IRL: Ken Norton launches team

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Hall of Fame and former Boxing World Heavyweight Champion Ken Norton announced today that he is entering the exciting world of Indy Car racing by launching "Ken Norton MotorSports" for participation in the highly successful Indy Racing League (IRL). Established in 1996, the Indy Racing League, is the newest major sanctioning body in North American auto racing. The IRL operates under the auspices of the United States Auto Club (USAC), one of the oldest motor sports sanctioning bodies in the world. Now in the midst of its sixth full season, the IRL has afforded racing entrepreneurs and sponsors with a tremendous opportunity to participate in the fastest growing sport in America. "The IRL was founded to control the escalating costs of Indy-racing and create new opportunities for drivers, teams and sponsors to compete in Indy-style racing in general, and in particular, the Indianapolis 500," stated Founder Tony George. The IRL features open-wheel cars competing on oval tracks only. All IRL races are telecast live, worldwide, on the ABC Network. Additionally, the Indianapolis Radio Network offers live, play-by-play action of each event. Today, motorsports has outgrown all other sports in television coverage. ABC has telecast the Indianapolis 500 since 1965, providing dedication to the sport and has expanded its horizons by contracting with the IRL to showcase all ten venues of this spectacular open-wheel series. "My goal is for 'Ken Norton MotorSports' to become another world champion and win the INDY 500," stated Hall of Fame Boxer Ken Norton. "No other motorsport event creates as much excitement as the Indianapolis '500,' proudly recognized as the 'Greatest Spectacle In Racing.'" In 1978, Ken Norton was named Heavyweight Champion of the World and is also well remembered for breaking Mohammed Ali's jaw. His lifetime boxing record was 42-7-1.

-Ken Norton Racing