NHRA agrees to deal with ESPN

In a move that will increase its national television exposure, the National Hot Rod Association today announced an exclusive five-year television agreement with cable sports networks ESPN and ESPN2.

The networks will continue to provide same-day broadcasts of all 24 NHRA national events while expanding its "NHRA Heat" weekly magazine show to more than 40 shows beginning in 2001.

"This announcement represents a significant leap forward for NHRA Drag Racing," NHRA president Tom Compton said. "Through extensive discussions, we now have the best television package in the history of the sport which will provide our fans, sponsors and teams with unparalleled continuity and consistency.

"Our fans will know exactly when and where to find all NHRA television coverage while continuing to provide same-day broadcasts. Now, and for the next five years, our fans will associate NHRA Drag Racing with the premier network for sports entertainment."

Besides providing viewers with a consistent schedule for the telecasts of the NHRA's final eliminations, ESPN2 will continue to air "NHRA Heat" as a lead-in to the popular RPM2Night motor sports highlight show on a weekly basis during the NHRA season.

"We are very excited to extend our deal with the NHRA," said Mark Quenzel, senior vice-president of programming for ESPN. "Our current relationship has been beneficial to ESPN and it was a natural next step to expand the relationship.

"We are confident that the next five years will yield an even stronger investment on the part of NHRA and ESPN to grow the sport and bring this unique style of racing into our viewers' homes more often."

ESPN is received in more than 78 million homes, while ESPN2 recently crossed the 70 million household mark in a record 80 months. Compton said the strategic partnership with ESPN would elevate the NHRA's exposure and presence on the two networks. Under the new exclusive agreement, other ESPN platforms likely to distribute NHRA programming will include ESPN International, ESPN Classic, ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com.

The NHRA is expected next month to announce its 2001 race schedule, which will include two stops at the new Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. LVMS will continue to host its spring national points race, the SummitRacing.com Nationals, in addition to a new all-star race in the fall. Details of the new event are expected to be announced in July.

archive