After finalizing an extension with ABC on Wednesday, the IndyCar Series has its television deals sewn up through 2018.
Dead are the rumors that NBC—whose sister station, Versus—airs two-thirds of the series’ races on cable
TV, will become IndyCar's new network partner.
The ABC agreement is no small deal. Sources close to the open-wheel series told me the deal that expires at the end of 2012
is worth $4 million to $5 million annually.
Sources within the series are saying the new ABC deal, which runs from 2013-18, is worth more than the current deal. That’s
a nice windfall for a sports property that has struggled with its viewership numbers. (Versus currently pays $3 million to
$5 million annually, a well-placed source said, and its deal also expires after 2018.)
But there are still some issues IndyCar and ABC officials must address.
The complaints about the quality of the ABC race broadcasts are far too numerous. There are complaints about lacking pre-
and post-race coverage, poor on-air talent and barbs about the network’s camera work. The series’ most hardcore
fans seem the least pleased that ABC has extended its domestic deal.
There’s also a hue and cry about the treatment the series gets from ESPN, ABC’s sister station. There are no
shortage of racing fans and even motorsports journalists who complain about ESPN’s lack of coverage of the series. Personally,
I think ESPN should determine what segments it airs on its sports news programs based on news value, not what’s running
on its sister station. But that’s a topic for another time.
What’s lost in all of this is that IndyCar’s partnership with ABC isn’t just about the domestic market.
Far from it. And it has even less to do with the fact that ABC has aired the Indianapolis 500 since 1965, and a lot more to
do with IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard’s future vision for the series.
If you read this blog, it’s no secret that Bernard has his eyes on international markets. Already, he’s planning
races in South America, China and Europe. He’s hoping for a European invasion by 2016.
Clearly, he thinks there’s a place in the worldwide marketplace for IndyCar. What’s not clear is whether Bernard
thinks IndyCar will exist as a cheaper alternative to Formula One, the world’s most popular and lucrative racing series,
or if he plans to take it on for global supremacy. Cue the dramatic music.
What is clear is that ABC—through ESPN—is offering more global exposure for the series than NBC and its sister
station, Versus, could or would.
Even though domestically, ABC will only air five races annually, ESPN will retain international syndication rights for all
IndyCar Series races.
The series may have its roots in ABC’s Wide World of Sports, where the Indy 500 debuted on TV, but its future is clearly
in the hands of ESPN, the self-proclaimed worldwide leader in sports.
The trick for Bernard will be to pursue that lucrative international audience without leaving the series' domestic followers
in the dust.
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6 more years LOCKED in with spec racers in spec chassis, with the same spec OW owners and drivers, now with European flavours. YUK.
The only constant in any of this is IRL mediocrity...so, let's celebrate with long term contract extension for Marty Reid and Bob Jenkins, the voices of Hulman mediocrity on the sport.
Flush the whole thing, ugly new carz and all because it stinks to the high heavens. I have no confidence in Bernard's leadership, a continuing F- in my grade book.
Thanks for making sense of this Chief. An astute observation, as always...
ABC has successfully protected their stake in NASCAR by controlling the on air and online promotion and coverage of INDYCARS main races.
At $6 million the ABC deal is worth 1% of NASCAR's contract with ABC/ESPN.
INDYCARS total TV income with Versus added is around $10.6 million. Do the math.
Inside sources say there was a buyer for INDYCAR and Randy Bernard ignored the offer and didn't take it to the Hulman family.
Larger sponsors are now looking to back away from INDYCAR or commit less $$$.
INDYCAR is not going to survive this fatal amateur mistake.
RIP
Thanks for the chuckle.
So, you think Randy is going to sell this to Europeans, South Americans and Asians when he is obviously having a hard time selling it to USA Americans?
And the faithful deride it all as not being American enough???
This sounds like Champcar...and if you followed any of that, you will know that all the IRL (at that time) faithful did was laugh at that plan. And they used Champcar going to Europe as a sure sign of desperation.
Oh, that's right, the difference now is Indycar (at this time) has Indy.
Man, it is just so confusing. It is hard to know what is up and what is down, what died once, twice or maybe now potentially a third time.
I'm sure the Indycar flower delivery men will be by to tell us all about how good this smells.
But they will be stating it through clenched teeth, because most absolutely hate ABC/ESPN. But, they are paying more, so maybe that is the lube they need to take this contract.
All I will say is, yes, it still smells...of the same desperation that befell Champcar.
Even ol' disciple said in his blog that this TV contract was the definition of insanity. I guess he will change his mind now and take it all back. Maybe he will even change his mind about you since he never sees you as being positive.
Again, so confusing but entertaining nonetheless.
Will Randy be around by the end of this contract. Will he be around at the end of this year?
How is that big deal in Las Vegas going again? Remember that? Who has signed to drive to create the .8 rating that will keep him on the job, or was all that just to create some PR?
I need a scorecard for the business dealings! it is one reason I keep up with this sports business blog.
Hmmm.. Randolf taking on Bernie Eccelstone for global supremacy.. the same guy who introduced the spinning tires at Texas and a 5m gimmick for anyone.. at the championship final, which hasn't worked to plan, says he'll conquer europe one week, then Perth Australia the next week (does he know where Perth is???), pushes through new cars when all the team owners voted against it... says he listens to the fans but clearly doesnt, then signs up the television deal of the century, at the wrong end of the jubilation scale..
can RB take on Formula 1 and achieve global supremacy?? Simple answer my friends. He should be more concerned about keeping indycar alive and kicking another year in the good ol USA.
This TV deal will be the last one because the sport will no longer be here in 2018. I don't think it will be here three more years. ABC no doubt has exit strategy in place.
The Indy Car website at the moment is touting how the Brazilian drivers are bringing "culture" to New Hampshire. That spoke volumes.
The sport is so far out of touch it just needs to move overseas and call it good.
IndyCar is America = Dead as in who cares?
.2 rating 309,000 viewers for Mid-Ohio on Versus. That's what you'll have for your next 6 YEARS on VersUs.
Yup J, ABC gave the IRL a bit more (and they took it), because there were NO better TV deals coming. REMEMBER...EXCLUSIVE network broadcast partner. 4 race and Indy for 6 years. Yeah, this is a winner....almost north of $20M a winner. Bwahahhahhahahaa!!!!
I guess Dario The Muttonchops and the Brazilian Culture Squad just does not resonate with the Northeasterners. I said, No, no, no.
Now the only question is what kind of sucky TV rating will this dog get? Randy? Randy? Ansa the qwestyon, cowboay?
Where is that swagger Randall? Randall? Back to the Mid-State Fair for you, pardnah.
Get with it fellas. So, you don't like IndyCar. No big loss. I say, just move on and find something else to cry about.
BWAHAHAHHHAHA!
The people have spoken and they do not like Dario the Muttonchops and Powerless to change the ratings Will. No.No.No. They do not like ugly cars, getting even uglier, driven by foreign dandies.
THERE'S NO GLOOM or DOOM. It's reality that this is where the Hulmans and all the toadies that leach off them wanted the sport to be.
You must have a guilty conscience or something...it's just the evolution of the sport J and Jeremiah. And, according to youse guys, right where the sport should be.
So enjoy the ride buy/track rental this weekend. ABC and VersUs has done nothing to build the sport...and neither has the IRL. But you love it, so it's all good!
Rip - champ car
"Even with the ABC/ESPN deal, which guarantees the network five races a year, including the Indianapolis 500, Miller said Versus wants more IndyCar races.
"We'd love to have more events," he said. "Ratings are up; attendance is up. (IndyCar has) done a really good job marketing the sport. We're very happy. It's performing at or better than all of our projections."
I certainly never proclaimed them to be back atop the mountain. You've never heard that from me because I live in reality-land. The reality is that things aren't (and never were) as bad as you like to make them out to be. That is your bitterness festering. Let go of the hate and follow NASCAR. You'll love it over there. They have everything you are looking for. Big crowds, big sponsors, big cars, and good ole redneck racers. I'll stick with IndyCars. Thanks.
Those IRL carz suck. They looks slow, they break backs, and are visually unappealing. The racing stinks. Attendance is poor, TV ratings in 0.2 - 0.39 range. Gimmicks, publicity stunts, poor officiating, empty grandstands "it may not look like a sellout, but it really is a sellout". Two teams have won 99% of all races...yada yada yada.
Look, stick you head in the sand, it's ok, it's still gonna stink when you pull yer head out. I'm in Watkins Glen, spending my money....in fact, rain is expected...NASCAR rain delays get 10x the tv ratings the IRL gets. Why is that?
tea. So please don't bore us with your whiny
comments. Remember you can still enjoy the
excitement that is NASCAR or F-1 every weekend on cable TV. Then, when you wake up, take in a soccer match on Telemundo.
NASCAR put on a great show this weekend!
I did catch that amateur series racing in New Hampshire on the tube...reports I hear say there was bad officiating, no attendance, cars looked slow, and general buffoonery.
Hmmmmm, wasn't that what I said was gonna happen just before you told me to SHUT UP? I must know what I'm talkin about, huh?
Since when has the IRL's track safety crew NOT backboarded a driver who has a wreck such as this? This is another FAILURE by the IRL to properly follow safety measures...just like the flambe of Simona DeSilvestro in 2010 and 2011, and the righting of an overturned Marco car in St. Pete by slamming it down to the ground.
Something needs to be done before they kill or burn someone worse than they have.
Do you sense the IRL is getting worse and is getting a lack of respect EVERYWHERE these days? I do, just look at NH this past weekend. Sheesh...
Oh my, where are the IRL supporters today? Must be out getting their propaganda reprogrammed.
Is THIS how AOW should be? It's a laughing stock...HULMAN family, YOU are responsible for this. Fix it, NOW.
Oh, and Randy must have lied about the tv ratings too. It's been reported that they're down from last year. But key demos and target markets must be sky high, because defender says so.
"IndyCar TV ratings on Versus down from 2010
Sunday's event at New Hampshire marks the 12th of 17 events on the 2011 schedule. ABC will broadcast five events this year, including the Indianapolis 500, and the other 12 races are carried on the cable network Versus. Outside of the Indy 500, TV ratings remain low and relatively stagnant. In 2008, ABC's broadcast of events earned a 1.0 average rating, with ESPN earning a 0.6 average. In 2009, events on ABC earned a 0.83 average rating, with Versus events getting a 0.33. In 2010, the ABC number was 0.8 and Versus 0.39. Through 11 events this year, ABC coverage has earned a 1.01 average rating and Versus a 0.35 average, down from last year's 0.39 as it remains a noose around IndyCar's neck."
Gotta imagine that the final for the 0.9 overnight for the NH farce will drop the ABC average lower. Except of course in those key demos and target markets defender's always squawking about...
Try it.
You're welcome.
The IRL is imploding and is OUT OF CONTROL. Not even the Disciple/Defender of the IRL can offer rebuttal except his usual childish boilerplate responses.
Seriously, is it any wonder this mickey-mouse series is going to be stuck on ABC/ESPN and VersUs for 6 more years? They all deserve each other. Failure loves company.
The Hulman family is just lining their pockets before dumping the sport for their retirement inheritance.
In fact, they are going to need all the money they can get because this farce will again be in the red. No doubt, right, flatulence boi?
How many broken bones have there been in the IRL overall, and especially this 9 year old car that they say doesn't fly, maim or kill? LOTS, I have have a running list.
And the IRL never did anything about it. Just denied it was happening.
Marshall Pruett conducts an investigation that reveals a plethora of FAILURES in the IRL Race COntrol.
Randy, either you or Brian Barnhart need to quit amidst this scoring fiasco. New Hampshire was an embarrassing joke on the AOW sport. QUIT immediately please!
Well, the next day the IRL FIRED USAC and Arie was awarded the win.
Do the right thing IRL...FIRE BARNHART and GIVE the win to ORIOL SERVIA, a good former CART and CCWS driver.
And get rid of Al, jr and Bob Jenkins too. If you want this sport to survive, it can do it without those Hulman hanger-ons.
Same old one make cars pounding around in front of less than packed grandstands and thought of by the locals in Indiana to be something special.
You keep saying move on, join the new century, evolution...yet all you do is keep on repeating the same tired points and not so funny putdowns.
You know, the only person I always see here and other places consistently bringing up the split politics and the past is you.
I wish you'd move on. You are as tired as a patched together old Dalarra and about as exciting. Wheezer!
Maybe if and when Indycar gets a new car, you'll get some new material and talking points. Maybe even have a few different ones like exchangeable body panels hiding the same car. Wow! How exciting will that be?
You Indy fans are so stuck in your ways you do not even relaize that guys like Chief, Bret and Burl and all the posters you put down at trackforum.com are actually talking about today and today's Indycar problems. It is always Indy fans that make it about 1995, crpawagons and CART teams and owners.
I'd say, stop and think about it, but you and your ilk (one of you favorite words!) truly seem incapable.
How professional is that? Why go to the trouble? Why not just have Ryan Hunter-Reay and Michael Andretti named to the panel along with Barnyard himself?
There is no way this league/series/whatever you want to call it these days can call itself a major league entity to be taken seriously. It is even worse than the waning days of whatever they were calling CART when it rigored.
Methinks most of the youthful angst being shrieked so incoherently here is borne of insecurity, ignorance and jealousy.
My advice:
-Get remedial education. You make society look bad with all of your borderline illiteracy.
-If you hate what you see, leave and watch something else. Stop being hypocritical in your obsession.
-The car used in the Indy Car Series is spelled D-a-l-l-a-r-a.
You're welcome.
At this juncture, appointing a panel indicates that either:
a) Race Control messed up
b) Race Control is corrupt
Whatever the outcome, appointing two USAC guys and a promoter from NH to the panel (the same guy that wants Will Power's double fingered salute on billboards promoting next years race) certainly will contribute to this being one of the darkest days in the sports history.
Remedial education.....it's this IRLcarz series that needs remedial education. If there's bullets left in the chamber I guarantee they will end up in AOW foot. Great job Hulman family!
Maybe not, kid. But I AM smart enough to not watch things I claim not to like. Being a hypocrite is not something to which anyone should aspire.
AOW has NEVER been worse than it is today. You are calling this evolution? It's Hulman sabotage of the sport is what it is...and YOU are in support of it. That makes you an AOW terrorist. How can you allow the sport to suffer like this? What kind of person are you? How can you defend this mess?
So continue making you and your little nursery school hooligans look foolish. You do a great job with that kid. The rest of us real racing fans will enjoy what we have and work in positive ways to affect ongoing evolution of the greatest sport on earth.
I am in disbelief that those so blind are the biggest supporters of this IMS borne abomination.
You would think that your characterization of all of us that don't agree 100% with you as kids that are hypocrites that follow and hang on everything related to indycar would know how to spell it.
Or, maybe it just goes to show that I was a fan of indy car racing when it was an open rules series that had lots of technology, creativity and the like and do not follow it as much as you would like to think some of us do.
So, I admit, I don't use or type out Dallara that much...but yet you still knew what I meant. Imagine that.
And get off your high-horse there old man (since I must be a kid...another of your tired putdowns)I've seen a few misspellings on these very comments created by your own perfect self.
And keep your tired old "good fans" crap to yourself too. I was a fan, and it is not being hypocritical for wanting the sport to make a big comeback someday. And keep the split politics out of it too, because before CART there were still open rules, technology and creativity.
The split fixer Anton caused the mess it is in now, even though you still blame CART/Champcar.
It is all back together (fixed that split) and it still has to come up with a spec car that teams can't even afford the pig lipstick body kits.
I wonder if they will even be able to afford new cars. But, that will be seen in a few months when the Hulman-Georges are asked to help the teams by the new D-A-L-L-A-R-A.
What I like to follow now, because it is such pure comedic entertainment, is blowhards like you that want to gloss over all the problems the series has and call it evolution.
We are still openwheel fans. Just fans in limbo waiting for heaven to open again so we can get back in.
You go on and enjoy your "hell" on wheels with tight spec single make racing with a few body panels.
I'll just wait and watch you and the current series make fools of themselves and soil the sport that we real racing fans loved and hope return.
There's some key metrics...and that's just the start. Post links to support your $200M and $20M claims. You can't because you just pull it out of your head. Mr credibility...
'What'cha gonna do when she sez goodbye', the great Pablo Cruise song with be the IRL's new theme. I'm already singing it with GLEE!
That sure says a lot about Indy.
A great way for a business publication to choose who represents it buisiness and citizens.
Just about everything but popularity in TV ratings, sponsorship $$$, and attendance. Now, former CART fans take over an IRL forum. Whats next? Driver revolt? 6 more years on a wayward cable outpost? Rival series? A split? TonE Goerge returning to right the ship? Cowboy offing himself? Oh baby, there's not a Hot Wheels ramp big enought for this thing to crash off of.
Go Indy Car!
I was in 2 Izod stores in Orlando last week, neither had any INDYCAR Series merchandise. I have been in Izod stores in FL, GA and NC and have never found any race apparel. The all have Izod Golf stuff.
While outlet shopping this past weekend my son and I spotted an IZOD store. It had a 'Proud Sponsor of the IZOD Indy Car Series' poster in the front window. Walked in thinking we'd find an Indy Car apparel section.
Nope. Nothing.
When the friendly clerk asked if she could help us find anything we simply said 'some Indy Car
shirts'. She said they had nothing in the store
We have a friend that works for Macy's in a bordering state to IN. He brought in a ton of IICS shirts last year and they didn't sell, not even on clearance. They took a huge hit.
I called for tickets and was told walk-ups on race day were a sure thing. Mmmmmmmmmmmhhhhmmmmmmmm. Not good at all.
Sunday's event at New Hampshire marks the 12th of 17 events on the 2011 schedule. ABC will broadcast five events this year, including the Indianapolis 500, and the other 12 races are carried on the cable network Versus. Outside of the Indy 500, TV ratings remain low and relatively stagnant. In 2008, ABC's broadcast of events earned a 1.0 average rating, with ESPN earning a 0.6 average. In 2009, events on ABC earned a 0.83 average rating, with Versus events getting a 0.33. In 2010, the ABC number was 0.8 and Versus 0.39. Through 11 events this year, ABC coverage has earned a 1.01 average rating and Versus a 0.35 average, down from last year's 0.39 as it remains a noose around IndyCar's neck.
We've pegged Joan Crawford as Mary Hulam George and new aspiring actor Vincent Martella as Brian Barhart...ohhh, the irony.
As such, we are tasked with problematic funding issues as any Hollywood production may bring....are there any one willing to fund such an elaborate production? This could be bigger than Le Mans was before Winning was charted amongst the greats of all great cinema. Please, fund this!
Please contact the Hollywood office of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway immediately.
WHAT'S going on? Is IZOD pulling out?
Now, just sissy dudes dancing on a sailboat..
In short, the series is fake. It has been for nearly a decade now, and cannot be taken seriously as a credible sporting entity. It is contrived dramatics, aimed in desperation at making the sport more popular, when in fact it is so far from popular, it is now alienating the few dedicated fans who are left.
In summation: IndyCar Series, notably fake, as evidenced multiple times. Not popular. Fading fast with those few fans who are left.
Solution: Accept fact that with exception of storied Indy 500, sport is essentially dead. Explore alternatives such as ending the sport and calling the Indy 500 a great century long event, not resting in peace.