Ross Chastain praises Prime Video NASCAR Cup broadcast debut following his own victory at the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, noting it marked a major shift as NASCAR’s first Cup Series race aired exclusively on a streaming platform. The event, held Sunday, offered new insight into how viewers and drivers alike respond to a digital-first approach, while Prime Video drew attention with its broadcast team and extended coverage.
Chastain Shares Enthusiasm for New Broadcast Approach
While still celebrating his win at Charlotte’s Victory Lane, Ross Chastain spoke highly of Prime Video’s and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s efforts in delivering their first NASCAR Cup telecast. Despite being focused on his own performance during the race, Chastain took note of the broadcast’s production, mentioning he later reviewed large portions of the event and felt impressed by the presentation.
“I thought they knocked it out of the park,”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
He explained that Prime Video combined experienced analysts with fresh faces, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere. Their diverse on-air team contributed varied expertise, which Chastain said enhanced viewers’ understanding of the on-track action.
Enhanced Coverage Impresses Drivers and Fans
Prime’s approach included substantial pre- and post-race programming, as well as technical features like multi-camera “two-box” coverage that ensured viewers stayed informed, even during caution periods. According to Chastain, this continuous presentation allowed audiences to see drivers even when the race slowed for track incidents or yellow flags.
“Like we’re idling around under caution, and you can still see us, so you never or you didn’t miss out on as much. So yeah, a lot of coverage,”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Chastain was particularly pleased with Adam Alexander’s role as host, saying Alexander called the finale of the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 with professionalism and clarity. He also referenced Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s notable return to the booth, observing Earnhardt’s participation on a pivotal lap—a move not typically seen from broadcasters.
“I thought Adam Alexander did a great job calling us to the win,”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
“I’m pumped for Adam, who’s been around such a long time, and getting this opportunity on Sundays. I think they did a great job.”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Streaming Brings New Challenges and Family Moments
Chastain recounted that not everyone in his circle had the means to watch the race on Prime Video. He shared a personal story about his grandparents, who lacked both streaming subscriptions and compatible TVs. As a solution, he provided them with access and helped them navigate the technical hurdles, highlighting generational differences as streaming becomes more common in sports broadcasting.
“I told my grandparents several months ago, they were complaining that they don’t have streaming and they don’t have Prime and they (still) don’t,”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
“I said, ‘Mimi’ (grandmother), all you need is a credit card and a little patience.”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
He described how his family managed to watch the race on a laptop, using his Prime credentials in a good-natured attempt to ensure they didn’t miss out.
“And with the 30-day free trial, you’re going to get most of it for free, anyway,”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
“They were worried it was going to charge me when they watched. I’m like, ‘No, it’s not how it works.’ So they logged in on my account on the weekend since I’m not using it, of course.”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Prime Video Matches Cable Audience Size
The 2025 Coca-Cola 600 achieved a major milestone by becoming the first NASCAR Cup race to be shown only on a streaming service. According to Motorsport.com, Prime Video’s broadcast attracted 2.92 million viewers—figures comparable to those usually seen for NASCAR’s cable telecasts on FS1 or USA Network. This level of viewership suggests that fans adapted to the platform shift, and that streaming may be capable of sustaining the sport’s following.
Prime Video is scheduled to broadcast four more Cup events under the current NASCAR television contract. The service has also been recognized for its lengthy post-race segments—a significant change from the abbreviated coverage common on FOX or NBC, where scheduling restrictions often force quick transitions between programs.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., who joined Adam Alexander for Prime’s coverage, noted the flexibility streaming allows broadcasters. On his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, he described how post-race segments could be as long or as short as necessary, accommodating ongoing stories and fan interest.
“If it needs to go longer, it’ll go longer. We don’t have an out. And if there was ever so much going on that we need to be on for an hour and a half, they will. That’s the great thing about the post-race.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster
NASCAR Cup Series Heads to Nashville Under Streaming Spotlight
With the next Cup race set for Nashville Superspeedway, NASCAR fans and the broader motorsports community are watching closely to gauge how the continued partnership with Prime Video will evolve. The streaming-exclusive format will be tested further as audiences decide whether a digital platform enhances or complicates their experience of race day excitement. As sports broadcasting trends shift, responses from drivers like Ross Chastain and feedback from family members underscore both opportunities and frustrations as racing goes digital.
