IndyCar Series signs new television deal with Versus
If you're keen to follow the reunited IndyCar Series, you may want to call up your cable or satellite provider and add Versus to your package. The channel has secured the rights to broadcast the series, moving the races over from ESPN.
Although the lesser-known Versus reaches some 20 million fewer homes than ESPN, the network is expected to offer extended coverage, with pre- and post-race shows and the possibility of Indy-related programming in between races, as well. Meanwhile, ABC has renewed its contract with IRL officials to broadcast five races – including the Indy 500 – each season. While the deal with Versus might seem like a step backwards from ESPN, the stability of consistent and extended coverage could help put open-wheel racing in America back on the map.
[Source: Autosport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Torrent 7:09AM (8/13/2008)
I'm surprised I've never heard of Versus.
Reply
azzo45 8:42AM (8/13/2008)
Guess you are not a fan of the NHL & the Tour de France ?
VS. has received rave reviews for their top notch coverage of BOTH sports. I've been told Pro Bull Riding too (but I'm not into that sport...)
adrenalnjunky 9:30AM (8/13/2008)
VS. used to be The Outdoor Life Network (OLN) I think they changed the name 2 years ago?
Lester 7:18AM (8/13/2008)
It's often shown as "VS" on cable listings like Comcast and DirecTV. I think this is good news as Im more likely to watch VS than ESPN, plus VS is right next to SPEED on my channel programming.
Reply
Allan 7:23AM (8/13/2008)
Guess I won't be watching those Indy races here...
Reply
policyvote 8:31AM (8/13/2008)
This is the same mistake hockey made . . . ESPN stacks the deck in their favor when it comes to commercials, promos, SportsCenter highlights--ESPN treats its own stuff as being more newsworthy, and they are the eight-hundred pound gorilla. Just like hockey, the diehards will love the extended (and frankly excellent) coverage, but the loss of exposure will prevent anyone other than diehards from ever enjoying it.
Peace
policy
Reply
azzo45 8:48AM (8/13/2008)
IMO the NHL didn't make a mistake... They got PAID to go to VS. & they promote the h*ll out of the NHL.
The IRL would have to pay ESPN & IndyCar gets minimal coverage on Sports Center (unless its the Indy 500 or perhaps the IRL Championship results).
ESPN built ESPN2 by moving motorsports to the channel... rabid racing fans got cable providers to DEMAND that the "Deuce" be added to their cable line up Perhaps VS will benefit in same way.
NHL reports viewing numbers up, even with VS reaching less cable systems.
Ryan 8:34AM (8/13/2008)
Versus is becoming a pretty good channel. Back when they were OLN they used to have some pretty sketchy shows. I seem to remember one where Ted Nugent went insane and tortured contestants at his home in Michigan.
There's one small problem though, Versus isn't in standard cable packs, you need to get extended cable in order to watch these races now.
Reply
beaz 8:55AM (8/13/2008)
Wow, I thought the IRL was getting its act together. I can't believe they looked at Vs. and how they're killing the NHL (because nobody watches) and said "yeah! let's go with them!" Idiots...
Reply
azzo45 2:30PM (8/13/2008)
I live in the metro Detroit area (AKA: Hockeytown) & VS. coverage is praised, people here hated FOX (& the puck-tracker) & would watch CBC (& Don Cherrey) for authentic / enthusiasts coverage. Many have accepted VS. So there is "someone" watching...
The NHL says their sponsors & teams have noticed an upswing in sales/ feedback based on better (& more focused) hockey coverage on VS. over their pay-for-airtime deal
Galley 9:18AM (8/13/2008)
Nice! I hope they add A1 GP next.
Reply
Ian 10:30AM (8/13/2008)
The problem with Indycar isn't the channel showing them, it's the outdated and underpowered equipment which isn't due to change until 2011. Meantime A1GP etc. are snapping at their heels for attention (though I still cannot understand how A1 teams survive financially).
Let's hope that Versus do a better job for Indycar, in terms of viewers, than Spike did for Champcar.
Reply
azzo45 4:38PM (8/13/2008)
There is a world of difference between A1GP & IndyCar. A1 teams need a F1 style budget... they have to travel around the world IRL is domestic & the series bundles Japan & Austrailia races (usually). Much easier to sell an IRL program.
Agree that the A1GP will have a better looking car... next season they get a Ferrari designed chassis.... the IRL Dallara looks like a bad Pinewood-Derby car!!!
diatessaron 3:03PM (10/23/2008)
im very happy about this move. here in mpls on comcast i can get vs on basic cable while i need higher end package to get espn. it will be nice to get the races again.
Reply