SPEED to Provide Unprecedented USGP Coverage & Interactivity for 2006

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SPEED to Provide Unprecedented USGP Coverage & Interactivity for 2006
Written by: SPEED StaffCharlotte, NC – 6/19/2006

SPEED will provide an unprecedented level of LIVE, highlighted, interactive and on demand Formula One coverage of this year’s United States Grand Prix from historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

LIVE on-track network coverage begins June 30 with the first practice session at 11 am, E.T., and concludes July 2 with the seventh running of the USGP beginning at 12:30 p.m., E.T. Bob Varsha, the voice of Formula One on SPEED, will handle play-by-play duties, while veteran open wheel analysts David Hobbs and Steve Matchett will provide color commentary. The venerable Peter Windsor and former driver Derek Daly will continue to provide their insight from pit road, while former driver Sam Posey offers historical context on Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Formula One in the United States.

The United States Grand Prix on SPEED only starts from there.

SPEED, which has carried Formula One motor racing in the United States for 10 years, will offer the world’s first interactive broadband Formula One viewing experience through its SPEED on Board Pass platform. U.S. race fans will be able to log onto SPEEDtv.com, click the ‘SPEED on Board Pass’ icon and for $14.99, be able to toggle between five unique, LIVE on-board camera feeds featuring every car on the grid. A sixth camera will be fixed in a high-action location as well.

“SPEED is honored to be the first television network in the world to bring an interactive broadband viewing experience to U.S. Formula One fans,” said Kevin Annison, VP of Business Development. “If there ever was an event you wanted to ride along with, this is it! Whenever fans tune to LIVE United States Grand Prix coverage on SPEED, they have an opportunity to enjoy the ultimate two-screen experience. There is nothing like the sound of a Formula One car at 19,000 rpm, revving at each split-second gear change and coupled with the pure visual excitement of high speed precision driving. This is the perfect venue for this type of interactivity.”

SPEED, in concert with Michelin Tire and Bridgestone Tire, will also bring viewers a USGP Pre-Race Special July 1 at 8 p.m., E.T. The SPEED on-air crew will have the rare chance to speak directly with Formula One drivers, while hosting one-on-one interactions with race fans.

“For the first time, SPEED will be bringing you a two-hour pre-race show on Saturday night,” said Rick Miner, SPEED SVP of Programming/Production. “The interviews and insights will be gathered throughout the day on Thursday (June 29), during the Formula One Fan Pit Walk, hosted by Indianapolis Motor Speedway. SPEED will have an opportunity to speak with Formula One drivers, hosting the many press conferences that will occur throughout the day. SPEED also will be offering fans a public discussion forum on Thursday regarding the USGP and Formula One racing in general.”

USGP broadcast schedule on SPEED (all times Eastern);

Friday, June 30
11:00 a.m. *USGP Practice (LIVE)
7:30 p.m. USGP Practice (Replay)

Saturday, July 1
10:00 a.m. *USGP Practice (LIVE)
1:00 p.m. *USGP Qualifying (LIVE)
8:00 p.m. USGP Pre-Race Special (Highlighted Coverage)
12:00 a.m. USGP Pre-Race Special (Replay)

Sunday, July 2
3:00 a.m. USGP Qualifying (Replay)
12:30 p.m. *United States Grand Prix (LIVE)
11:00 p.m. United States Grand Prix (Replay)

*Denotes SPEED on Board Pass Availability


Also for the first time, SPEEDtv.com will provide an archived version of the United States Grand Prix to U.S. fans for $3.99 at the SPEED on Demand Web portal. One day after the race is complete, fans will be able to visit SPEEDtv.com, click onto ‘SPEED on Demand’ and stream the race in its entirety - whenever they wish. The stream will be available for 90 days.