Bernard looking for a 0.6 for Barber race

UPDATE Versus fails IndyCar yet again. Bernard was looking for an increase from last year's 0.4 rating for the Barber race up to a 0.6, a 30% increase. Instead he got a 25% decrease to this year's 0.3 rating, also on Versus. Mr. Bernard is not responsible for this problem however. Those involved with the negotiations, before he arrived on the scene, were simply pennywise and pound foolish.

IndyCar CEO would be satisfied with a measly 0.6 TV rating for Barber

Scott Morris/AR1.com

04/10/11 Today's race at Barber was a test for the IZOD IndyCar Series' TV ratings, according to IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard.

The season opener at St. Petersburg, which was on ABC, drew a 1.4, a significant boost over 2010. Barber's race was the first Indy broadcast for the Versus cable network, which carries most Indy races.

Bernard said he's hoping for a 0.6 rating from Barber. Last year's broadcast on Versus drew a 0.4.

He also said he has no problem with the Barber race having to compete for a TV audience with The Masters golf tournament.

"If we can't stand alone and compete with any other sport out there, what are we?" he said. "I'm more excited that NASCAR was last night and we aren't up against NASCAR."