it has grown to the point where we can now get some big dollar sponsors involved. That is what's needed to up the ante for the riders. Thor/Parts Unlimited does a great job of supporting the series, but they can only do so much in terms of financial backing. What we need are some other big boys to step up to the plate and get involved. I think then we might see the purses rise (at least in theory they would!). The additional money garnered from the rise in attendance is a drop in the bucket compared to the funds that could be put up by a major sponsor.

But with the split, who knows what will happen with regard to major sponsorship. We'll just have to let big business and simple economics run their course. We'll find out soon enough...