Sean O'Gorman
12-19-04, 01:38 AM
This was in Saturday's paper.
http://www.cleveland.com/autoracing/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/110336601819170.xml
This year, race ahead of curve
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Elton Alexander
Plain Dealer Reporter
The Grand Prix of Cleveland is showing strong signs of solid footing heading into its 24th year at Burke Lakefront Airport.
Just a year ago, the race and the Champ Car Series appeared to be done. Now the vital signs are strong on both fronts. Champ Car has already released its schedule and recently announced it will return to live network television with six races - two on NBC, four on CBS.
Also, Champ Car has signed an agreement with Eurosport for live European television coverage for the entire 2005 schedule. The most widely available channel in Europe, Eurosport programming is available in 19 different languages, reaches 54 nations and 240 million viewers.
The increased television exposure will help the GPC in filling its vacant title sponsorship role.
"We have four title proposals, all recognizable brand names, two in Cleveland and two nationally," race General Manager Rena Shanaman said. "We hope, by the end of January, to have something to announce. Obviously, we are very pleased to be back on CBS."
Race promoters have also kicked off a ticket renewal plan for the June 24-26 event.
There will be one- two- and three-day ticket packages available. The three-day package includes membership into the new Champions Club. The club, located behind the grandstands, will include concessions, as well as closed circuit TV and visits from competitors throughout the weekend. Club membership, along with a limited number of VIP parking spaces, will be available to those who renew tickets by Jan. 31, 2005.
"This is something we wanted to try to give our most loyal fans a little something extra," Shanaman said.
Those interested in renewing tickets should call 216-619-7223, or visit www.grandprixofcleveland.com.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253
© 2004 The Plain Dealer. Used with permission.
http://www.cleveland.com/autoracing/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/110336601819170.xml
This year, race ahead of curve
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Elton Alexander
Plain Dealer Reporter
The Grand Prix of Cleveland is showing strong signs of solid footing heading into its 24th year at Burke Lakefront Airport.
Just a year ago, the race and the Champ Car Series appeared to be done. Now the vital signs are strong on both fronts. Champ Car has already released its schedule and recently announced it will return to live network television with six races - two on NBC, four on CBS.
Also, Champ Car has signed an agreement with Eurosport for live European television coverage for the entire 2005 schedule. The most widely available channel in Europe, Eurosport programming is available in 19 different languages, reaches 54 nations and 240 million viewers.
The increased television exposure will help the GPC in filling its vacant title sponsorship role.
"We have four title proposals, all recognizable brand names, two in Cleveland and two nationally," race General Manager Rena Shanaman said. "We hope, by the end of January, to have something to announce. Obviously, we are very pleased to be back on CBS."
Race promoters have also kicked off a ticket renewal plan for the June 24-26 event.
There will be one- two- and three-day ticket packages available. The three-day package includes membership into the new Champions Club. The club, located behind the grandstands, will include concessions, as well as closed circuit TV and visits from competitors throughout the weekend. Club membership, along with a limited number of VIP parking spaces, will be available to those who renew tickets by Jan. 31, 2005.
"This is something we wanted to try to give our most loyal fans a little something extra," Shanaman said.
Those interested in renewing tickets should call 216-619-7223, or visit www.grandprixofcleveland.com.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253
© 2004 The Plain Dealer. Used with permission.