ABC’s broadcast of the 96th Indianapolis 500 showed an increase in national ratings and viewership over the 100th anniversary race in 2011.

Based on fast national numbers provided by Neilsen Media Research and ESPN, the race on May 27 won by Dario Franchitti delivered a 4.34 household rating and 6,857,100 viewers – the race’s best number since 2008.

The rating is an 8 percent increase among households (4.34 vs. 4.03) from last year’s race.

Additionally, ESPN International's coverage through its network and joint ventures reached more than 212 million homes in 136 countries and territories outside of the United States. Add to that syndication (46 countries and 53.3 million homes) and the television distribution exceeded 380.5 million homes in 182 countries worldwide.