Wednesday, April 16, 2008

ASA SAT Strikes Television Package with SportSouth

ASA SAT Strikes Television Package with SportSouth Watermelon Capital Event Will Make TV Debut on Wednesday, May 7th DAYTONA BEACH, FL (April 15, 2008) - The new RC Cola / MoonPie ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour, which earlier announced plans to provide its drivers, teams, partners and tracks with extensive television coverage, today confirmed its flagship coverage deal with SportSouth beginning this spring. The first event, the “Watermelon 100” from Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, GA, is scheduled to air Wednesday night, May 7th, at 8pm Eastern time (all times subject to change). The series will televise at least 10 of its 18 events in 2008, the inaugural season of the ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour. “Although we will have nationwide coverage, SportSouth will be the key component in our television package. SportSouth is the major player in television sports coverage in the Southeastern US, where our Tour is based,” said Promotions Manager of ASA SAT, Stan Narrison. “Having television coverage of the RC Cola / MoonPie ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour is just one of several elements that sets us apart. But this element is key to our strategy. Once fans and competitors get a taste of our brand of racing via our SportSouth coverage, they will want to join us in person. It’s a great situation for us.” SportSouth is the country’s 6th largest regional sports networks, reaching more than 9 million cable and satellite households in the Southeastern US. SportSouth is owned by the Fox Networks Group, which reaches more than 70 million homes through 16 owned and operated networks. While the final details of the agreement are still being worked out, the fact that the new ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour will be seen on such a major regional sports network is a critical boost for short track stock car racing. Other coverage agreements are pending as well. “We know TV coverage is critical to the success of a professional series, in today’s environment. We will provide network-quality coverage of what I’m sure will become one of the most exciting series anywhere, beginning in just a few weeks. I can’t wait to get started,” said Rick Benjamin, who will anchor the television broadcasts. “Once all our distribution deals are in place, I expect our ASA SAT coverage to be available in 20 to 40 million households from the Mid-Atlantic region to Florida, and as far west as Texas. We’ll also receive some national distribution this season. There’s growing interest in short track racing under the ASA banner. Fans already know that ASA racing “builds champions,” and the new ASA SAT will only grow that reputation.” The broadcasts are being produced and distributed by Visioncast, Inc./Carolinas Production Group Inc., owned and operated by award-winning broadcaster Rick Benjamin. The races will air approximately two to three weeks after each event date. A full broadcast schedule will be available on the ASA SAT website www.asasoutheast.com. Beau Slocumb’s win in Cordele, GA, a couple weeks ago earned him an added incentive for entering the November 1st ASA SAT event at Nashville’s Music City Motorplex. The ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour will televise nine “Road to Nashville” events, beginning with Sunday’s Watermelon 100, leading up to the November 1st event that will be part of the Adam Petty Memorial All American 400 weekend, a combination event with the CRA Super Series. Slocumb and the drivers who win at the eight remaining “Road to Nashville” events will receive a $500 bonus when they attempt to qualify for the Nashville 200 on November 1st. Round number three of the RC Cola / MoonPie ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour will be on Saturday, May 3rd, at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, FL. This event will also be a televised event on SportSouth and other networks. Pit Gates open at 9:00am with practice commencing at 1:00pm. Qualifying is slated for 4:30pm with the 125-lap feature scheduled for 7:30pm. If you would like more information regarding the event, please visit the official website of ASA SAT at www.asasoutheast.com. For more media inquiries, sponsorship and promotional information regarding the RC Cola / MoonPie ASA Southeast Asphalt Tour, contact Stan Narrison at (678) 910-7726 and be sure to visit www.asasoutheast.com for all ASA Southeast Tour news. For technical and rule information, call Micky Cain at (678) 373-9851. To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Florida-based Racing Speed Associates or the American Speed Association Racing Member Track program, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from racetracks and regional tours involved in the American Speed Association, visit www.asaracing.com.

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