TNN Expands Outlaws'' TV Coverage Worldwide

TNN Expands Outlaws' TV Coverage Worldwide By Richard Day NASHVILLE, TN (February 18) -- TNN's live television coverage of Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series sprint car racing will expand around the world this year. The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service recently signed a contract with TNN to access, record and distribute Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series sprint car racing events. This landmark agreement will allow American service men and women in more than 170 countries - from Albania to Zaire, including Australia, German, Italy and Japan - the opportunity to enjoy "greatest show on dirt" excitement. "TNN provides the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series with the opportunity to showcase our sport to an international audience," series Founder and President Ted Johnson said. "We have continued to see growth for the series since the first live telecast on TNN." The Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series made its live debut on TNN at the Amoco Knoxville Nationals in 1995. The popular cable network will expand its live coverage to 15 events in 2000, including the Southern Bleacher Classic from Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, TX, Thursday and Friday March 30-31; the Southern Showdown from Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC, Thursday and Friday, May 25-26; and the Channellock Challenge at Bristol from Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN, Saturday, June 10th. The Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series' first telecast of the millennium will be from Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 3rd. TNN will also have 21 re-telecasts of the 15 events. "We are adding more Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series events because the audience for the series continues to grow," Brian Hughes, TNN's vice president of programming, said. "We are especially pleased by the young male demographics the telecasts deliver. They have grown by more than 70% from last year." TNN will also take viewers to the Eldora Clash and Kings Royal from legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH, Friday and Saturday, July 14-15, and the 40th Annual Amoco Knoxville Nationals from Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA, Saturday, August 12th. Other Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series events on TNN's agenda will be the May 13th Winged Thunder race from the Terre Haute Action Track, the O'Reilly Auto Parts Sunflower Shootout from Heartland Park Topeka June 17th, the Duel in the Dakotas from Red River Valley Speedway July 8th, the September 23rd event from I-80 Speedway and the season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway November 1st. Diamond P Sports produces TNN's live Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series telecasts which feature Ralph Sheheen, former racer Brad Doty and Steve Evans in the telecast booth. Bobby Gerould covers the action in the pit area. WoO