The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

IRL: Live coverage, new TV show highlight 2000 broadcast package

3 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS- With all 10 Pep Boys Indy Racing League events in 2000 scheduled for live coverage on ABC or ESPN, the League enters its fifth year of competition with its strongest television package ever.

Augmenting the live racing coverage will be a new live show called "Indy Racing 2Day." The show will air on ESPN2 the same day of each Pep Boys Indy Racing League event in 2000. PPG Pole qualifying for every event will also air on ESPN2.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring to our viewers the Pep Boys Indy Racing League events along with the Crown Jewel of motorsports - the Indianapolis 500 - into the new millennium," said Howard Katz, ABC Sports president. "Our relationship with the speedway is one of the longest in sports television, and were excited about next years schedule and the IRLs vision for the future."

Activity at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May will be covered extensively. ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 combined to provide more than 41 hours of live television coverage during a two-week period in May 1999. That total should increase in 2000 when ESPN2 kicks off the three networks Indy coverage with its Opening Day show May 13. Live daily updates and coverage of PPG Pole qualifying, Bubble Day, Coors Carburetion Day and the 84th Indianapolis 500 will round out their May programming.

"The strong network TV package that ABC has presented us this year has given our teams and track operators a great deal of excitement for the 2000 season," said Leo Mehl, executive director of the Indy Racing League. "The best news is that this TV package will be in place for five years, and it is already attracting attention from possible sponsors, new teams and new venues."

The monthly "Road To Indy" television show, produced by TelX Sports, will also continue in 2000 on ESPN.

All Pep Boys Indy Racing League races and qualifying events will also be carried live on the Indy Racing Radio Network in 2000.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.