Today IndyCar released its 2018 TV schedule, along with new information about the incoming car. IndyCar will again have split duty between broadcast partners ABC and NBCSN. The 17-race calendar will also see the introduction of new camera angles on the UAK-18 car.
IndyCar claim these never before seen angles will be mounted on the nose, sidepod, and rear attenuator. These will compliment the usual above head view with expanded coverage of the visor cam, that’s become wildly popular on social media.
Mark Miles told Racer.com “This is a unique opportunity to bring the sport even closer to the television audience.”
Miles, CEO of Hulman & George Co. which owns IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway added: “IndyCar has experienced 38 percent growth in audience over the past four years and providing a firsthand look at the exhilarating action is a way to win over even more fans.”
YouTube: VISOR CAM: Graham Rahal at Phoenix Raceway
The schedule will kick off with ABC’s coverage of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 11 (12:30 PM Eastern). ABC, which will only carry 5 of the 17 events in 2018, they won’t air another race until the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, held on the road course at IMS, on May 12 (3:30 PM), next will be the Indy 500 qualifying, May 19-20 (4 PM).
Followed by the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500, May 27 (11 AM). ABC will end its 2018 obligations with the Grand Prix of Detroit doubleheader June 2nd and 3rd (both airing at 3:30 PM)
NBCSN will fill the gaps between the season opener at St. Petersburg and Grand Prix of Indianapolis with Phoenix, (April 7 at 9PM) and Long Beach (April 15 at 4 PM). NBCSN will carry Miller Lite Carb Day during the Month of May (May 25 at 11 AM).
The two new time slots on the calendar come with the Iowa Corn 300 on July 8 will air at 2 PM. The Bommarito Auto Group 500 at Gateway Motorsports Park in St. Louis, Missouri will move to the August 25th event to an 8 PM Eastern start time. The newest addition to the schedule is the race at Portland International Raceway on September 2nd (2:30 PM Eastern). The season finale will take place at Sonoma on September 16 (6:30 PM).
Twitter: JUST ANNOUNCED! 2018 #INDYCAR TV Schedule.
102nd #Indy500 Qualifying:
: May 19 & 20
: 4PM
: ABC https://t.co/Ezvy03Sn6n (@IndyCar)
