Unification produces strong first half of season commercially

The IndyCar Series opens the second-half its 2008 season this weekend at Watkins Glen International, and after four months and nine races, the unification of open-wheel racing under the IndyCar Series banner is a success both on and off the track.

By all accounts and measurements, the on-track product featuring an average 26 cars per week has been a success and could reach 29 at select races later in the season.

Off-track the IndyCar Series continues to show business momentum.

“We could not be happier with what we have seen over the first half of the unified IndyCar Series season," said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. “Key areas like attendance, ratings and sponsorship are all pointed in the right direction, and we anticipate further growth and momentum headed into the second half of the season."

With attendance, league officials are impressed with what they have seen everywhere the schedule has stopped to date in 2008. Tracks have reported increased attendance numbers, and the in-market and at-track “vibe" has been noticeable. Reports from tracks on the second-half of the schedule have been even more positive.

Since unification, the series has introduced a number of new sponsors including DIRECTV and Coca-Cola, and this weekend at Watkins Glen the league will formalize a new partnership with IZOD. Efforts to secure category sponsorships and entitlement of the IndyCar Series are in full swing. The league’s sales efforts have increased dramatically and now include an individual whose sole responsibility is working directly with teams to assist in their efforts.

IndyCar Series races have shown ratings increases in six of nine races to date, and ratings are up across the board on ABC (+4 percent), ESPN (+61 percent) and ESPN2 (+42 percent). Overall viewership is up 17 percent season to date compared to 2007.

Merchandise sales are way up with at-track sales increasing by 70 percent compared to 2007.

“Unification has been wonderful for the sport, and there’s a real buzz around the IndyCar Series," said Angstadt.

“Our focus now is to continue to work hard and build a broader sponsorship base for the teams, venues, media and the league."