CHAMPCAR/CART: Long Beach GP names new public relations manager

LONG BEACH, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2000) - The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach (GPALB) announced the hiring of Chris Esslinger as its Public Relations Manager.

Esslinger, 29, enters the auto racing field from the horse and horse racing industries. He previously served as Publicity Director for the now-defunct Stablegate.com, a horse-related Web site, from April through September 2000. While there, he was responsible for the site's entire public relations strategy and media relations plan.

Prior to Stablegate.com, Esslinger worked in the publicity department at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., for 3 ½ years, the last two of which he was Santa Anita's Public Relations Manager. In that capacity, he was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department as well as the track's media relations effort. Santa Anita Park is widely regarded as being among America's finest horse racing venues.

"Chris brings to our company the perfect mix of sporting event experience and Internet-related activities," said Jim Michaelian, GPALB's Chief Operating Officer. "We look for him to make a major contribution in our public relations and Web site efforts."

In 1996, Esslinger earned an M.A. from California State University, Fullerton, in public relations and, in 1993, a B.S. in broadcast journalism from Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y.

Esslinger takes over the Grand Prix of Long Beach's publicity department from Kevin O'Brien, who was promoted to GPALB's Director of Sales and Marketing Services last month.

The 27th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 6-8, 2001. Tickets can be purchased by calling toll-free, (888) 82-SPEED. For more information, visit the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Web site at www.longbeachgp.com. -TGPLB-