Amazon Prime Video wrapped up its final NASCAR Cup Series broadcast of the season at Pocono Raceway with more than just race results. A weather delay, breaking international news, and a heartfelt moment from Carl Edwards made the day stand out. The broadcast faced tough challenges, but something unexpected happened after the checkered flag. From bold moves on track to one quiet goodbye, the end of this five-race stretch showed there was more at stake than just numbers.
Key Highlights
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Prime Video averaged 1.869 million viewers for the rain-delayed Pocono race
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Down from 2.391 million viewers on USA Network in 2024
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Viewership affected by breaking news of U.S.-Iran conflict and the weather delay
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43% audience retention for post-race show, one of the best in recent memory
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Carl Edwards’ farewell broadcast wins emotional praise from fans
A Wet Finish and a Strong Showing in the Face of Chaos
The curtain fell on Amazon Prime Video’s five-race NASCAR Cup Series broadcast slate with a rain-delayed and news-disrupted showdown at Pocono Raceway on June 22. While the viewership numbers were down compared to the same race a year prior, the bigger picture painted by NASCAR’s experiment with streaming remains layered and compelling.
Prime Video pulled in an average of 1.869 million viewers for the M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400, a modest but respectable figure given that the race was delayed due to weather and competed with breaking international news — specifically, the United States’ reported strikes on Iran alongside Israel. That kind of global development is certain to divert casual attention, especially from an already niche motorsports audience during a summer Sunday.
In contrast, last year’s Pocono race, broadcast on USA Network, garnered 2.391 million viewers, even while competing with wall-to-wall coverage of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. That context helps illustrate how precarious and unpredictable viewership patterns have become, particularly for sports programming in a 24/7 news cycle world.
Still, the numbers weren’t all that disappointing — in fact, they might prove to be a win for Amazon when factoring in platform limitations and situational hurdles.
Carl Edwards Bows Out: A Fan Favorite Finds Closure in the Booth
Perhaps the most heartfelt moment of the weekend — and indeed, of Amazon’s entire run — came not during the green-flag laps but in the post-race show. Carl Edwards, the former Cup Series superstar turned part-time analyst, closed out his return to NASCAR broadcasting with an emotional, unscripted farewell that left fans deeply moved.
“Oh, it’s just sitting there thinking how much fun it is. You guys brought me back… You guys are amazing. The most special part for me is having my friend Justin Viet here in Michigan. He was with us. He’s fighting a battle at home. Justin loved it. You guys were welcoming to all my friends and family. Thank you for that.” – Carl Edwards
The #NASCARonPrime family 💙 pic.twitter.com/j7PwHaDuIh
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) June 23, 2025
He made special mention of a personal guest, Justin Viet, who is currently battling illness and joined Edwards at the track in Michigan.
Edwards, who has largely stayed away from the NASCAR spotlight since his abrupt retirement in 2017, was part of a Prime Video experiment that placed him alongside Corey LaJoie and Danielle Trotta for studio coverage. His return was marked by thoughtful analysis, warm charisma, and a clear connection to the sport he once helped define.
His departure — whether permanent or just for now — has fans openly calling for more Edwards in the booth, regardless of which network holds the rights.
Post-Race Show Delivers Where It Matters
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck, Prime Video’s post-race show retained 43% of its live race audience, an unusually high retention rate for NASCAR. It’s a sign that fans not only stayed through the rain and breaking news distractions but were engaged enough to stick around for the wrap-up coverage — something other networks may struggle to match.
The credit goes in large part to Prime’s post-race production, which was lauded on social media for its depth, pace, and tone. Many fans commented that it felt less like a corporate broadcast and more like a real-time NASCAR hangout with people who actually cared about the sport.
Prime’s strategy to use respected figures like Edwards, combine race coverage with behind-the-scenes access, and maintain a consistent studio presence appears to have struck the right chord — especially during an uncertain era of media transition.
Measuring Success: Was Prime’s Five-Race Gamble Worth It?
The five-race Amazon Prime Video experiment included marquee events like the Coca-Cola 600 and wrapped at Pocono. Along the way, it offered a streaming-only experience unlike anything previously seen in NASCAR. And while Prime Video may not have matched the raw reach of network TV, it arguably excelled in engagement and presentation.
The platform’s flexibility allowed for enhanced features such as on-board cameras, team radios, and multiple commentary options, including alternate feeds. Prime’s partnership with NASCAR clearly sought to blend innovation with tradition — and in doing so, helped introduce the sport to new, tech-savvy audiences.
In the end, while TV ratings may grab headlines, it’s the combination of viewer retention, fan sentiment, and brand integration that ultimately defines long-term success in modern sports broadcasting. In that sense, Prime might have outperformed expectations — especially during a crowded summer media window.
What Comes Next: Prime’s Legacy and NASCAR’s New TV Era
With Prime Video’s five-race window officially closed, NASCAR now shifts into the hands of TNT Sports, another new partner in the sport’s $7.7 billion media rights agreement, which runs through 2031. TNT will now handle five summer races, including Atlanta and Chicago, before handing the baton to NBC for the remainder of the season.
But Prime’s exit doesn’t feel like a goodbye. The service is now a known player in motorsports broadcasting and will return for five more races in 2026. Its 2025 stint will be remembered not only for the numbers, but for bringing Carl Edwards back, for delivering post-race content that hit home, and for proving that NASCAR can work on streaming — if it’s done right.
News in Brief: Prime Video Signs Off from NASCAR with Pocono Ratings
The final race of Prime Video’s NASCAR experiment at Pocono may not have topped the charts, but it did win hearts. From Carl Edwards’ farewell to a surprisingly resilient viewership figure in the face of stiff global news competition, the story of the 2025 Pocono broadcast is less about who tuned out and more about who stayed — and why.
If NASCAR’s future includes more digital-first strategies, Prime Video has shown it can be more than a backup option — it can be part of the main event.
ALSO READ: Carl Edwards Says Farewell as NASCAR on Prime Wraps Up First Season: “Thank You”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is the NASCAR Prime Video deal?
A. In November 2023, Prime Video signed a landmark seven-year deal with NASCAR, becoming the first streaming platform to hold exclusive NASCAR Cup Series rights starting in 2025.
Q. Will NASCAR on Prime Video be free?
A. Fans can stream this NASCAR race for free by signing up for Prime Video’s trial offer. William Byron enters the event leading the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 604 points. His 10 top-10 finishes this season underscore his consistent performance throughout the year.
Q. How much is Carl Edwards worth in 2025?
A. As of June 19, 2025, the estimated net worth of Carl E. Edwards Jr. is at least $128 million.
