IRL's Move To Versus For 13 Races Causes Concern Among Sponsors

IRL Commercial Division President Terry Angstadt said that the IndyCar Series' "move away from ESPN's family of networks caused some consternation with a couple of companies interested in becoming the series' title sponsor," according to Curt Cavin of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Under a new TV deal signed earlier this month, Versus next season is scheduled to broadcast 13 races, while ABC/ESPN will air five. Angstadt said sponsors were "initially (apprehensive), saying, 'We need to take a look at it; we're not sure.' Now that they've run the full numbers, I think they understand (the TV package) and like it. They see they'll get more (exposure) from Versus than ESPN." Angstadt added, "The ones that are most familiar with the media space and most familiar with what we've been through (with ESPN) have said it's a great move. The others ran the other end of the spectrum saying, 'You're nuts. You're desperate. What did you do that for?'" Angstadt "remains confident the series will have a title sponsor next season." If a deal "isn't struck by the end of October," Angstadt said, "We'll be looking at (2010)" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 8/29).