Is anyone else peeved that most of the I.R.L races are now on Versus ? Is the I.R.L. TRYING to push fans away?

I think no matter what I say, I'm not going to get voted popular on my response, but I am going to say this: I'm absolutely thrilled for the IRL switching to Versus for the majority of their races. Let me explain:

When a sport is on a Disney-owned channel (including ABC and the ESPN family), it is one of 40+ sports the network broadcast. Therefore, you are a small fish in a small pond full of small to medium fish. Therefore, in order to get more of your product out, you have to outrank (nee, outpay) other sports to get broadcasts. It's like you're in a large family with 40 kids, and someone asks the parents which child is your favorite, and they have to choose while the others anticipate their name being called. For Disney, they can't choose, because they don't (ie, can't) play favorites.

Enter Versus.

Versus had, in essence, two major sports to its lineup: NHL and the Tour de France. I know there is a lot of other programming the channel broadcasts, but still - NHL is a winter sport, and the TdF is across-seas for live broadcasts, and only for about 30 days (and tape-delay is perfectly acceptable).

The IRL is a perfect fit for Versus to broadcast. Why?

(1) A dedication from the channel to the IRL. The IRL is NOT going to have to wrestle for broadcasting times, and will probably not have to worry about races exceeding time limits (whereas Disney called for mandatory time limits, so they could sneak in the ending).

(2) Expanded coverage of the IRL on the channel. A dedicated show on the day before the race (to cover qualifications). Expanded post-race interviews and discussions. Weekly shows (ie, call-in?). Broadcasts of historic open-wheel races (including those from the CART and USAC days, and old Indy 500).

(3) Willing to take chances with technology for the betterment of the fans. Remeber the World League Football, and the in-helmet camera? The World League died, but DANG that in-helmet cam was flat awesome. Versus is on record willing to try new technologies and give the viewers something completely different for IndyCar fans that trumps anything that Fox/NBC/TNT can put out with tintops.

Look - say what you will about T.G.'s efforts to boost IndyCar with the deal from Versus. Put it in perspective: When did NASCAR take off (truly)? When they had a television channel that stated they would be willing to broadcast all races (not already being broadcast by the big stations). That station was TBS/TNT. Not only did NASCAR benefit, but also the stations. This move to Versus is, in my opinion, a similar move.

The IRL has, of course, a buyout plan for Versus, but let's give it a fair chance to be successful! They haven't broadcast the first show, and already they're getting scalded unfairly. Let's see what kind of product Versus puts out for the IRL, as we know what a fantastic show the IRL puts on for its fans.

I'm pissed because where I live, only DirectTV customers get Vs.

We are heavily wooded and most people can't get a clear southern view for a dish to work. Our Tavern has cable and Versus won't be made available until 2010 or later. It's a lame move and I believe I'm not the only one who will probably quit following the series with any depth.

A pitcher of beer , a big burger and a few friends at the Tavern is how we USED to enjoy the IRL.. .

This could be the final killer of the IRL.

I have DirectTV but I don't want to host the race party every weekend.

So,.We are going to watch Nascar at the Taven this season.

I'm ok with it because I get Versus, but I know that a lot of people don't. I thought the goal was to bring in fans, not push them out. I think there were more fans in 2008 than 2007, but now I think there are going to be less fans in 2009 than 2008.

I spend a lot of my time traveling and staying in hotel rooms, where television services usually leave a lot to be desired. I sincerely doubt I'll be able to watch the Versus channels at any of them.

I'm hoping that IndyCar.com keeps the live (radio/web) broadcasts and leader boards available for those of us, through no fault of our own, can't get to watch (at times.)

Other than that glitch, I think the move is a good one. Specialty TV is the wave of the future, and the IRL is special ;0)

ASIDE. To the "profound minded" sneaks who give a "thumbs-down" rating to every positive posting in the IRL thread: Why waste your time in this thread when you have no interest? (Freudian!?!)

We DO see you for what you are, so you've wasted yet more precious time from your miserable lives. (I use those postings marked "thumbs-down" as an indicator that the content is probably relevant. Thanks for the "LITTLE heads-up's" LOL.)

havent seen the tv schedule did not know until now

it gotta be a win win thing for irl/versus they know that if they push

to hard they are going to lose alot of fans and that something they cant afford they know it. yes im peeved but lucky with my dish

just getting versus in hd yahhoooo!

Its okay with me Versus is on digital and HD tier at Time Warner, and then Direct TV and Dish out here in Calif.. Everyone I know has Versus, if you don't have it in your area, complain this channel is carrying a lot of sports now, everyone will have this channel soon.

Go Team Penske, Welcome Will Power

I was not happy about it at first then I found out that my cable company ( comcast ) offers vs. so i am OK. But I still would like to see them on the networks.

I'm not happy about many IRL things. That is right up there at the top of the list.

no. I was at first, but not now.

Tony George HAS been pushing fans away for nearly 15 years now...............

NOBODY asked for the IRL - or CART Light.

NObody asked for Twinkle toes, big teeth, or the princess of pout.

Fans want RACING - not the IRL..................