IndyCar Series on ABC

IndyCar Series on ABC
Also known as 'IndyCar Series on ESPN'
Genre Auto racing telecasts
Presented by Allen Bestwick
Scott Goodyear
Eddie Cheever
Jon Beekhuis
Rick DeBruhl
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
Production
Camera setup Multi-camera
Running time 180 minutes or until race ends
Production company(s) ESPN on ABC
Release
Original network ABC
ESPN
Picture format 480i (SDTV),
1080i (HDTV)
Original release 1996 (1996) – present
Chronology
Related shows IndyCar Series on NBC

The IndyCar Series on ABC, also known as the IndyCar Series on ESPN, is the branding used for coverage of the IndyCar Series produced by ESPN, and currently broadcast on ABC television network in the United States (through its ESPN on ABC division).

Overview

ABC first began airing races that are now part of the IndyCar Series in 1965 with that year's running of the Indianapolis 500 on its Wide World of Sports anthology series,[1] with the network having broadcast the 500 every year since. In 1996, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George led a group of breakaway owners in the founding of the Indy Racing League, with the 500 being its premier event. ABC added coverage of IRL races to the 500.

From the league's inception in 1996 through 2008, ESPN and ESPN2 also each carried several of the IndyCar Series,[2] before losing the cable television rights to the series to Versus (now NBCSN).[3] Despite losing the cable rights, on August 10, 2011, ESPN renewed ABC's end of its broadcast deal with the league through 2018.[4]

The network typically airs five races annually,[4] though it has occasionally aired six during the season.[5] In 2014, ABC celebrated its 50th consecutive broadcast of the Indianapolis 500.

In 2005 ESPN & ABC's IndyCar coverage introduced the innovative Side-By-Side feature, allowing viewers to continue seeing on-track action in a smaller window alongside commercials in a larger window. However, the viewers hear audio from the advertisers instead of the race broadcast. Other networks in the U.S. later followed with this procedure.

On-air staff

Current team

As of 2017, Allen Bestwick is the lap-by-lap commentator while former IndyCar drivers Scott Goodyear and Eddie Cheever serve as color commentators.[6][7][8] ABC's coverage of the 2013 Firestone 550 at Texas Motor Speedway was the first prime time broadcast for the network.[9] Former driver Jon Beekhuis, Rick DeBruhl and Jerry Punch report from the pits.

Former hosts

This includes ABC's coverage of USAC, CART, and Champ Car-sanctioned IndyCar races, from 1965 onwards:

Former play-by-play

Former analysts

Former pit reporters

References

  1. ↑ Bruce Martin (October 7, 2011). "ABC Television Adds To IndyCar Coverage". National Speed Sport News. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  2. ↑ "2008 IndyCar Series Schedule". ESPN. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  3. ↑ "2009 IndyCar Series Schedule". ESPN. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Indy 500 will remain on ABC into 2018". ESPN. August 10, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Cheever expanding role to all 6 ABC IndyCar races". Sports Illustrated. Time Inc. April 24, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  6. ↑ Dan Lewandowski (May 25, 2013). "ABC's innovative '500' coverage on the air NOW". IndyCar Series. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Marty Reid Fired: ESPN Replaces NASCAR, IndyCar Announcer After Nationwide Gaffe (VIDEO)". The Huffington Post. AOL. September 29, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  8. ↑ "NASCAR broadcaster Allen Bestwick to move to IndyCar Series broadcasts". Charlotte Observer. January 2, 2014. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014.
  9. ↑ "ABC prime-time broadcast showcases competition". IndyCar Series. June 6, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2013.


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