Superkarts! USA has today announced that the upcoming SKUSA SuperNationals XVIII will be televised on major primetime network television via CBS Sports Network. The move comes as a result of a new partnership with motorsports specific upstart, Torque.tv
Torque.tv is the new production venture from Roger Werner, the visionary who founded Speedvision (and later SPEED Channel). The network will serve as a motorsports specific destination for racing and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. The network’s business model will combine both a revolutionary on demand subscription package with traditional primetime network television broadcasts. Both mediums will combine to provide an all-inclusive destination for viewers on a myriad of devices, including TV, mobile, and tablet.
The deal is one of great pride for SKUSA CEO Tom Kutscher. “We’ve been approached many, many times about putting karting on TV. It’s something I’ve been very eager to do, but I’ve been adamant it be the right fit. With the sport in a very pivotal growth stage, it was important to me that the end product show karting in the appropriate light. I am very pleased to say we’ve finally found the right match in Torque.tv and the CBS Sports Network.”
CBS Sports Network currently reaches 53 million subscribers with a mix of amateur, college, and professional sports. The network is perhaps best known for its marquee coverage of PGA golf events, but will be looking to mark its entrance into the world of motorsport via Torque.tv’s offerings.
The 18th round of the SKUSA SuperNationals will be filmed and aired with the goal of extending the partnership into 2015 and beyond for subsequent ProTour seasons. The SuperNationals episodes will air on primetime television in the Spring as well as be available anytime on-demand through Torque.tv directly.
“This is a significant step forward for SKUSA and karting as a whole,” offered Tom Kutscher. “The venture is not cheap to undertake but the juice is worth the squeeze. I really believe when I say karting is one of the most exciting sports on Earth, or I wouldn’t be doing this. I am excited to see it finally shown in the right setting, on the right network, with the right distribution.”
Torque.tv will also be the destination for other exciting forms of racing including popular series like British Touring Car, DTM, the Blancpain GT Series, and more. Roger Werner and the Torque.tv network as a whole recognize the importance of karting to the overall ecosystem of motorsports and are committed to helping build awareness. Both Torque.tv and SKUSA are committed to growing the relationship in future years with the upcoming SuperNationals serving as the partnership’s launch pad.
“The number one question we probably get in the SKUSA offices are people asking about destinations to watch the action,” Tom Kutscher summarized. “It’s fair to say we’ve delivered in spades and now millions of households worldwide will get to see the show that is, the SuperNationals.”
