ABC extends Indianapolis 500 broadcasting deal until 2018

The deal means one of the longest-running relationships between a sporting event and a television network will pass the half-century mark.

ESPN on ABC will broadcast the Indianapolis 500 for the 48th consecutive year on May 27, 2012.

"The Indianapolis 500 and ABC have been together since 1965, and we are very proud to extend the relationship with this new agreement," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports.

"The 500 is a uniquely American event and a Memorial Day tradition, and we especially look forward to televising the 100th edition of the race in 2016."

As part of the new deal, ABC will be the exclusive broadcast network partner for the IndyCar Series from 2013-18 and will continue to televise four races each year in addition to the Indianapolis 500.

"We value our partnership with ABC and ESPN and are pleased that the relationship will continue into the future," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO.

"Along with a vast understanding of the Indianapolis 500 and the sport of INDYCAR racing, ABC's production team continues to seek out innovative ways to televise our sport.

"As broadcast technology advances and opportunities arise to implement new technology, we can count on ABC and ESPN to bring the best quality production to our viewers."