NASCAR Cup Series Viewer Trends: NASCAR’s Cup Series experienced a 5% decline in viewership this season, averaging 2.86 million viewers across NBC, Fox, FS1, and USA, compared to 3.03 million last year. This data spans from the Daytona 500 in February to the Phoenix finale in early November, excluding The Clash and All-Star Race. Notably, there were four Monday finishes due to weather, accounting for these figures.
In the latter part of the season, NBC Sports (NBC and USA) saw a modest uptick in viewership, averaging 2.47 million viewers for its 20 racesan increase of about 1% from 2.45 million the previous year. The debut Cup race on Chicago’s streets drew an impressive 4.79 million, marking NBC’s best Cup race in six years and second-best of the year after Fox’s Daytona 500.
A highlight was the July 23 race at Pocono, with an average of 2.83 million viewers, making it the most-watched Cup Series race on cable in 2023 and the best on any cable network since 2021.
Looking beyond the premier circuit, NASCAR maintained just over 1 million viewers for the Xfinity Series, showing stability compared to 2022. However, the Craftsman Truck Series experienced a 5% decline, averaging 594,000 viewers.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is NASCAR viewership up or down?
This season’s races that contributed to the points tally garnered an average of 2.86 million viewers, marking a 5% dip from the previous year. Despite this, NASCAR continues to maintain its lead over the rapidly growing Formula 1 in terms of American broadcasts.
Is NASCAR growing in popularity?
Over the last decade, NASCAR has experienced a surge in popularity. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a more effective social media strategy, increased driver accessibility, and the rise of esports. These elements have all contributed to the success of the motorsport agency, making it a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Is NASCAR attendance down in 2023?
The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season came to a gentle close last weekend, but unfortunately, it was the least-watched season on record. Across FOX, FS1, NBC, and USA Network, the season averaged 2.86 million viewers, which is a 5% decrease from last year’s 3.03 million. Despite the dip in viewership, NASCAR remains a beloved sport for many, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting racing series.
When did NASCAR lose popularity?
Over the years, NASCAR has experienced a steady decline in popularity, with its TV viewership hitting an all-time low in 2018 and race day attendance also plummeting to record lows. This decline has been ongoing since its peak in 2005.
