ESPN International signs through 2010

[NickFalzone]

http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12905

This seems like good news, but I'm not totally sure if "all IndyCar series" races will be on Int'l, or just the ones ESPN/ABC can air domestically? The press release makes it sound like ESPN Intl will air every IRL race including the VS ones. But that's not 100% clear.

[ykiki]

Aren't the Versus broadcasts going to be produced by ESPN/ABC anyway?

[NickFalzone]

Aren't the Versus broadcasts going to be produced by ESPN/ABC anyway?

I've read both. I heard that Terry Lingner has been hired by VS to produce the races:

http://www.lgpinc.com/

He's produced some very quality stuff for Speed. That said, I think ESPN/ABC will be leading the on-track camera work, etc. and showing VS the ropes. At least that's what Curt Cavin said a few months ago. IMS Productions is also involved. Honestly, it's very confusing how many entities will be part of the broadcast in one way or another, hopefully not stepping on too many toes in the process.

But whether that means ESPN/ABC will have enough of a connection to behind the scenes on the VS broadcasts that they will be able to make their own int'l feed at the same time... hard to say. Curt Cavin also said VS now has the rights through IMS for the last 10 years (or even more?) of races from their archive should they want to air classic races or use those clips.