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NEW SPEED CENTER SET PREMIERES FRIDAY WITH CONTEMPORARY, TECH-LOADED LOOK

SPEED’S MOTOR SPORTS NEWS PROGRAM GETS FACELIFT FROM DESIGNER OF GOOD MORNING AMERICA SET

85-INCH TOUCHSCREEN LINKED TO TIMING-AND-SCORING

Kicked out of its familiar home three weeks ago, SPEED Center returns to its completely renovated studio Friday, Aug. 26, with Adam Alexander hosting its premiere at 7 p.m. ET live on SPEED, with live cut-ins scheduled between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. ET.

The motor sports news program unveils a contemporary and completely interactive set anchored by an 85-inch on-air touchscreen linked to a real-time timing-and-scoring database. The new set also boasts a graphics overhaul and more than 31 video display devices controllable from multiple points.

The set was designed by Lead Designer Jim Fenhagen and Senior Designer Larry Hartman of the Jack Morton Company, who have designed some of the most recognizable sets on television, including those of Good Morning America, Piers Morgan Tonight, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show and World News Tonight.

“In continuing to differentiate SPEED Center as the definitive source for news and analysis from across the motor sports world, we wanted to create a ‘command center’ that not only incorporates all forms of racing but also integrates the latest technology to deliver up-to-the-second information from any racing venue in the world,” said Patti Wheeler, SPEED EVP of Programming and Production. “The show is as fast-paced as the racing it covers, and we think the new look reflects the sense of urgency in motor sports and live television.”

The set will be themed by color, integrating and tying a primary color to the corresponding motor sports discipline referenced.

“The first thing viewers will notice is that the graphics and monitors are color-schemed by racing genre,” said Michael Dolan, SPEED Director of Post Production & Graphics, Creative Director. “The LED lights on the set will change color in conjunction with the transition from one racing discipline to another within the show. The entire set will change color, allowing the viewer to better follow the flow of information.”

SPEED SVP of Production & Network Operations Rick Miner served as Project Manager for the SPEED Center set overhaul. Gary Hartley, EVP, Creative Director for FOX Sports Media Group, and Dolan oversaw the set design and graphics, while Deke Hazirjin, lead designer of New York City Lights, designed the lighting for the set.

About SPEED™

SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in nearly 84 million homes in North America, SPEED, a member of the FOX Sports Media Group, is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services, including SPEED2, a groundbreaking new broadband network featuring live, streaming and on-demand events complementing offerings of the linear network. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill. Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports. In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.com and scout.com, reaching over 20 million unique visitors monthly. Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

- SPEED, Press Release