ESPN vs. …well…Versus…
The fans have spoken! Fans are definitely not happy about IndyCar Series races being delayed by other sports programs. This season, women’s golf has been the culprit numerous times causing fans to miss the start of a few races. The fans have called for a change. Versus network has stepped up and answered that challenge. ABC will air five races next season including the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 with Vs. network airing the 14 remaining races on the 2009 schedule. Timed races and delaying the start of the race broadcast will be a thing of the past. Versus plans on airing a one hour broadcast the day before each IndyCar Series race in addition to scheduled programs including pre and post race coverage and weekly coverage of the Firestone Indy Lights series. Now, on to the downside… There are a substantial amount of IndyCar series fans across the country that do not have an option from their cable provider to get the Vs. network. Personally, unless Versus finds a way to get themselves on cheaper cable packages, the IndyCar Series is going to lose some of its fan base. Some fans will simply not pay a single additional cent for a cable package in order to view 19 IndyCar and 14 Firestone Indy Lights races next season, especially when they may be able to catch that race online for free. In my area they don’t even offer it unless I switch over to a satellite provider. I hope that the Vs. network can some how solve this nationwide issue before their partnership with the IRL results in fewer viewers and weaker ratings than both sides had hoped for.
