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It is true that the Red Bull MotoGPat Laguna Seca will be televised on ABC.  I think that its a great step forward for the US fanbase.  But before we wet ourselves, the coverage is ONE WEEK LATER.  It will air on July 30th, not July 23 as will be shown live on SPEED.  Take a look from roadracingworld.com:

Updated Post: U.S. MotoGP To Air On ABC Network

Jul 13, 2006

From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:

In a landmark moment for the sport, MotoGP will be broadcast on network television across the United States this summer after an agreement was reached between ABC and MotoGP’s commercial rights-holders Dorna Sports. 

The deal will see the 2006 Red Bull US Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca broadcast during an hour-long programme on July 30th at 1-2pm ET and 3-4pm PT. The show will include not only the coverage of one of the most thrilling races of the season, but exciting features, news and interviews of one of the most spectacular sporting events to take place on American soil.

The programme is an important step for MotoGP which continues to expand its network of broadcasts to worldwide audiences. Currently MotoGP reaches 207 countries, with 184 of those in live or same day delayed format. An average of 142 million spectators see the live/SDD broadcasts, with a total average audience per GP of 311 million viewers.

“We are happy to have the 2006 Red Bull US Grand Prix on ABC,” said Tag Garson, Sr. Director of Programming and Acquisitions. “It is an exciting event, which takes place at one of racing’s most renowned venues, and showcases some terrific action.”

Dorna Sports’ Managing Director, Manel Arroyo added, “It is great news for the sport to be broadcast across the United States on network television. Working alongside a prestigious network such as ABC will certainly help us achieve our objective of bringing MotoGP to the attention of a more mainstream audience.”

MotoGP is the world’s premier motorcycle championship, featuring the best racers on the planet riding multi-million dollar, prototype machines that can reach speeds in excess of 200mph. MotoGP takes its glamorous circus to all corners of the globe. The machines produce more than 240 horsepower and weigh in at just 325lb (148kg), demanding the ultimate in riding skill, which is personified by the likes of Valentino Rossi and American contenders Nicky Hayden, John Hopkins, Colin Edwards and Kenny Roberts Jr.

For the first time since 1994 MotoGP returned to the U.S. last year, with over 157,000 fans enjoying the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix throughout the weekend at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca circuit in California,

Helping to make the deal possible between the two parties was Van Wagner Sports Group, who will coordinate production matters with ABC and will work as Dorna’s US TV ad-sales agent.

Again, bravo for the sport.  It’s been a long time since national network coverage of roadracing has occurred.  That said, who will be the announsers, will they have depth to GP racing (Eddie Lawson?), and how will everything above be captured in one hour with commercials?