The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has confirmed that Andrew Coe will leave his post as chief executive of International Motor Sports Ltd, the MSA’s wholly-owned commercial subsidiary, early next month. 

Coe joined IMS from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in 2001. Since then, he has been in charge of the UK’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship – Wales Rally GB – and cultivated a long-term relationship with the Welsh Government that has seen the rally based in the Principality ever since. In that time, IMS has also organised the RACMSA International Rally of Scotland, the MSA EuroClassic and many other successful events, including the on-track organisation of the British Grand Prix. 

“Andrew has done a great job at IMS for many years and has given loyal service to British motor sport throughout, overcoming some difficult and challenging times, both for the sport and the economy,” MSA and IMS chairman Alan Gow acknowledged, “Last year’s Wales Rally GB was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the event in the past decade. 

“However, now is the time for this organisation to rationalise and utilise the great resources and expertise that exist within the MSA group, in order to create a more cohesive and dynamic company structure. 

“I would like to place on record our thanks to Andrew for everything he has done for IMS, for British rallying and most especially for Wales Rally GB, and wish him every success in the future.” 

Coe’s future plans have not been revealed, but he will take leave of his current position on 2 May. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 13 years as chief executive of IMS and have had the particular privilege of working with many talented and professional people,” he said, “While I will miss their company and our interaction, I am proud of what has been achieved and now very much look forward to the next challenge in my career.”

Major League Soccer (MLS) club Columbus Crew have announced that it has partnered with interactive sports agency Sportsdigita to launch ticket renewals, ask as well as season ticket and group sales platforms.

The Minneapolis, ask Minnesota-based company has already launched the Crew’s 2014 season ticket renewal program, medicine providing season ticket members with a digitally based interactive portal to customize their buying experience and share their team pride with friends through social media.

Sportsdigita focuses on digital sponsorship, ticketing and fan engagement for professional sports teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Utah Jazz, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Chicago White Sox, New York Giants and San Jose Sharks. Crucial to the buying experience is also a dedicated account manager to assist in each step of the process.

“With an increasing amount of business moving to digital platforms, it makes perfect sense for us to partner with Sportsdigita to create and offer a unique interactive experience for our season ticket members to renew their seats,” said Crew Vice President of Ticket Sales Clark Beacom. “We are excited to be the first MLS team to partner with Sportsdigita and offer a renewal and sales tool that will help our sales momentum carry over into 2014. This platform also has the added benefit of being Green-friendly, because it provides an alternative to the traditional printed materials we used in the past for renewals and new business efforts.”

After rolling out the club’s season ticket renewal program using Sportsdigita, the Crew has also teamed with the company to generate interactive platforms for new season ticket and group sales.

“We applaud the Columbus Crew for thinking ahead and continuing to stay progressive in this digital age,” said Angelina Lawton, Sportsdigita CEO and Founder. “The Crew understands the importance and value of reaching their fans and season ticket holders through digital integration. At Sportsdigita, we pride ourselves in being able to deliver digital solutions to our forward-thinking partners like the Crew, who are a big reason why Major League Soccer continues to grow in innovation and popularity.”

International sports promoter Barry Hearn has said Hong Kong could be influential in turning table tennis into a glamourous and lucrative sport.

Hearn launched the Ping Pong World Championships in London last weekend, aiming to make his version of table tennis more “rock and roll” and turn it into a global TV spectator event.

Hearn plans to create a global ping pong qualifying infrastructure and then replicate the model with several franchises around the world, and has identified Hong Kong as a key territory.

“This is not going to happen overnight but I will need a person in Hong Kong who can deliver and guarantee so many qualifying events to find six qualifying players to take part in the championship,” Hearn said.

“If someone comes to me with that proposition, I will say to them ‘turn it into a business and show me what you can do’. They will make a few mistakes along the way, as will we. But I think they will be successful.”

Hearn said viewing figures from the live TV screening of last week’s two day championships trebled expected figures.

“The response I have had from TV companies and sponsors has been brilliant,” he said.

“I am looking at the figures from the world championships and I am now thinking I can establish this quite quickly and get global partners to take over different territories to build this into a really major event,” he said.

Hearn’s version differs from standard table tennis because players must use old-school sandpaper-surfaced hard-bats that slow down rallies and, according to Hearn, make the game easier and more exciting to watch.

“This is not an exercise in thumbing our noses at the International Table Tennis Federation. But table tennis as a sport is dead,” he said.

“You’re not going to get kids to pick up the game if it is not aspirational. I need to get my tournament up to US$1 million prize money as quickly as possible.”{jcomments on}

Pocono international Raceway, erectile Inc. today announced a new partnership with Front Row Marketing Services, discount one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing sports and entertainment marketing firms, ask making it the Raceway’s agency of record for commercial rights, corporate partnership development, and sales opportunities.

Pocono is the long-running, largest and most innovative independent racing facility in North America and in 2013 will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends as well as the return of Indy Car racing for the first time since 1989.

“Pocono Raceway has taken huge steps in bringing the Raceway to the forefront of the motorsports industry in America,” stated Raceway President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky. “We have completely repaved the track, added industry leading safety features, increased fan amenities and built a three megawatt solar farm making Pocono Raceway the largest solar powered sports facility in the world. Adding Front Row Marketing Services is another step in forging Pocono Raceway’s continued success in the future,” added Igdalsky.

“Arguably the home of NASCAR in the Northeast with the largest proximity to major urban centers and their consumers, the Pocono Raceway brand offers corporate marketers decades of consumer authenticity very few tracks can speak to,” said Chris Lencheski, President of Front Row Marketing Services. “Our group is very excited to become a larger part of the success of Pocono, the potential our Analytics division has discovered coupled with Front Row’s gravitas in the northeast marketplace will ensure a long fruitful partnership.”

“We are very excited to be able to work with Brandon and his family to help identify what our analytics have proven is a tremendously valuable opportunity for an organization looking to engage an authentic fan base of consumers with the highest sponsor loyalty the Northeast,” said Eric Smallwood, Senior Vice-President of Front Row Marketing Services. “This iconic racetrack showcases the most prestigious levels of motorsport in North America and for the first time in over 20 years will host the thrilling IZOD IndyCar Series, we’re genuinely looking forward to help drive the Raceway’s success!”

The Rugby Football Union has apologised to former chairman Martyn Thomas for the comments made against him in the report into former CEO John Steele’s departure from the organisation.

Steele left the RFU in controversial circumstances in June of last year and Thomas was one figure who was at the centre of the Blackett Report into the former CEO’s departure.

The report, which was submitted on July 8, 2011, for debate on July 10, 2011, stated that Thomas – who was then chairman and acting chief executive:

(i) had inadvertently, but improperly and repeatedly passed confidential information in relation to the RFU either directly or indirectly through third parties to members of the media.

(ii) had inappropriate contact with one of the candidates for the role of RFU Performance Director and breached confidentiality between prospective job applicants.

But a subsequent independent report compiled in November last year by Charles Flint QC concluded there was “no solid evidence” to support misconduct charges against Thomas. The RFU has now claimed that there was “insufficient evidence to support these conclusions” and “therefore apologises to Martyn Thomas”.

The statement concludes: “The RFU is now pleased to bring this matter to a close. We wish to thank Mr Thomas for his many positive achievements during his long and valued service to the Union and wish him well for the future. It is further agreed that neither Mr Thomas nor the RFU will comment further on this matter.”

The Blackett report had originally recommended that Thomas and the whole RFU board, apart from Bill Beaumont, should all resign. The panel reached their conclusions based on evidence from 65 witnesses on a confidential basis.

The report was eventually sent to member clubs in September last year after Thomas had initially succeeded in blocking its publication by threatening to sue for defamation during an RFU council meeting.

That threat remained live once Thomas had been cleared by the Flint report and the RFU council members were told by email in May that Thomas may issue a defamation writ. But today’s announcement seemingly brings an end to any animosity between the two parties.

English Premier league side QPR are close to revealing plans for a new 35,000-seater stadium within weeks, according to the Press Association.

The Hoops’ Loftus Road home is the smallest ground in the top flight and the club have been vocal in their attempts to find a plot of land for a new stadium. QPR chairman Tony Fernandes revealed this week the club are evaluating three potential sites and on Friday posted via his Twitter account the club have made a “great first step” in its attempts for a new stadium.

The plans are likely to be unveiled after QPR return from their pre-season tour in Asia rather than at a press conference on Monday, which many had expected.

MP Andy Burnham has today called for the Rugby Football League (RFL) to reintroduce promotion and relegation to the Super League.

The shadow health secretary has launched a campaign on his website seeking signatures for an open letter he will send to RFL’s new chair once the position is filled.

Burnham feels the current licensing system has created a “closed shop” at the top which is starting to damage the sport he has come to follow since becoming MP for Leigh.

Winning promotion provides the “dream factor” that keeps fans coming through the turnstiles and without it the lower levels of the sport will suffer, health he says.

Here, ed in full, is the letter Burnham will send to the RFL, addressed to Richard Lewis’ successor.

“Congratulations on your appointment – we look forward to working with you to build our great game. With that in mind, we wish to place one issue at the very top of your in-tray: namely, the return of a proper annual system of promotion and relegation to Rugby League.

“We believe this is urgent and essential to the long term health of our sport at every level and we cite the following specific reasons to support its re-introduction.

“It’s ‘the British way’ of doing things. Do we really think that the same old sides year in, year out playing in the top flight is good for the game? If you take away the dream of top flight Rugby League from the Championship clubs, you take away their lifeblood. Where is the incentive to invest in the squad if there is no prospect of promotion?

“Likewise, without the threat of relegation where is the incentive for Super League clubs to improve, knowing they can and will remain in the top flight year on year.

“Promotion and relegation adds excitement and drama to the season at both ends of the tables. Currently bottom of the table fixtures are played out as meaningless games.

“The loss of competitiveness, threatens in the long term to damage spectator and TV audiences for the sport. Too many predictable, one-sided games will make people switch off or not bother to turn up.

“We are lucky to have a number of towns across our heartlands where RL remains the dominant sport and we understand the RFL’s desire to spread our great game to new areas.

“A comparison with top flight football is relevant here. The FA Premier League’s open approach has brought top-flight football to new areas (Hull, Wigan, Reading) and at the same time has improved the competitiveness of both the Premier League and the Championship beneath it. In particular, Wigan Athletic have disproved the theory that clubs must be given top flight security or face relegation.

“We urgently need to engender the same open and competitive culture in Rugby League or the game faces slow decline in the long term.

“We wish you well in your endeavours as the steward of the sport we love and look forward to your active consideration of this crucial issue.”

English Championship leaders Southampton FC has introduced a new marketing campaign which allows loyal fans to show their support using blippar image recognition making them the first club in the Football League to use the latest mobile technology.

Advertising banners across Southampton can now be brought vividly to life using the latest in augmented reality technology, click putting the club firmly at the heart of the city as it continues to strive toward possible promotion at the top of the Championship.

Fans of the Championship-leading club can put themselves at the centre of the Saints’ huddle with up-to-the-minute technology allowing them access to a wealth of information at the touch of a button. Supporters need only to install the free blippar app to their iPhone or Android device to become part of the team with just one click.

As well as providing instant access to the club’s website, team shop and ticket office, fans can also use the huddle feature to place their own face into the Southampton FC team, then use the app to share this image via email, Facebook and Twitter, showing their support for the team across social media networks.

Chris Hayler, Marketing Manager at Southampton FC, said: “We always place our fans at the heart of what we do so we are delighted to be able to engage them using such new technology, and to be leading the way in the use of augmented reality marketing by English football clubs. Our supporters now have the chance to access exclusive information and features at just the touch of a button, ensuring that they stay connected with the club wherever and whenever they wish.”

The Kenya Open golf tournament is the longest-running event of the European-based Challenge tour schedule and today agreed a multi-year title sponsorship deal with Barclays bank.

Barclays Kenya managing director Adan Mohamed spoke of the partnership: “Barclays recognises the power of sport to connect with customers and consumers from diverse backgrounds. We have been involved in developing professional leagues such as the Barclays Premier League in England and more recently cycling here in Kenya, sildenafil citrate sale online and are committed to promoting excellence in the game of golf,”.

The tournament, which carries a prize fund of US$253,000, has obtained the title sponsorship worth $485,000 and will now be officially named the Barclays Kenya Open for a duration of three years.

Kenya Open Golf chairman (KOGL), Peter Kanyago, added, “We are delighted by this strategic partnership with Barclays Kenya, and will ensure that the three-year sponsorship they have committed to will be handled with transparency and accountability in all aspects of our organisation. The KOGL is committed to delivering a world-class tournament which will showcase international golf in Kenya.

“The tournament has grown in statue over the years, and remains the biggest golfing event in the East Africa region. The Kenya Open is the only tournament in the region which meets and maintains the strict standards set by the Challenge Tour, thus attracting top international players from the Tour and from Africa.”

Minor League Baseball team Charlotte Knights has revealed plans to install the widest videoboard in the league at the BB&T Ballpark in a partnership with Toshiba.

The Knights are partnering with Toshiba Managed Business Services and Total Sports Entertainment (TSE) on the state-of-the-art videoboard to enhance the ballpark experience. Opening Day at BB&T Ballpark is set for Friday, April 11, 2014.

The BB&T Ballpark video project will feature a 30-by-82 foot HD videoboard consisting of nearly three million LED lamps. Located in left-center field, the HD videoboard will give fans at BB&T Ballpark a front row seat to all of the team’s on-field promotions, in-game entertainment, as well as up-to-the-minute scores, highlights, and instant replays. The BB&T Ballpark videoboard will be the largest of its kind in the International League and is six times larger than the team’s previous one at Knights Stadium.

The new home of the Knights will also feature a dazzling 14-by-35 foot LED exterior video display, an 8-by-120 foot LED ribbon board display along the right field wall, two 3-by 32 ½ foot fascia ribbon LED displays along the upper level façade on both sides of the stadium, and an LED video ribbon board measuring 2 ½- by 42 ¾ feet within BB&T Ballpark’s five-section ticket plaza.

“This videoboard will provide fans with a one-of-a-kind experience at BB&T Ballpark,” said Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Dan Rajkowski. “The audio-visual aspect of our new ballpark was a clear priority for us as it relates to providing the best experience possible for our fans. Toshiba and TSE clearly understood our vision while providing an impressive digital signage implementation to allow our fans to better enjoy their time at BB&T Ballpark.”

Toshiba is also installing vibrant LCD menu boards within the BB&T Ballpark concession stands, as well as televisions throughout the concourse so that fans will never miss a pitch of the action. Televisions will also be installed in the clubhouses, offices, team store, ballpark suites and suite level areas.

“By working closely with the Knights’ executives in every phase of the planning, our goal was to deliver a comprehensive digital signage implementation to meet the discerning audio-visual needs of the team’s fan base,” said Bill Melo, General Manager, Toshiba Managed Business Services. “By outfitting the team with one of the largest and visually dynamic scoreboards in professional baseball as well as nearly 200 digital displays throughout the ballpark permitting fans to stay connected to the game, we believe we have done just that.”

Charlotte’s consultant on the video project was TSE, a firm that provides quality design, equipment, installation, and support facilities while increasing efficiency, content, and adaptability of video production.

“Everyone at TSE Services, is excited to be chosen by the Knights to lead in the design, procurement and oversight of BB&T Ballpark’s state-of-the-art LED displays, HD production room and other audio-video technology,” stated TSE’s Owner and Chief Consultant, Bob Masewicz. “We challenged ourselves to integrate more innovative technology aspects to ensure BB&T Ballpark becomes one of the most dynamic stadiums in professional baseball.”