Are some of the IRL races next year going to be on Versus network? ?

Of the 18 current races on the '09 schedule, 13 of them will be shown on Versus, and the remaining 5 to be shown on ABC/ESPN (including the Indy 500). The four additional races to be shown on ABC/ESPN have not been determined at this time - however, I would guess at least Watkins Glen will be one (NY = ABC = big ABC Market).

Now, bash - bash - bash all you want regarding the switch from ABC/ESPN to Versus, but it's a good move. Here's why.

If you needed to buy a wedding dress (or tux), would your first instinct be to go to Wal-Mart? For most people, the answer is no. You would want to go to a specialty store, where you would get personalized and detailed attention. ESPN is the Wal-Mart of sports networking. That's not a bash - it's truth. They cover 60+ plus sports, and with this year's IRL growth, and the request for more air time, ABC/ESPN just couldn't make that promise - though it still wants to continue the Indy 500 coverage tradition. Remember Texas? The race coverage was delayed because of a NASCAR *FEEDER* program! Rediculous. In steps Versus. "Yes" to additional race-day coverage. "Yes" to one-hour day-before qualification coverage. "Yes" to additional, personalized focus for growing the sport.

I think the move to Versus is a leap of faith by T.G. and the IRL organization. Yes, there is a significant risk for losing potential fans, but I think that gets trumped by those dedicated fans whom are clamboring for more coverage, more focus, more innovation in broadcasts. Plus, Versus isn't going to stomp on IRL because of another sport, and having to have timed events. Versus covers NHL Hockey, which is (for the most part) not in season while the IRL is, and vice-versa. The IRL is (or should) be treated like kings on the channel, and I think both organizations know that.

Remember this: When NASCAR was *just* starting its rise, where was it being majorily broadcast? On The Nashville Network, which was, at the time, like Versus -- on cable, and on specialty packages. NASCAR grew, thanks to TNN. So, what's the difference between NASCAR's relationship with TNN back then, and the IRL's new relationship with Versus? There's minimal, if any, differences. Here's the scoop, with NASCAR's rise, TNN also gained momentum, too. TNN (now CMT) really grew into a reputable station. Versus is about at the same level as TNN was then. Can having both NHL and IRL (along with cycling and other sports) boost Versus to a level similar to TNN or beyond? That's where proper marketing and business decisions will be made, but it's not out of the question.

Admittedly, I do not have Versus. I will have to upgrade my cable to the digital cable. I realize this. However, is having additional IndyCar televised coverage worth the addtional digital upgrade (guessing appx. $5/mo.)? In my mind, as a avid fan of IndyCars, oh H*** YES! Looking forward to seeing what kind of lineups they have for broadcast coverage.

When the IRL did their deal last year with Versus, it was a 10 year deal. I don't know what it would cost the IRL to get out of a TV deal which reportedly still will annually pay $4 million for the next 9 seasons. Unfortunately, it would seem to be too big a chunk of change to pull it off right now. The best possibility of the IRL getting away from Versus might be a cancellation of the contract by Versus. As the press release from last year says, Versus was promised 13 races per year. Both 2009 and 2010 will only give them 12 with the unsigned race at Brazil's Mystery Motorsports Park probably being one of those. How many races could Versus lose from the promised "at least 13" before they would either want a renegotiation or would consider canceling the contract altogether? In short, the IRL is on Versus thorugh 2018 and ABC (with the Indy 500) through 2012. Of course, one must also assume that both Versus and the IRL will last through 2018. If Versus were to start losing ad buyers or content partners that want DirecTV exposure, they might not last another 9 years. Also, if the IRL eventually mandates a new chassis/engine combination that a majority of the grid cannot afford to purchase, they could be in deep trouble as well. BTW, for full disclosure, I've had DirecTV since March 2000. Due to needing a box upgrade/replacement in January, switching to another provider in time to see the Motegi race would have cost me a cancellation fee of $300. I find it laughable that, up until 12/31/08, DirecTV was a great presenting sponsor for the IndyCar Series. Now, they are supposed to be the enemy that IRL fans should run away from. It's not my fault that the IRL peed in their own bed and it sure as heck isn't my responsibility to clean it up for them either. When Versus (actually Radio Birdman) told us this season that "It's Gonna Be a New Race", they weren't kidding. I found out over the past two months that the world will not end without Indy Car racing in my life and I can find other enjoyable ways to spend time with (and possibly money on) my family. The IRL gambled by letting ABC out of their full contract a season early and lost me, a loyal fan of Indy Car racing for over 30 years, in the process.

What a joke. Now,only those with a midgrade Directv Package can watch the races.. I live in a heavily wooded area and many folks who want a dish package can't get a clear shot through the trees. I was lucky and I'll see the races but most of my friends say they are just going to dump the IRL. What a shame, at least with the ABC/ESPN deal they could at least go to the Tavern and see the race if it was on ESPN's ping pong channel or the ESPN chess network or whatever they used. Our cable provider doesn't serve Versus and they say they won't have it next year either. The IRL just shut out large parts of the fans in the Pacific NW..THe Taverns were a popular place for us because they have extended cable. Now everyone is screwed and we'll just schedule our race day each week around a NASCAR race...something everyone can see with a set of rabbit ears...

Yes they are, 13 races will be on Versus. The IndyCar Series is going to get $6 million a year with this new deal.

In my opinion, this is a terrible decision, Versus gets half of what ESPN 2 gets, and not everybody has Versus.

This deal might prevent the series from getting bigger sponsorship and potentially affect the series from getting that important series sponsor. This deal might stunt the growth of the series. TV ratings on Versus will be very low, and potential sponsors will be asking a simple question, "why should I sponsor a car when I won't get a decent return from this new TV package?"

Bad move Tony, you should do buy time on the major networks rather then go to a 3rd tier channel.

I do not get Versus either and I hope that the IRL got a whole bunch of money in the deal because I do not see this as growing their fan base.

Versus is great, they have the NHL too. I'm pretty sure any decent cable company carries them now. If you live out in the middle of nowhere, then I guess you're screwed but the IRL can't worry about every single fan and what cable package they have. You can also see every race on www.indycar.com.

I have Time Warner Cable they even have Versus in HD now, I hope they stick with ABC/ESPN.. Alot of Nascar fans are screwed now that ESPN has the races until the chase starts.. I'm beginning to think maybe I should just stick with Cable I was thinking about going to DirectTV. but down here in So Cal directTV with what I would want on it would cost me more than Cable...If IRL is smart they will stay with ABC/ESPN.

Go Helio

A lot of them are going to be on Versus next year.

yes.