IndyCar has experienced a 38% jump in TV viewership jump over the course of the past four yearsGETTY IMAGES
The '18 Verizon IndyCar Series begins on Sunday in St. Petersburg, and while its foothold in the overall sports landscape "remains modest, its momentum is tangible," according to Jim Ayello of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Sponsors are "returning to the series in bunches -- many with multiyear commitments." Last month's open test featured 24 cars "decked out in their full or near-full liveries with drivers signed on to pilot every one of them." That contrasts last year, when four-time series champ Scott Dixon drove around in a "white car after longtime sponsor Target pulled out of motor sports." Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay said, “This is definitely a different landscape in open-wheel racing than we’ve seen for quite some time now. As far back as I can remember, this is the healthiest we’ve been as a series.” Driver Tony Kanaan added, “Look at the all of the teams, look at the sponsors, the new drivers. At least since [the IndyCar-Champ Car split], this is the healthiest we’ve been.” Ayello lists other reasons for the upswing, including IndyCar seeing a 38% TV viewership jump over the past four years while other sports have "watched their ... numbers dwindle." Four new teams are running at least a partial schedule this year, and IndyCar President of Competition & Operations Jay Frye said that there are "more to come." Meanwhile, 16 of 17 races return from last season, with Watkins Glen "quickly replaced ... with an event in Portland." IndyCar CEO Mark Miles: “I am proud of what we’ve done. I’m proud of our whole team. I think we’re in a much better place today than [we] where were five years ago." He added that he is "working on what could be a game-changing television deal that he expects to announce in the coming weeks" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/9).
NEW LOOK: NBCSPORTS.com's Jerry Bonkowski notes things are "somewhat different this season than last," as IndyCar will feature a "brand new race car, one that has been dramatically improved with significantly lower downforce." The car's "more vibrant aero package that has reduced downforce places more control back in drivers’ hands, while they pilot one of the sexiest and bold-looking open-wheel cars in at least the last two decades." The new Dallara "looks like a race car should: sleek and most importantly, racy." While F1 and NASCAR have "continued to lose at-track attendees and TV viewers over the last several seasons, IndyCar at the same time has been on an upswing." With the new car and American driver Josef Newgarden attempting to defend his title, the "upswing is likely to continue this season" (NBCSPORTS.com, 3/9).
