ESPN TO PROVIDE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION FOR 89th INDIANAPOLIS 500
Total reach to exceed 200 countries, 338 million households
ESPN will distribute the Indianapolis 500, the world’s most prestigious auto race, to a potential television audience of more than 338 million households, it was announced May 27 by Russell Wolff, managing director, ESPN International.
The green flag will fall on the 33-car starting field of the Indianapolis 500 at 1 p.m. (EDT) Sunday, May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
ESPN, which is the exclusive worldwide television representative of the Indy Racing League’s IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500, will televise the Indy 500 live to 146 countries and territories outside of the United States via its affiliated networks in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Latin America, New Zealand and the Middle East.
ESPN is also responsible for the global syndication of the Indy 500 for live broadcast in the Baltic States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In addition, ESPN will distribute the Indy 500 to the American Forces Network serving military personnel stationed in 176 countries and U.S. territories.
In the United States, the Indy 500 will be telecast live to a nationwide audience on ABC, with the pre-race show starting at noon (EDT). When combined with ESPN’s international distribution efforts, the estimated worldwide total for the Indy 500 will reach more than 200 countries and over 338 million households worldwide.
“Since its inception the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race has been an international event,” said Fred J. Nation, executive vice president, communications, of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “ESPN’s international reach will bring the 89th running to our largest potential international audience in its history.”
Said Wolff, “The Indianapolis 500 is recognized as one of the premier motorsports competitions throughout the world, and ESPN is pleased to once again offer distribution of this great event.”
In addition to the broad global television distribution of the race, this year’s Indy 500 also has a particular international appeal. Of the 33 starting drivers, 16 are from countries outside of the United States, including four drivers from Brazil, three drivers from the United Kingdom, two from Canada and one driver each from Australia; Czech Republic, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden, and South Africa.
Local international TV listings for the Indy 500 are available online at http://www.indycar.com/schedule/2005_international_tv.pdf
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Indy 500 tickets: To purchase tickets, camping or parking for the 89th Indianapolis 500, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY or log on to indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
