IndyCar CEO may take control of more races to boost TV ratings

The Indianapolis Business Journal wrote an article today saying that IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard is so driven to increase race attendance and television ratings, he’s considering taking control of more of the open-wheel circuit’s races to make that happen.

Which of course means IndyCar might be getting into the race promotion business. Historically when race series try to promote their own races the results are not good. The main focus for Randy Bernard right now must be on securing a TV deal with NBC that will see at least 50% or more of all IndyCar races broadcast on NBC and the rest on NBC Sports (Now Versus). Possibly more important is signing a deal with ESPN International or equivalent to broadcast the races worldwide.