Unfortunately, TV is also tremendously expensive.  As such, often it is just the big series that get coverage.  Now, MMRA is finally able to begin TV coverage that we believe will help our sport grow and prosper.

MMRA has signed a contract with Cutting Edge Productions to air 8 weeks of the "MMRA Racing" TV show starting January 5, 2005.  Each episode will be 1/2 hour and will feature footage from the 2004 MMRA Touring and Grand National races as well as interviews and product features.  The shows will air on the Empire Sports Network with each new episode running Wednesday nights at 11pm eastern time.  Then that same episode will air 3 other times during the week for a total of 4 airings/show.

As with all major MMRA announcements, this one also has a FAQ section:

1.  Why isn't MMRA putting the shows on Speed Channel or ESPN? 

Airtime on those networks runs upwards of $20,000 per hour.  We simply don't have the support to run shows on these networks - yet.

2.  Who is paying for this?

MMRA has committed to run these shows no matter what.  We are working to sell ads to help offset the costs, but the program is not dependent on that.  As such, all our members helped to support this effort by joining and supporting MMRA in 2004.  If you have a good idea for an advertiser, or you would like to buy an ad yourself, please call or e-mail MMRA and we'll get you all the information.

3.  Why run the shows in January and February?

We believe this is the best time for us.  During the regular season, no one is searching for auto racing coverage - it is already everywhere.  January and February is when racers are excited about Daytona and the upcoming season, but there isn't much available on TV.  Our show is named simply "MMRA Racing" so race fans channel surfing will say "Hmmm - what's that" and check it out.

4.  How can I watch the shows?

You'll need to get the Empire Sports Network channel.  It is available in much of New York on basic cable.  For everyone else, you can get it on Dish Network or Direct TV satellite.  In both cases however, you'll need to purchase a separate sports package.

5.  I have Dish Network - what do I do?

Call 800-333-DISH and say you want the Sports Super Pack.  It will be $5.99 extra per month but you can cancel anytime.  Sooooo - sign up in late December, catch all 8 episodes in January and February and then you can cancel if you didn't see anything else you like.  It will have only cost you about $15.  Once you've called and signed up, the Empire Sports Network is on channel 432.

6.  I have DirecTV - what do I do?

Call 888-238-7177 and say you want the Sports Pack.  It will cost up to $12/month depending on whether you already have other premium channels or not.  Just like with Dish Network, you can cancel anytime so go ahead and sign up for MMRA Racing, then cancel if you don't need the extra channels after that.  Once you've signed up, Empire Sports Network will be on channel 626.

7.  What will this do for me?

Our hope is that the show will introduce many new racers to MMRA.  Empire Sports Network is available in 7 million homes and even if only 1% see the show, that is still 70,000 families.  More racers is what our racers say they want, and certainly MMRA wants to grow our membership.  This will be a good test to see what we can expect from placing our events on television.  If you raced at our 2004 Touring or Grand National events, this TV coverage may be especially helpful.  Be sure to tape the show with your races so you can show the coverage to current or potential sponsors. 

8.  Will MMRA do this every year?

We will have to see what the effects of this first effort are.  Clearly, if it lands us some new sponsorship and many new racers, we will continue.  If you want to be on TV, the best idea is to run as many 2005 Touring and Grand National events as possible.  Then if we do run more TV programs, you'll be on them.

9.  How can I catch every show?

If you have the Dish Network PVR system, TiVo, etc. the best idea would be to set your system to record every Wednesday night at 11pm.  That way, you don't have to remember to watch each week.  If you do miss a show however, there will be 3 other airings.  MMRA should be able to get more information about the other showtimes as we get closer to January.

10.  I don't have satellite or any other way to catch the show but I want to see it.

We may make the show available for purchase 2 episodes at a time for $15 on DVD.  It won't be as "neat" as tuning in your TV to see MMRA racing, but at least you won't miss the shows.  Keep checking this website for announcements and order forms.  Or, consider signing up for Dish Network or DirecTV - then you'll always be able to get the channels you need.

11.  I have other questions - what do I do?

Please send an e-mail to mmra@mmraracing.com and we'll answer everything we can.

Thank you to our 2004 Members for helping MMRA build our sport!