Okay, so it is Saturday night and not Thursday when I am posting this entry. The best laid plans can occasionally be put to rest, I think.
Which is then a perfect transition into the main topic of the week's blog: VERSUS's debut of IndyCar coverage at St. Petersburg.
The negativity out of the way first. I was not sold on the deal initially, but to jump ship for abominable ratings after the first race of a 10-year contract is more or less absurd. That being said, the expected ratings plunge occurred with a drop to a 0.3, down from a 1.1 on ESPN for the season opener (at Homestead, an oval) last year. This was also down 60 percent from last year's St. Pete event.
There are a couple ways to explain it. Cynically, barring a major change in philosophy from the Indy-centrism that populates those involved with day-to-day operations of IndyCar, or a desire to grow the sport beyond its diminutive and shrinking fan base (who, granted, are still loyal, erudite, and passionate to a fault), those ratings are representative and don't have a huge chance at significant gains.
Or optimistically, its that VERSUS doesn't yet have the name recognition as an ESPN or a SPEED and despite its distinct and noticeable promotional efforts, just isn't as accessible. That can change.
There is also the corresponding problem that with low ratings, the ROI for any potential sponsors, both new or current, is minimal to continue or pursue further investment. Especially in this economy.
But that being said, hopefully, sponsors tuned in to see the quality of the VERSUS broadcast, which far and away was the best IndyCar has been treated in the last dozen years versus what ABC/ESPN has had to offer.
The network committed nine hours to IndyCar coverage from Saturday night to Monday, the highlight of course a three-hour block on Sunday that was extended a further 20 minutes into the next program for interviews of the top eight (eight!) drivers.
The announcers had good chemistry for a first time out, even though Bob Jenkins still isn't immune from the odd name slip-up or two. He did at least have the enthusiasm that has been missing the last few years with the rather droll Marty Reid. The new pit reporters are solid - Lindy Thackston in particular is a great hire as she seemed very much on the ball on debut.
There was also coverage of most, if not all, 22 cars in the race at some point (Mike Conway not withstanding as his race only lasted until turn two of the first lap), plus a variety of great camera angles and an adoption of one of ABC/ESPN's rare assets, the "Side-by-Side" feature now dubbed "Indy Nonstop" that allowed viewers to still watch the action during commercials.
Bottom line, the ratings are abysmal for now, but on the bright side, IndyCar may have just found a partner that gives them the time of day and is an active promoter of their product. Conceivably the ratings have nowhere to go but up. Over time, it may have more positive effects than I originally anticipated. For that, a tip of the cap.
Elsewhere it was a very busy weekend race-wise. At St. Pete, Junior Strous, former Atlantic shoe, pulled off an impressive sweep of the Indy Lights doubleheader. Acura's P1 scored their inevitable first overall victory in ALMS with Patron Highcroft Racing. One of their co-drivers, Scott Sharp, is also in the news for returning to Indianapolis with Patron backing for Panther Racing.
In F1, due to Bernie Ecclestone's somewhat hypocritical notion of accommodating the European television audience while he snatches races from under their nose, the Malaysian Grand Prix was stopped after only 32 laps because of darkness and torrential downpour. It started at dusk and was always going to have a shower as they're quite persistent in Malaysia at that time.
Winners were Jenson Button again - never have those words been uttered or dreamt during his F1 career - but received only half points for his efforts. Jeff Gordon returned to victory lane in NASCAR - after 47 races, since 2007 - for the first time at the Texas Motor Speedway. JG looks good this year but the last time I said that he tanked during the Chase and Jimmie Johnson won it all, so I'm not making any predictions.
The proverbial word that rhymes with slit will hit the fan this week in two places. The ruling on "Diffuser-gate" is on April 14 where the fates of Brawn, Toyota and Williams will be known.
Elswehere jury deliberation in the sad case of two-time Indy 500 champ Helio Castroneves is set to begin Monday on whether he is guilty of tax evasion and hiding money in an off-shore account. It's a wish the ebullient Brazilian isn't going to be nicknamed "Jailio" henceforth, but all signs point to that being the case.
If not, we may see Helio back behind the wheel soon. The Indy 500 entry list is slated for release next week. Another busy weekend will feature the always enjoyable Long Beach slate of events with IndyCar (assuming the Crapwagoneers don't protest the race, which is always a possibility), Indy Lights, ALMS and Pro/Celebs running.
NASCAR is back after a week off, in my hometown of Phoenix (transplanted in Milwaukee, I won't be present at either of these enjoyable west coast events I frequented when younger), while F1 races in China with cars that may be altered as a result of the diffuser results.
Articles for the week:
Junior Strous's sweep at St. Pete: http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=323224&FS=INDYLIGHTS
Abuse up in Milwaukee as a result of the economy:
http://media.www.marquettetribune.org/media/storage/paper1130/news/2009/04/07/News/Rise-In.Milwaukee.Domestic.Abuse-3698960.shtml
Happy Easter and out for now. Cheers.
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