Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

~ PREVIEW The 1993 U.S. GP e Kenny Roberts (standing) greets the press during a conference to introduce the team he has assembled to organize and promote the 1993 United States Grand Prix. • an c an es In store or hanges aplenty - those seem to be the key words when you -iook to the upcoming September 12th running of the United States Motorcycle Grand Prix at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. It's out with the old, in with the new as the Kenny Roberts led-group that's pro1l'l,oting this year's event is hellbent on making things better and ensuring that the GP is here to stay. KR Sports Promotion Corp. recently held a press conference at Laguna Seca Raceway to outline a few of the things we can expect when the U.s. GP makes a welcomed return to Laguna Seca as the 14th round of the 15-round World Championship Road Racing Series. C How about television coverage? The United States Grand Prix will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Prime Network, with Prime and ESPN combining to bring viewers the rest of the 14 rounds of the series. There is also the possibility of one other GP being broadcast live. ..."'...........*..."'........ 12 An on-site medical center will be established at Laguna Seca, built to FIM standards. In addition, more First Intervention Vehicles will be on hand to provide more immediate response to problems and reduce the need for ambulances to travel to incidents. **........"'........ "'** A traffic system is being developed to ease access to the race track for both competitors and the general public. ......."'.....*..."'......... Due to international regulations spectators are not allowed access to the paddock area. ~::;~:;.:~ Aluminum be constructed to house the 125, 250 and 50Qcc teams who will compete in the U.S. GP; each will feature approximately 2500-squarefeet of workspace. hi~'~';:;:;m A six-foot running the length of the pits will house corporate suites overlooking the pits. The suites will provide race attendees wi th an excellent viewing area and comfortable accommodations, complete with closedcircuit television. The pit straight tower located across the race track from the pit area has already been reserved by Prime Network. *,...."'...... lloltlt* Changes to the circuit itself will be minimal since it i~ already licensed by , the FIM in its current configuration. SCRAMP has improved run-off areas at Laguna Seca over the past few years, but the newly developed Airfence system will be used in any remaining problem spots at the race track. , ...........".........*...... McCall & Associates has been hired to manage an on-site catering service to improve the standard of food provided to the public, corporate guests and teams. :;~::~:~~ No more of T-shirt lines? Pre-event merchandise will be available to the public, and on-site sales areas will be improved. ........**."'.......... An aggressive program of television, radio, billboard and print advertising has begun. • Wil;'~:'::::' An effort to promote the Grand Prix beyond the motorcycle industry. ***........l+............. An air show, a golf tournament for media, corporate clients and racers, a charity event, trade show and display area will also be incorporated into the GP. ..........**.1.,.*"'...>1- T he trade display area will be moved to an area near the lake to produce a more attractive area for spectators to take a break from the action in a less congested and more accessible area. It.......,."....",...", Although details of Kenny Roberts' agreement with Two Wheel Promotions, the Bernie Eccelstone controlled company which owns the rights to the World Championship, is confidential, the contract is for four years. Also, to ensure that a round would be held in the U.s., Dorna, who controls the commercial rights, including TV, of the series, agreed to share some of those rights with Roberts to help reduce his level of financial risk. t1'

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