FOX Sports and IMS Productions scale Indy 500 with 100-camera IP workflow

The transition to a high-capacity IP core reflects the industry's need for elastic infrastructure during 'tier-one' live events where traditional SDI hardware hits I/O ceilings. By decoupling replay switching from the primary broadcast, FOX and IMS achieved a tiered production model that supports extreme operational density—essential for capturing record-close finishes in real-time. This setup serves as a blueprint for FOX’s broader shift toward standardized IP foundations across its sports portfolio. Strategists should note how hardware-on-loan models like the VXP integration allow networks to scale for single-day peaks without permanent capital over-investment. Watch for the further expansion of these automated HUD overlays into other racing tiers as computer-vision-driven graphics become standard.

The technical overhaul of the Indianapolis 500 comes as FOX Sports enters the second year of its exclusive IndyCar broadcast rights deal. According to Forbes (May 2026), the 110th Running of the Indy 500 delivered over 6.6 million viewers, peaking at 8.3 million. While this was a slight dip from the 2025 debut of 7.05 million viewers, FOX’s stewardship has grown the event's audience by nearly 40% compared to previous years on NBC, per FOX Sports (May 2026). This growth is attributed to a strategy of 'showmanship' and broad distribution across the main FOX broadcast network, making IndyCar the only major U.S. motorsport to air every race on free-to-air television.

To support this expanded coverage, IMS Productions fast-tracked a multi-year project to upgrade its flagship mobile units to an IP-based ST 2110 infrastructure. Per Imagine Communications (November 2025), BeckTV completed the conversion of five trucks in just a few months to meet the requirements of the 2025 season. The upgrade included 70 Selenio Network Processors (SNP) and a 400G Cisco-based IP core, enabling native HDR production which debuted during the 109th running. This shift from baseband to IP was specifically driven by the need for more I/O flexibility to handle the increased camera counts and telemetry data that FOX’s production style demands.

FOX’s investment in IndyCar is part of a larger technical and corporate pivot toward live sports as its primary value driver. In April 2026, Appear reported that FOX Sports selected the X Platform to unify its production architecture across 'Jewel Events,' including the NFL and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This unified foundation allows FOX to redeploy technical kits and standardized IP workflows across various sports. Furthermore, per Substacks’ coverage (June 2026), FOX has vertically integrated its distribution by acquiring Roku for $22 billion and launching the 'Fox One' subscription service, ensuring that the high-quality feeds produced at the track reach viewers across both traditional and digital platforms.