• by Wayne Friedman , August 8, 2008

Versus is adding one more mainstream sport to its ranks. The Comcast-owned sports network-- which already programs NHL, college football games and the Tour de France--will add 13 races from the IndyCar Series, the group that puts on the Indianapolis 500.

These races had been aired on ESPN and ABC. In a new deal, Versus will get to air those races, as well as their reruns, for the next 10 years.

ABC will keep the Indianapolis 500--where it has been for 44 years-- until 2012. ABC will also air four other IndyCar Series races annually under its new deal.

ESPN will now run five Indy Racing League races, which will also be shown on ESPN's international networks and across all ESPN digital platforms.