Amp’d Mobile Supercross Broadcasts LIVE on SPEED From Anaheim

AURORA, Ill. (January 2, 2007) – The domestic portion of the 2006-2007 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series season kicks off in a big way this weekend, as SPEED, the definitive motor sports and automotive lifestyle network, provides the first LIVE broadcast of the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series season opener from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. Beginning at 10:00 pm EST/ 7:00pm PST on Jan. 6.

Popular SPEED play-by-play announcer Ralph Sheheen will lead the broadcast team, as 2004 Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee and former AMA Supercross champion Jeff Emig will provide color commentary.  Making the jump from live event announcing to television announcing will be Erin Bates, as she will dig into the weekend’s stories from the stadium floor and from the paddock.

“Broadcasting LIVE from Anaheim demonstrates our continued commitment to Live Nation and the Amp’d Mobile Supercross property,” said Pete Richards, SPEED coordinating producer. “We couldn’t be more pleased with our relationship, and how well it’s been received by our audience. Our first LIVE event from Las Vegas was a huge success, so it was a ‘no-brainer’ to cover an event in the heart of supercross mania.

“What these athletes go through is unbelievably grueling,” Richards continued. “The very nature of the sport lends itself to that – with high speeds, incredible jumps and tight racing quarters – each adding to the intensity and drama played out during every race. I think the fans will really enjoy what they see.”

“Angel Stadium has become the quintessential home of supercross, and Anaheim 1 is always the one of the most anticipated races of the season,” said Ken Hudgens, vice president of marketing, Live Nation. “Having this highly anticipated race broadcast live for the first time ever is a milestone for the sport. The event is a traditional sell-out, so this will allow fans from around the world can watch this epic race live on SPEED.”

For SPEED, this is only the second time an Amp’d Mobile Supercross race will be called LIVE on television. The 2006 season closer in Las Vegas was the inaugural LIVE presentation earlier this year. Rising star James Stewart took home victory and the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP championship, while Ricky Carmichael’s runner-up finish put an exclamation point on his Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series championship.

“Amp’d Mobile Supercross is one of the most amazing sporting events I have ever had the pleasure of covering,” Sheheen commented. “It’s hard to believe how fast these competitors get through almost impassable obstacles. Imagine going through the ‘whoops’ section throwing caution to the wind.

“The dedication these competitors must have in order to elevate themselves to highest levels of this sport – their training, discipline, concentration – is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in any other sport. Even with all the safety precautions and equipment, ultimately, it’s still one person, a motorcycle and a lot of dirt underneath an incredible amount of air.”

During the broadcast, Kawasaki will be presenting an Amp’d Mobile Supercross-related poll question, as viewers have the opportunity directly interact with what they are watching from Anaheim. Fans will be able to log onto www.speedtv.com to answer the question, and the results will be discussed as the races progress.

Each Amp’d Mobile Supercross race is available free at SPEEDtv.com seven days post event through ‘SPEED on Demand’ powered by Yamaha. Log onto www.speedtv.com and click into ‘SPEED on Demand’ in the interactive menu to access, or type keyword, ‘Yamaha.’

SPEED, celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2006, is the nation's first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 74 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

For more information about the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, please log on to www.supercrossonline.com.  For media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig at 630-566-6305 or e-mail at dennyhartwig@livenation.com.