Ratings show CART most popular in Indy.

When the CART Champ Car World Series moved its corporate headquarters to Indianapolis last spring, the intention was to put the open-wheel sanctioning body in close proximity to many of its teams, suppliers and sponsors.

Predictably, the racers have responded positively to the move but perhaps the best response has come from the racing fans of the Indiana capital city. After six network broadcasts of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford on CBS Sports, Indianapolis tops the list of average Nielsen ratings among the nation's major markets. The city moves to the top spot after placing seventh on last year's list.

Indianapolis racing fans have tuned in for an average rating of 2.4 for the six CBS events where individual market numbers can be computed. Seven markets are averaging ratings of 2.0 or better including Kansas City, St. Louis and Memphis. CART Champ Car race markets Portland, Columbus, Miami and Denver are all in the top 25 in ratings numbers for series events.

"We have tried to incorporate ourselves into the City of Indianapolis and strike a chord with the racing fans since our move," said CART Champ Car President and CEO Christopher R. Pook. "We are very pleased that the people of Indianapolis are leading the way in television ratings, and are equally excited about the rising numbers across the board."