The NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 made a dramatic return in 2025, drawing record TV numbers as 7,489,000 viewers tuned in on FOX, an 11% increase over the previous year’s figures. The season opener captured the nation’s attention with thrilling on-track action, peaking at over 9.1 million viewers and setting a new standard for audience engagement in motorsports.
Massive Viewership Gains for the Great American Race
FOX’s broadcast of the Daytona 500 outperformed last year’s already strong numbers, marking the highest viewership for the event since 2023. TV ratings soared as the race peaked at 9,154,000 viewers between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. ET, making it the most-watched event on any broadcast or cable network during that slot. The race also topped every non-prime window of the Winter Olympics airing at the same time, signaling growing interest in NASCAR’s flagship event.
“🚨 Ratings slam dunk! FOX Sports delivered 7,489,000 viewers for Sunday’s Daytona 500, an +11% jump over 2025 (6,761,000)! 🏁▪️Outscored every non-prime Winter Olympics window on broadcast and cable▪️Topped all broadcast and cable networks in viewership during the race from… pic.twitter.com/gmg5qlk1zP”
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) February 19, 2026
Wild Finish Stuns Fans and Drivers Alike
Racing fans witnessed one of the wildest Daytona 500 finales in recent memory as the last lap produced two major wrecks. Tyler Reddick emerged as the surprise winner, crossing the line first despite not leading a single lap before the final moments. The finish left fans, teams, and commentators in disbelief as Reddick secured a historic victory in unpredictable fashion.
Speaking at the post-race press conference, Reddick reflected on the uncertainty of his win:
“Well, it wasn’t until I was basically back around in front of the speedway on the cool-down lap when someone finally said, yes, you won the race, because obviously a number of these races have played out where — I mean, I crossed the start-finish line first, but in the moment, I’m not looking for the flashing yellow lights or the green light on the fence, so I’m just, Did I win? Did I win? Are you sure we won?”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver
He also spoke of his passion for NASCAR since childhood:
“I watched a lot of NASCAR racing growing up, but I would never miss a Daytona 500 as a little kid growing up out in California, sitting with my family on Sunday watching this race. I — again, dreamed of one day just having an opportunity to run in this race. I’ve had — this is my eighth opportunity to run this race, I believe, and it wasn’t the smoothest day, but when it mattered at the end, we did a really good job of being in the mix.”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver
Michael Jordan’s Championship Reaction
Tyler Reddick races for 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan. The Daytona 500 triumph also marked a major milestone for Jordan, who reacted with exuberance after Reddick’s victory secured 23XI Racing’s first win in the event.
“I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying,”
— Michael Jordan, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
Jordan further elaborated on the team’s effort and the thrill of winning:
“We had four guys that were really fighting, helping each other out. You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive. … We hung in there all day. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. Look, I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
— Michael Jordan, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
What Awaits Reddick and the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series
Reddick’s breakthrough victory launches him atop the NASCAR Cup Series standings as the season gets underway. After a winless 2025 campaign, he now has a strong chance to claim a second regular-season title with continued strong performances. The tour’s next stop is the Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, where teams will look to seize early momentum.
This Daytona 500 has set a precedent for excitement and viewership, reflecting the enduring popularity and emotional draw of motorsports at its highest level. As the season unfolds, fans and competitors alike are poised for more drama on the track and potentially even greater ratings as the NASCAR Cup Series continues.
🚨 Ratings slam dunk! FOX Sports delivered 7,489,000 viewers for Sunday’s Daytona 500, an +11% jump over 2025 (6,761,000)! 🏁
▪️Outscored every non-prime Winter Olympics window on broadcast and cable
▪️Topped all broadcast and cable networks in viewership during the race from… pic.twitter.com/gmg5qlk1zP— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) February 19, 2026
