Cook Out 400 tops cable sports charts, standing out as the most-watched sports event on cable for the weekend. The viewership numbers tell an interesting story, showing both strong engagement and subtle shifts compared to previous races. While the event continued to draw a large audience, other factors suggest a bigger picture developing within NASCAR’s television landscape. With recent changes in broadcasting, these numbers may hint at something more about the sport’s future.
Key Highlights
- Cook Out 400 attracted 2,422,000 viewers on FS1, surpassing the season average viewership of 2,389,000.
- The race’s viewership marked an 11% increase compared to the 2024 event, which had 2,191,000 viewers.
- Peak viewership occurred from 6:00 to 6:15 PM ET during Denny Hamlin’s victory.
- The event was most watched on cable, despite a slight dip from the 2,464,000 viewers at Homestead-Miami.
- Cook Out 400’s viewership contributed to maintaining NASCAR’s 2025 average viewership at 3,864,166.
Cook Out 400 Viewership and TV Ratings
Though the Cook Out 400 experienced a slight dip in viewership compared to the previous race at Homestead-Miami, it still emerged as the most-watched sports event on cable for the weekend, drawing 2,422,000 viewers on FS1.
Despite a reduction from the 2,464,000 viewers at Homestead-Miami, this figure surpassed the season’s average of 2,389,000 viewers over seven races, reflecting the event’s sustained appeal.
Remarkably, the race also marked an 11% increase from the 2,191,000 viewers recorded in 2024, indicating a positive year-over-year trend.
A strong showing for #NASCAR on @FS1 from @MartinsvilleSwy 💪 pic.twitter.com/5iINRBbh33
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) April 1, 2025
The peak viewership was observed between 6:00 to 6:15 PM ET, coinciding with Denny Hamlin’s decisive victory, capturing the attention of fans nationwide.
This data emphasizes the Cook Out 400’s ability to attract a considerable audience, affirming its status as a crucial event in the racing calendar, even amidst minor fluctuations in viewership figures.
Comparison of NASCAR Viewership in 2025
How does the 2025 NASCAR viewership landscape compare across different races?
The viewership for NASCAR races in 2025 displays notable variation, with the Daytona 500 leading with 6.761 million viewers. This event considerably surpasses other races, emphasizing its status as a premier NASCAR event.
Fox continues to dominate the broadcasting scene, with their coverage of the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta and the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at COTA drawing 4.586 million and 4.132 million viewers, respectively.
FS1, despite its fluctuating audience numbers, aired the Shriners Children’s 500 in Phoenix, attracting 2.820 million viewers, and the Straight Talk Wireless 400 in Homestead-Miami with 2.464 million viewers.
Interestingly, NASCAR’s new partnerships with Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports for select races are reshaping the viewership dynamics.
Despite these shifts, the Martinsville race has helped maintain an average viewership of 3,864,166, highlighting Fox’s continued influence in NASCAR broadcasting.
Denny Hamlin’s Historic 55th Cup Victory
Denny Hamlin’s recent victory at Martinsville is a remarkable milestone in his NASCAR career, marking his 55th Cup Series win. This achievement propels him past the legendary Lee Petty, securing 13th place on the all-time wins list. Tying with Rusty Wallace for 11th position, Hamlin sits just five wins shy of Kevin Harvick, a proof of his enduring competitiveness.
This success is especially notable, as it concludes a decade-long winless streak at Martinsville, a short track known for its challenging dynamics and fierce competition.
Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, exhibited not only skill but also a tactical insight that has become his hallmark over the years. His victory reflects both his consistency and his ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of NASCAR racing.
As Hamlin continues to etch his name deeper into the annals of NASCAR history, this victory highlights his standing as one of the sport’s elite drivers.
Denny Hamlin’s Race Performance and Championship Standings
Seizing the opportunity with precision and confidence, Hamlin’s performance at Martinsville was nothing short of commanding. Starting from the third row, he tactically navigated through the field to seize the lead by Lap 116. His dominance was evident as he lapped 15 competitors, establishing a formidable four-second lead over his teammate, Christopher Bell.
Hamlin’s control was steadfast, ultimately crossing the finish line with a 4.628-second advantage, highlighting his mastery of the track.
This victory notably impacted Hamlin’s position in the championship standings. The 218 points accrued propelled him to sixth place, marking an essential ascent in his pursuit of the championship title.
News in Brief: Cook Out 400 Tops Cable Sports Charts
The Cook Out 400 achieved an impressive viewership milestone with 2.4 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched cable event. This surge in audience interest highlights NASCAR’s strong presence in 2025, surpassing previous years’ metrics. Denny Hamlin’s historic 55th Cup victory further captivated audiences, as his performance positively influenced his championship standings. This event emphasizes NASCAR’s continued appeal and competitiveness, drawing considerable attention to both the drivers’ achievements and the sport’s growing popularity.
ALSO READ: Cook Out 400 Full Race Highlights: Chaos, Crashes, and Denny Hamlin’s Long-Awaited Triumph
