The 2025 Brickyard 400 weekend delivered mixed results on television, with NASCAR’s Cup Series audience dipping sharply from last year’s numbers while the Xfinity Series experienced notable growth. With a packed crowd at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and two overtime finishes on Sunday, fans tuned in—but not at the same levels seen in 2024. As the sport heads to Iowa Speedway next weekend, the question lingers: Can NASCAR regain momentum in its TV ratings?
Key Highlights
NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 averaged 2.5 million viewers on TNT and TruTV combined.
Viewership dropped from 3.6 million in 2024 when NBC broadcast the event.
Xfinity Series race drew 1.1 million viewers, up 23% from last year’s comparable race at Michigan.
Audience peaked at 1.33 million viewers during Connor Zilisch’s third consecutive Xfinity win.
Iowa Speedway hosts NASCAR next weekend, offering a short-track tripleheader.
NASCAR Cup Series Ratings Dip on Cable Coverage
Sunday’s Brickyard 400, won by Bubba Wallace in a dramatic two-overtime battle, averaged 2.5 million viewers across TNT and TruTV. While this made it the most-watched NASCAR race since the Coca-Cola 600 in May, the number represented a significant year-over-year decline from the 3.6 million who watched in 2024 when the race aired on NBC’s main network channel.
The lower numbers have reignited conversation about NASCAR’s new media rights package. While TNT has delivered quality production and streaming options, some fans and analysts believe the sport’s reliance on cable outlets for key events may be dampening viewership compared to broadcast network exposure.
Despite the decline, the Brickyard’s dramatic finish, featuring Wallace holding off Kyle Larson in the final lap, kept fans engaged through the closing moments, helping the race pull its strongest TNT audience of the season.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Posts Double-Digit Growth
Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis provided a brighter ratings story. Connor Zilisch’s third straight victory helped draw 1,108,000 total viewers, marking a 23% increase compared to last year’s 21st race from Michigan. The broadcast also grew 6% over last week’s Dover event.
The audience peaked at 1,333,000 viewers from 7:15–7:30 p.m. ET as Zilisch battled late for the win. NASCAR officials will likely see this as a sign that the Xfinity Series can still attract momentum when competitive storylines take center stage.
With emerging stars like Zilisch generating attention, the Saturday series continues to be a bright spot for NASCAR’s overall TV presence, particularly when it benefits from unique venues and compelling finishes.
Iowa Weekend Offers Chance to Rebound
Next up for NASCAR is a full three-day slate at Iowa Speedway, with ARCA kicking things off Friday, followed by Saturday’s Hy-Vee Perks 250 (Xfinity) and Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 (Cup). This is the sport’s only stop at the 0.875-mile oval in 2025, and the short-track layout could create the kind of tight, aggressive racing that draws fans back to their screens.
Storylines include Joey Gase making a Cup start and Tyler Tomassi’s first career Xfinity Series appearance. After a weekend where Cup Series ratings took a noticeable hit, NASCAR and TNT will hope Iowa’s intensity delivers a stronger audience ahead of the late-season playoff push.
News in Brief: NASCAR 2025 Brickyard 400 Weekend Viewership
The 2025 Brickyard 400 weekend produced mixed television ratings for NASCAR. The Cup Series race averaged 2.5 million viewers on TNT and TruTV, down sharply from last year’s 3.6 million on NBC but still the most-watched since the Coca-Cola 600 in May. The Xfinity Series posted 1.1 million viewers, a 23% year-over-year increase, with a peak of 1.33 million during Connor Zilisch’s winning run. NASCAR now heads to Iowa Speedway for a three-race weekend, where officials hope a short-track spectacle can build on Xfinity’s momentum and spark a Cup viewership rebound.
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