IMSA expands international TV reach

Since the formation of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) in 1969, the sanctioning body has taken great pride in its relevance to international audiences and the large number of fans from around the world.

Many of the world’s greatest manufacturers have deep-rooted history in IMSA competition, as well as the very best sports car drivers and teams from the U.S. and abroad, drawing attention from race fans all over the world. And through several new IMSA partnerships and initiatives, those fans now are receiving unprecedented access to the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship and the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge in 2017.

Beginning with the 55th Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, Greenlight International – based on the Isle of Man – has held worldwide television distribution rights for both the WeatherTech Championship and Continental Tire Challenge outside of the United States. Greenlight International offers live coverage of every WeatherTech Championship race as well as one-hour highlight shows following each event.

English-language commentary for these broadcasts is provided by the internationally known and highly respected IMSA Radio team of John Hindhaugh, Jeremy Shaw, Shea Adam and Jim Roller.

“The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is a really unique and exciting championship," said Greenlight International Managing Director, Jon Quayle. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to distribute the live footage, as well as highlight shows to channels all over the world."

Currently, WeatherTech Championship programming is available in 103 countries via Greenlight International. Complete live telecasts are available in 55 countries, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. In addition, Continental Tire Challenge coverage is available in 84 countries.

Latin American race fans are being introduced to IMSA competition through unique programs developed specifically for this market. The magazine-style “IMSA El Camino a la Velocidad" (“IMSA Road to Racing") program – which offers highlights and interviews from WeatherTech Championship events – and Continental Tire Challenge races are televised live with Spanish commentary in selected markets via partnerships with three different distributors, Todo Deportes TV, El Garage TV and the Pongalo Network. “IMSA El Camino a la Velocidad" is produced by Riccardo D’Anconia and Orlando-based BRAMM, IMSA’s multicultural agency of record.

“We are proud to be known as the International Motor Sports Association, and the strong international presence we have as a North American sanctioning body," said IMSA Vice President, Marketing, David Pettit. “The television partnerships we have in place with Greenlight International, Todo Deportes, El Garage TV and the Pongalo Network enable fans in many of the home countries of our manufacturers and competitors to closely follow the WeatherTech Championship and Continental Tire Challenge. Likewise, these partnerships are exposing our series to broader audiences around the world."

Next up for the 2017 WeatherTech Championship and Continental Tire Challenge is the Advance Auto Parts SportsCar Showdown at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas on May 4-6. Tickets are available now via www.thecircuit.com.