The recent NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway drew the largest audience for the sport since August, with the event marking the first time this postseason a race surpassed two million viewers on NBC. This rise in viewership highlights increased interest and a pivotal moment in this year’s championship run.
Strong Viewer Numbers Mark NBC’s Playoff Broadcast
The NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway attracted 2.556 million viewers, according to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal. This made Sunday’s event the most-watched NASCAR broadcast since the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in August. The YellaWood 500, recently hosted at Talladega, became the first playoff race of this season to air on NBC, following seven previous playoff events broadcast on the network’s sister channel, USA Network. Despite the audience jump, this year’s playoff Talladega race fell short of last year’s 3.127 million viewers for the same event.
Exciting Finish Propels Chase Briscoe Toward Title Shot
This year’s race did not see the typical “Big One” crash, yet it delivered a thrilling conclusion as several playoff drivers vied for the victory in the final laps. Chase Briscoe emerged victorious, securing his place in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. It was Briscoe’s first-ever win at a superspeedway, an achievement made possible by teamwork and strategy on track.
Briscoe managed to hold off rival Todd Gilliland with crucial late-race help from Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs. Climbing from his No. 19 Toyota, Briscoe was overwhelmed by both the personal significance of his first superspeedway win and the realization that he would contend for the series title.
“Ty Gibbs, just incredible teammate there. I honestly would not have won that race without Ty. Just an amazing team effort,”
Chase Briscoe, Driver
“I can’t believe I won a superspeedway race, I haven’t done it at any level. Thank you, guys, so much, every time we come to Talladega this place is sold out. Unbelievable atmosphere, I cannot believe I won here. Johnny Morris is here with Bass Pro Shops and yeah, it’s not hit me, we’re going to Phoenix.”
Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe and Denny Hamlin Secure Championship 4 Positions
With his Talladega win, Briscoe joins his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin as one of the first drivers to clinch a spot in the upcoming Championship 4, set for next month at Phoenix Raceway. The atmosphere surrounding the playoff race was electric, capturing the intensity and drama as the postseason narrows toward its finale.
“Yeah, absolutely [this is a dream come true],”
Chase Briscoe, Driver
“So thankful that the Lord has blessed me opening doors and even closing doors at times. But certainly, he opened an incredible door for me here at Joe Gibbs Racing.”
Chase Briscoe, Driver
“Today, I had such a peace. I’m scared to death, a nervous wreck around this place, but I just had such a peace that regardless of the finish, he was gonna use it somehow for his glory, and it’s pretty cool that it ends up in Victory Lane.”
Chase Briscoe, Driver
Looking Ahead: Intense Competition on the Road to Phoenix
The surge in viewership and Briscoe’s emotional win underscore the heightened stakes in this year’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff race. As the remaining drivers aim for a berth in the Championship 4, the focus shifts to Phoenix Raceway, where both Briscoe and Hamlin will battle for the coveted Cup Series title. The excitement among viewers and participants signals a dramatic conclusion to the racing season on NBC.
.@NBC got 2.556 million viewers for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race @Talladega, per @Nielsen Big Data + Panel figures, down from last year (3.127 million) but up from 2023.
➡️ @ABCNetwork got 1.5 million for Sunday's F1 USGP @COTA for the race only (not including pre-race). pic.twitter.com/SOzNZ2dub4
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) October 22, 2025
