NASCAR’s Bristol playoff race saw a ratings decline, achieving a 0.79 rating and 1.536 million viewers, compared to the previous year’s 0.98 rating and 1.868 million viewers. Despite this drop, it remained the next-most-watched sport on cable over the weekend amid a crowded sports landscape. Christopher Bell‘s victory rejuvenated his season, while the race emphasized considerable tire concerns. Insights into Bell’s performance and the upcoming challenges at New Hampshire further highlight the playoff dynamics.
Key Highlights
- The NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Bristol recorded a 0.79 rating and 1.536 million viewers, indicating a decline from the previous year.
- Despite the ratings drop, NASCAR ranked as the next-most-watched sport on cable that weekend, outperforming many other events.
- The decline coincided with numerous college football games, which typically draw large viewership numbers.
- Christopher Bell’s thrilling victory added drama, showcasing both his skill and the significance of playoff racing.
- The race’s challenges, including tire concerns, emphasized the strategic aspects of NASCAR, maintaining viewer interest despite lower ratings.
Bristol Playoff Ratings Dip but Still Strong on Cable
Although the ratings for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Bristol experienced a decline compared to the previous year, they remained competitive within the cable sports landscape.
The event garnered a 0.79 rating and attracted 1.536 million viewers, a remarkable drop from the 0.98 rating and 1.868 million viewers in 2022.
Despite these figures representing a decrease, NASCAR still positioned itself as the next-most-watched sport on cable that weekend, trailing only behind football.
This achievement is particularly important considering the concurrent broadcast of multiple college football games, which typically dominate viewer attention.
.@USANetwork got a 0.79 rating and 1.536 million viewers for Saturday night's Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol, down from a 0.98 rating + 1.868 million for the same event last year.
➡️ That's still enough to make NASCAR the No. 2 sport of the weekend on cable after football. pic.twitter.com/v1SFesVROS
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) September 16, 2025
The resilience of NASCAR’s viewership highlights its enduring appeal, even amid fluctuating audience dynamics in the sports broadcasting arena.
Christopher Bell Clinches Second-Round Spot with Bristol Win
Christopher Bell secured his place in the subsequent round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs with a decisive victory at Bristol, demonstrating his skill and resolve on the track.
This win not only illustrated Bell’s driving ability but also highlighted the intense competition within the series. As Bell celebrated his advancement, the race marked a crucial moment for four other drivers, including Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen, Austin Dillon, and Josh Berry, who were eliminated from the playoffs after falling below the cut line.
The outcome emphasizes the significant stakes of the playoffs, where each race can dramatically alter the path of a driver’s season. Bell’s success at Bristol solidifies his status as a strong contender in the ongoing championship battle.
First Victory Since March for Christopher Bell
Success often comes after a period of struggle, and for Christopher Bell, his recent victory at Bristol marked a notable turning point in his season. This win was particularly meaningful, as it ended a lengthy drought since his last success at Phoenix in March.
Bell’s performance illustrated not only resilience but also an adept understanding of race dynamics, particularly concerning tire wear. His ability to navigate the challenges of the race highlighted his tactical insight and adaptability under stress.
The victory not only enhances his confidence but also rejuvenates his standing in the competition, re-establishing him as a powerful contender. In general, this win symbolizes a critical resurgence in Bell’s racing career, setting a promising tone for the remainder of the season.
Christopher Bell Explains Early Tire Concerns
Following his notable victory at Bristol, Bell shared insights regarding early tire concerns that surfaced during the race. He noted that around lap 20 or 25, he experienced unexpected moments that indicated potential tire issues.
“I keyed up on the radio, I think it was probably lap 20, 25. I had a couple weird moments inside the car that caught me off guard. So whenever the track is behaving normally and it’s taking rubber, you can slide the car around, and it just feels different.” – Christopher Bell
Bell described a considerable slip during the early laps, which prompted him to assess the car’s grip. As the race progressed, he observed a rapid loss of traction, leading him to communicate concerns over tire integrity to his team. The presence of marbles on the track further reinforced his worries.
“I had a really big slip lap 1 or 2, and then a couple laps — lap 20, 30 into the run, I’m like, man, I’m losing grip in a hurry here, and I keyed up and I said, I think we might have tire issues, and then I just saw the land mine of marbles up the racetrack, and that’s all she wrote. I thought NASCAR did a phenomenal job officiating the race this week compared to the last time or the first time that it happened and the last time it happened.” – Christopher Bell
Ultimately, Bell commended NASCAR for their officiating, highlighting improvements compared to previous races. His analysis emphasizes the critical role of tire performance in race strategy and outcome.
Next Up: New Hampshire Round of 12
As NASCAR shifts to the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the stakes are high for drivers entering the Round of 12 in the playoffs.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at 2 p.m. ET, this race marks a critical moment in the championship chase. Competitors must navigate the challenges unique to New Hampshire, including its flat layout and the potential for tire wear.
Strategy will be paramount as teams balance aggression with caution, knowing that a strong finish is essential for advancing to the next round. The outcome will greatly influence playoff standings, heightening the stress on both veteran drivers and newcomers.
News In Brief: NASCAR Bristol Ratings Lower Yet Beat Most Weekend Cable Sports
Despite a dip in ratings for the Bristol playoff race, NASCAR continues to outperform many other cable sports events over the weekend. Christopher Bell’s victory not only secured his place in the subsequent round of the playoffs but also marked his initial win since March, highlighting his resilience amidst early tire concerns. As the series heads to New Hampshire, the focus will shift to the Round of 12, where competition is expected to intensify.
ALSO READ: Bristol Night Race Has Fans Talking Like Never Before in 20 Years
