Indianapolis 500 to Remain on ABC through 2012
In addition, four other races in the IndyCar Series will appear on ABC in each year of the agreement, continuing coverage that has existed since the formation of the series in 1996. The four events for 2009 will be determined in the near future.
"We are very pleased to extend our long relationship with the Indianapolis 500 and the Indy Racing League," said John Skipper, executive vice president, content, for ESPN, which produces all sports coverage for ABC. “The Indianapolis 500 is one of the world's marquee sporting events and one that sports fans look forward to every year."
ABC televised the 2007 Indianapolis 500 in high definition, a first for the historic event, and all IndyCar Series race telecasts on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC were elevated to high definition in 2008.
“2009 is the beginning of the Centennial Era celebration of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race," said Tony George, the founder and chief executive officer of the Indy Racing League. “We are proud of our heritage, history and tradition; and we are proud of our long standing association with ABC Sports. The 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 will mark the 45th consecutive year that ABC has broadcast the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ and they have been a great network partner. We enjoy their past and continued support of the IndyCar Series, who, along with ESPN, has broadcast nearly all of the series’ races since its inception in 1996 and for that we are grateful."
ESPN also has the rights to televise its five races on ESPN’s international networks and highlights rights for the five races across all ESPN digital platforms. [Editor's Note: What international reach will the 13 races on Versus have? Almost none. Bad for the sponsors. Bad move by the IRL. See TV poll on Home Page]