With an all-new monthly print publication launching in March and an aggressive plan for the future, Turn 3 Media, LLC, is bringing back the National Speed Sport News brand, identified for its namesake weekly newspaper that was widely recognized as the “Bible” of American auto racing news.
Turn 3 Media, LLC, a North Carolina company founded by publishing veteran Curt Moon, former SPEED executive Joe Tripp, and motorsports television personality Ralph Sheheen, has acquired the exclusive rights to National Speed Sports News from The Kay Publishing Company.
Founded in 1934 and edited by “The Dean of American Motorsports Journalism” Chris Economaki beginning in 1950, National Speed Sport News ceased publication of its venerable weekly newspaper following the March 23, 2011 issue.
While the realities of the publishing world, which contributed to the demise of the newspaper, haven’t changed, the Turn 3 Media partners are confident the new National Speed Sport News will succeed.
“We’re starting with a clean slate,” said Tripp, “building upon all that was great about the former publication by expanding the content and delivering it through a broad variety of platforms relevant to the times. Specifically, we will provide race fans with credible and timely coverage of all forms of professional motorsports – two wheels and four – on everything from mobile (SPEED SPORT Mobile), tablet (SPEED SPORT Digital Edition) and web (www.nationalspeedsportnews.com <http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com> ) – plus a new magazine that will be available in print and digital editions.”
“We listened to our fans – and while most are getting race results and breaking news online these days, they still really wanted a print edition.” explained Moon. “The new monthly SPEED SPORT Magazine will include exclusive stories and interviews, thought-provoking editorial, and a comprehensive view of all motorsports not found in other publications.”
For many years, former National Speed Sport News Editor Chris Economaki was a fixture on national television. With his iconic voice and unique style, Economaki was unparalleled in the business. Most of today’s motorsports journalists and personalities credit Economaki with forging a path for their own careers.
"The first nationally televised race broadcast I was a part of more than 20 years ago, Chris Economaki was my colleague on pit road,” explained Sheheen. “Chris set the standard for motorsports journalism on TV and with National Speed Sport News. We have assembled some of the best writers and reporters in motorsports to continue that tradition. We'll be giving our readers insightful and thought provoking commentary and features on every form of motorsports involving cars, motorcycles and anything else that belches flames, slings mud or singes the asphalt."
As Publisher, Sheheen will manage the editorial direction of the new SPEED SPORT Magazine and will help drive reach and brand awareness through his extensive television exposure. He will also lead efforts to expand the brand into video and television media.
Readers will benefit from the continuity of an editorial staff led by Editor in Chief Mike Kerchner, who has served NSSN continuously since 1991.
“I think our readers will enjoy seeing the familiar faces, names and opinions with which they have become accustomed through the years,” said Kerchner. “SPEED SPORT Magazine will deliver racing information to its readers in an updated manner and style, but we’re confident it will have the same warm, fuzzy feeling that readers have enjoyed when finding National Speed Sport News in their mailbox for nearly 80 years.”
SPEED SPORT Magazine will debut with a March Season Preview issue, exactly one year after the original National Speed Sport News ceased publication.
Subscriptions to SPEED SPORT Magazine are available for $24.95 per year for 12 issues. A digital edition of the magazine will be available for $12.95 per year. Access to www.nationalspeedsportnews.com will remain free. <http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com>
Turn 3 Media is planning to announce more details of its plans during Florida Speed Weeks later this month.
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