P1racenews AI automatic summary:
IndyCar’s real worry for 2024 is not the schedule. It’s the broadcast package
it is disappointing to see the removal of Texas Motor Speedway from the IndyCar schedule. Texas was a special race that provided excitement and allowed rookies to gain experience on an oval before Indianapolis. Its absence has no positives.
There is also concern about the long gap between the first and second rounds of the championship, with 42 days of inactivity in terms of points. Hopefully, the non-points race at the Thermal Club will provide some discussion during this period.
The return of IndyCar to the Milwaukee Mile as a doubleheader is a big win for fans, but the date of the first race conflicts with the University of Wisconsin’s football home opener, potentially drawing attention away from the race.
Beyond the schedule changes, my main issue is with IndyCar’s upcoming TV package. The 2023 season saw strong ratings on NBC, but there were lower numbers on other channels and streaming services. More races on NBC have been beneficial for the series and its teams.
Overall, there are concerns about the impact of schedule changes, conflicts, and TV coverage on the success and popularity of IndyCar.
Source: Racer