ESPN, Jim Russell Launch New Motorsports Brand; ESPN Russell Racing Schools Put Racing Fans in...

Sports Editors/Motorsports Writers

BRISTOL, Conn. & SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004

ESPN, the Worldwide Leader in Sports, and Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, the pioneer and premier name in racing and driving instruction, announced today they have created

the ESPN Russell Racing Schools. The ESPN Russell Racing Schools will introduce a wider cross section of North American sports fans to the exciting world of auto racing, combining ESPN's vast media resources and Jim Russell's expertise in professional driving instruction.

This is the latest agreement for ESPN Enterprises, the ESPN division charged with creating, launching and incubating new business opportunities -- working independently or with outside partners. The launch of the new racing brand is timed to take advantage of the growing interest in motorsports. More than 20 million fans attend auto racing events annually and millions more watch racing on television.

"ESPN Enterprises is building a network of leading sports instruction schools, which started with the ESPN Golf Schools and now includes a racing school," said Rick Alessandri, senior vice president and general manager of ESPN Enterprises. "Our companies have a shared belief in the growth potential of the schools and feel this agreement will benefit both organizations, as well as casual and avid auto racing fans."

Each week, 94 million people interact with ESPN media -- watching, listening, reading and logging on.

The ESPN Russell Racing Schools offer more than 10 different programs to race fans and driving enthusiasts from its base location at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., and with courses held at famous racetracks around the country.

For amateur racers and aspiring professionals, the schools offer courses ranging from half-day "test drives" to three-day advanced racing classes in open-wheel formula racecars. Drivers interested in competing can enter the "arrive-and-drive" championship racing series. On its state-of-the-art karting track, the schools offer sprint and shifter karting classes for drivers ages 8 and older, in addition to an "arrive-and-drive" competitive series.

Additional courses include high performance driving classes at Infineon Raceway and through Performance Track Days at tracks across the country, defensive driving for teens and adults, and corporate programs to train commercial drivers or to entertain teams of employees.