Hi-Def for Champ Car?

UPDATE #2 A reader writes, Champ Car had better get on the Hi Def boat soon. Last night Speed had live motocross racing on in HD from California. This may have been their first live broadcast in HD ever. The picture quality was excellent. We have DirecTV, so we get Speed in HD. Champ Car's ratings are going to continue to fall because of all the reasons you constantly mention, but also now because none of their events are broadcast in HD, which is what we the fans want. Bob Blind

01/04/08 Now even ALMS races will be broadcast in high-def in 2008. Seven events, including the 24 Hours of LeMans will be shown in high-def in the 16×9 format. That leaves Champ Car alone as the only major series to be broadcast in low-definition next year, further weakening its position in the marketplace. Expect the TV ratings to plummet further.

12/26/07 A reader asks, Do you have any idea if Champ is close to securing hi-def for it's televised races? It would seem to me to be a huge deal for attracting and/or keeping viewers & sponsors. Brad Goeson, St Albert, AB

Dear Brad, No, unlike all the other major series, Champ Car cannot afford high-definition, so it is not in the plan for 2008……which will drive any existing sponsors it does have to look elsewhere. It's called being penny-wise and pound foolish. The money saved by not doing it will be offset tenfold by lost revenue from sponsors who either leave the series, or new ones who decide not to get involved because of it. And for those who think otherwise, just watch. AutoRacing1.com