1981 PPG IndyCar World Series

Kraco Car Stereo 150

Indianapolis 500

Rex Mays Classic

Kraco Twin 125s

Michigan 500

Los Angeles Times 500

Tony Bettenhausen 200

Watkins Glen 200

Miller High Life 150

Number of races televised: 8/12 (67%), scheduled to be 10/12 (83%)

Number of races televised live: 5/12 (42%) scheduled to be 6/12 (50%)

Changes from previous year:

- Once again several new races were added to the calendar. The Kraco Car Stereo 150 was shown tape-delayed on NBC, the Kraco Twin 125s were shown live on ESPN (and tape-delayed on NBC), and the Los Angeles Times 500 was shown live on ESPN.

- The True Value 500, previously tape-delayed on ABC, was removed from the calendar, as was the Red Roof Inns 150, previously shown live on ESPN.

- The Michigan 500, shown on NBC, was moved from tape delay to a live broadcast.

- The Rex Mays Classic, previously untelevised, was shown live on ESPN.

- The Tony Bettenhausen 200, previously shown tape-delayed on NBC, was untelevised, though it was planned to be aired.

- The Watkins Glen 200, previously untelevised, was planned to be shown live on ESPN, but wasn't.