NASCAR on CW Ratings Continue to Soar Despite Ongoing Broadcast Issues

What’s Happening?

Despite a major controversy surrounding one of the CW’s local networks this past weekend, the network drew more viewership than the 2024 Xfinity Series season for the fourth week in a row. Saturday’s GOVX 200 saw 1.2 million viewers, a 13% boost from the 2024 Spring race at Phoenix.

• The 2024 race drew 1.025 million viewers on FS1. Four races into this season, the CW has outdrawn those same four races on FS1 in 2024 by 1.411 million viewers. However, if you compare the third race from this season, COTA, to the third race of the 2024 season, Las Vegas, this number remains an impressive 1.280 million.
• The 34% increase in viewership could be due to the new product, which fans have been rather satisfied with. The network debuted a refreshed booth for the season and a sleek, modern graphics package that uses a bottom-scoring pylon.
• Yet, some could accredit this viewership to the CW’s large network of affiliate stations across the nation. The CW claims that it “is one of America’s major broadcast networks and reaches 100% of US television households.” That being said, there have been issues reaching those 100% of households.
• Some fans have reported throughout the weeks that their local affiliates had cut the race early or opted to broadcast regional sports over Xfinity Series action. These reports came to a head last weekend in Phoenix when the Atlanta CW affiliate, Peachtree TV, cut to a commercial break as drivers took the white flag. The network did not return to race coverage, instead opting to cut to an NBA game.

Despite Ratings Bump, One Major Problem Persists for NASCAR on the CW

Despite Ratings Bump, One Major Problem Persists for NASCAR on the CW

What’s Happening? The NASCAR Xfinity Series made a full-time switch to the CW this season. While most fans have no problem…

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