Inside the Media Takeover: How Fox & SpeedSport Are Shaping the Future of Racing
In this explosive episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti is joined by SpeedSport CEO Joe Tripp and AutoFluencer founder Erica Sietsma for a deep dive into the business, broadcasting, and branding of motorsports.They kick off with breaking news about Fox Sports acquiring a 33% stake in Penske Entertainment and what this means for IndyCar’s future. Joe Tripp shares how SpeedSport is revolutionizing motorsport media distribution through FAST channels and content partnerships, offering unprecedented exposure for grassroots and professional racing alike. Then, Erica introduces AutoFluencer, a game-changing platform for racers and sponsors to track earned media value and ROI in real time.Whether you’re a die-hard fan, team owner, or aspiring influencer in motorsports, this episode gives you an insider look into where the sport is headed—and how to stay ahead of the curve.⏱️ Key Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & podcast moves to Tuesdays00:52 – IndyCar championship update and Portland race preview03:04 – Major news: Fox acquires 33% of Penske Entertainment06:00 – Why the Fox deal is a win for IndyCar, fans, and teams07:43 – Guest: Joe Tripp (CEO, SpeedSport) joins the show08:50 – IHRA partnership, revitalization under new ownership10:25 – How to watch SpeedSport 1 & 2 on FAST platforms13:10 – SpeedSport’s growing content network & affiliate strategy16:27 – Upcoming live events: Pro Mod Nationals, Rolex Monterey20:00 – The power of local production + national distribution25:00 – The COVID-driven rise of streaming and virtual production26:14 – SpeedSport’s full media ecosystem overview34:45 – Guest: Erica Sietsma (CEO, AutoFluencer) joins the show36:00 – What AutoFluencer does and why sponsorship data matters38:35 – Real examples of product-only deals turning into $$$40:15 – How racers can track media value and present ROI42:45 – Tools for drivers to build sponsor relationships46:20 – Branding, scalability, and marketing with AutoFluencer51:00 – Final thoughts and thanks to America’s Christian Credit Union🔗 Links & Sponsors Mentioned:🔗 SpeedSport: https://www.speedsport.com🔗 SpeedSport1: https://www.speedsport1.com🔗 SpeedSport2: https://www.speedsport2.tv🔗 AutoFluencer: https://autofluencer.com🔗 America’s Christian Credit Union: https://americaschristiancu.com/pits