World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks Attempts to Break Additional World Speed Records
Chicago, IL – March 7, 2005 – Intersport announces the production of a first-ever television series that will capture the imagination of every speed aficionado in America as it follows daredevil Russ Wicks (a.k.a. "Speed King") on a speed lover's ultimate fantasy. "American Speed King" will showcase his life of speed as he prepares to break several world speed records, while competing in 300 MPH NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters. It is a series that will combine the envelope-piercing skill of test pilot Chuck Yeager with the daredevil nerve of Evel Knievel.
"American Speed King will be one of the most compelling series on television. The shows also provide the next generation of integrated branded entertainment," stated Intersport Senior Vice President Jason Coyle. "It's a unique blend of Madison + Vine + Valley, where advertisers, entertainment, and technology all culminate in a celebration of speed and adventure."
"Intersport has a proven record of creating high quality content and distributing it to a diverse audience," said Russ Wicks. "I look forward to collaborating on this revolutionary piece of original television programming."
Wicks, of Seattle, is one of few people to have traveled over 220 MPH on both land and water. His extensive motorsports background includes several Indy Car test programs on road courses, as well as the fabled Indianapolis Motor Speedway's two-and-one-half-mile oval. Russ currently holds the propeller-driven world water speed record set while averaging 205.494 MPH over a one mile course. He also qualified as an unlimited hydroplane driver in the legendary Miss Budweiser.
With already one world speed record under his belt, he is now focused on returning the outright World Water Speed Record to the United States. Wicks and the American Challenge team also have their sites set on a number of world speed records on land.
About American Speed King
American Speed King is a new television series starring world speed record holder and daredevil Russ Wicks. Each episode will follow Wicks' exploits as he prepares to break one prestigious speed record after another. He will also push the limits of speed while competing in a number of high-profile motor sports events, including the NHRA Top Fuel and Unlimited Hydroplane series. The shows will provide an insight into the newest technologies utilized by Wicks' American Challenge team. For further information visit www.AmericanSpeedKing.com
About Intersport
For two decades, Intersport has been the leader in the creation, production and distribution of sports programming content for sponsors and advertisers, sports hospitality and event marketing. The company is the only independent producer to provide programming to ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, FSN and the Speed Channel. Intersport has won three Emmy Awards and one Cable Ace Award. Intersport's hospitality group is the NFL's official corporate hospitality provider at the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl and created the first permanent hospitality facility at the Masters. The work for this division extends to every major event in sports. Intersport's events group creates and produces event marketing and mobile marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 companies including General Motor's Pontiac, Cadillac and Buick divisions as well as Geico, Pepsi and Proctor and Gamble. Intersport can be found on the internet at www.IntersportInc.com
Jim Bloom
jbloom@intersportnet.com
Intersport
20 W. Kinzie St. Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60610
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