The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Sonoma Raceway turned heads far beyond the race track. While fans were treated to an intense showdown between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, what happened off the track may matter just as much. New television ratings show that NASCAR’s second-tier series didn’t just win the weekend—it left its motorsports rivals in the dust.
Key Highlights
972,000 average viewers watched the Xfinity Series race at Sonoma on The CW.
Viewership peaked at 1.09 million—highest ever for Xfinity at Sonoma.
IndyCar’s Iowa race on FOX drew just 576,000 viewers by comparison.
Xfinity ratings jumped 27% from the 2024 Sonoma race on FS1.
2025 Xfinity Series season average has increased 18.5% year-over-year.
NASCAR Xfinity Hits a Ratings Milestone
The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 wasn’t just a thrilling race—it was a milestone moment for the Xfinity Series’ television presence. According to verified audience data, the event averaged 972,000 viewers on The CW, setting a new benchmark for the series at Sonoma. The broadcast peaked at 1.09 million viewers, a number rarely reached by the series during road course events. This was the third consecutive year Xfinity raced at Sonoma, and with each return, the numbers have grown.
This upward trend is especially notable given the historical challenges motorsports have faced at attracting TV audiences for road course races. In 2024, the same race aired on FS1 and brought in significantly fewer viewers. The 27% year-over-year increase is a clear sign that fans are responding to the combination of accessible broadcast coverage and compelling on-track drama.
IndyCar Falters on Network TV
The most revealing comparison came later that same evening, when IndyCar held its marquee Saturday night race at Iowa Speedway. Despite airing on FOX, a major national network with a broader reach than The CW, the IndyCar broadcast drew only 576,000 viewers—nearly 400,000 fewer than the Xfinity race.
IndyCar had anticipated strong results from the Iowa race, a short-track oval with good reputation among longtime fans. However, the outcome marked the series’ lowest network TV rating since 2019, even with primetime placement. The contrast was sharp and unmistakable: while Xfinity surged forward with younger stars and aggressive racing, IndyCar struggled to hold its ground on a much bigger stage.
The CW Factor and Star Power Drive Growth
Several elements fueled the Xfinity Series’ breakthrough at Sonoma. The racing itself featured intense strategy and side-by-side finishes, culminating in a wheel-to-wheel battle between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen. Their fight for the win dominated the final laps and elevated the event beyond a typical midseason race.
The presence of van Gisbergen, a renowned road course specialist, added legitimacy to the field. Zilisch’s rising profile added youthful energy to the storyline. Throw in aggressive overtakes, a few caution periods, and last-lap contact, and the ingredients for high engagement were all there.
There’s also the impact of The CW’s broadcast reach. Free over-the-air television access allowed more casual and first-time viewers to tune in. Since the start of the 2025 season, NASCAR’s partnership with The CW has produced a consistent uptick in numbers, not only at marquee venues but also at tracks with previously modest ratings histories.
Fans React to Ratings Gap Between Xfinity and IndyCar
The viewership numbers didn’t just make headlines—they stirred up passionate discussion online. Fans from both sides of the motorsports world chimed in with sharp commentary, humor, and concern. Many pointed out the surprising optics: NASCAR Xfinity Series, often labeled “second tier,” outdrew IndyCar on a major broadcast network.
“Losing to NASCAR’s second rate series head to head is not good lol no excuses since it was on FOX.”
“indy oval losing to nascar’s F2 that wasnt even on an oval😭”
“But Fox chose IndyCar…great investment lol”
“Xfinity was the best race.”
“Not shocked. Iowa looked empty last week.”
“Less than 6k tickets sold. They are in trouble.”
“One got about a million viewers on the CW, the other got just under 600k on big FOX.” – fans reactions
The tone ranged from amusement to alarm, especially as fans compared the packed energy at Sonoma Raceway to the visibly sparse crowd at Iowa Speedway. With more races ahead, the gap in momentum between the two series is becoming harder to ignore.
News in Brief: NASCAR Fans Worry About IndyCar’s Future
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Sonoma Raceway delivered both on-track excitement and off-track triumph. Averaging 972,000 viewers and peaking at 1.09 million, the race became the most-watched Xfinity event at Sonoma, up 27% from last year. In contrast, IndyCar’s Iowa race on FOX drew just 576,000, raising concerns for the rival series. The CW’s broad accessibility, combined with the dramatic finish between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, helped drive record numbers. NASCAR’s momentum continues to build as Xfinity’s 2025 ratings trend decisively upward.
