IRL and ABC/ESPN to start contract extension talks

The IRL has their fingers crossed that this year's Indy 500 gets a real boost in TV ratings now that the series has taken over Champ Car. At the conclusion of Sunday's Indy 500, the IRL and ABC/ESPN will enter a negotiating window for the next few months to discuss a contract extension beyond the current end of the 2009 season.

ESPN currently pays the IRL $10 million annually to broadcast its races. Look for the IRL to try and get more air time for its IndyCar series.

"I believe we're going to see a revenue-share plan that could benefit both parties if the series experiences some significant growth," said Jeffrey Cokin, a former NBC executive who is now a TV consultant.

"ESPN does not want to continue to lose money on a package that does not generate significant ratings," said Cokin. "But I also think it is smart for IndyCar to talk to other networks to gauge their interest."