Long Beach race draws VERSUS’ most viewers

VERSUS' coverage of the IZOD IndyCar Series’ Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 18 earned a 0.5 national household rating, according Nielsen Media Research, making it the network's highest-rated and most-watched race.

The race, won by Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay, averaged 490,000 viewers during its 3-6 p.m. (EDT) window and peaked with 0.6 HH rating and 525,000 viewers.

VERSUS' first three races of the 2010 season, as compared to the same number of live events last season, have grown 67 percent in household ratings (0.5 vs. 0.3) and 30 percent in average viewers (404,000 vs. 310,000).

Additionally, viewership among all key male demographics is also showing substantial growth: Men 18-34 (up 104 percent), Men 18-49 (up 38 percent) and Men 25-54 (up 60 percent).