IndyCar teams face sponsorship challenges due to FOX Sports' new performance data graphics overlaying valuable advertising space on in-car cameras. The graphics, which display throttle, brake, gear number, and other live data, cover the inner aeroscreen ring—an area valued at more than twice that of sidepods for broadcast exposure.

Teams invest $350,000 per entry for in-car cameras, typically offsetting this cost by selling the space to sponsors. The new graphics overlay has created tension as sponsors aren't receiving the visibility promised in their contracts.

While FOX Sports attempted to address the issue by displaying primary sponsor logos in a box on the screen's bottom right corner, this solution only works for single-sponsor cars. Teams with multiple sponsors continue to face challenges.

IndyCar officials plan to gather team feedback after the St. Petersburg race to implement changes before The Thermal Club race (March 21-23). A potential solution may involve identifying specific entries that opt out of the overlay, allowing FOX Sports to adjust their production accordingly.

The situation highlights the delicate balance between enhancing viewer experience with modern graphics and maintaining crucial sponsorship obligations that fund team operations.

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