The noose around IndyCar’s neck

For years now you have heard AR1.com talk about the noose around IndyCar's neck – low TV ratings that deter sponsors and new engine manufacturers from coming into the series. Part of the problem is that IndyCar hitched its wagon to the wrong horse – NBC Sports Network. While what network your races are broadcast on are not the sole reason for low ratings, it is a big driver. How does NBCSN compare to ESPN (ABC would be even higher of course)? On average, ESPN draws 4.6 times more viewers than NBC Sports Network a huge difference. Basically there is ESPN and everyone else. The good news is that NBCSN is closing the gap to ESPN. The bad news is by the time it gets there, if it ever does, IndyCar could be out of business. All races should be on ABC and ESPN, especially ABC where average daytime viewership is over 2 million for sporting events.

Q2 TOTAL-DAY VIEWERSHIP

NETWORK '14 (000) '13 (000) '10 (000)
ESPN 911 716 762
ESPN2 255 244 255
NBCSN 195 155 105
Golf Channel 122 126 75
FS1 114 128 113
MLB Network 105 83 38
NFL Network 79 75 48
ESPNews 59 64 52
NBA TV 59 52 n/a
ESPNU 46 44 n/a
FS2 16 26 n/a