Was there a “Chicago Bump” to NASCAR’s Atlanta TV Ratings?

What’s Happening?

According to Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, NASCAR pulled in 2.56 million viewers, which was the largest single-network audience for sports. NASCAR was also in a higher rating in the 18-49 demographic than Formula One’s British Grand Prix, with both trailing the Concacaf Gold Cup in that demographic. However, NASCAR still showed a 2.5% decrease from last year’s Atlanta race also on USA on a Sunday afternoon.

You Need to know:

• Despite the overall decrease from last year, the Atlanta race was the second most-viewed Cup Series race on cable this year trailing only Darlington. No other races on cable have cracked 2.5 million viewers aside from Atlanta and Darlington.
• This follows up the Chicago Street Race, which was the highest rated NASCAR race since the Daytona 500. It also was the third Sunday night race of the season, following North Wilkesboro and Nashville. Atlanta beat North Wilkesboro, also on cable.
• The ratings showed mostly positive reactions from amongst the fanbase. Some pointed out the impact this could have on Sunday night racing in the future of NASCAR.

In the Stands

Cindy Yen notes that this race also showed an increase from the 2021 race.

NASCAR did also lose to soccer in the 18-49 demographic.

Phil Spain specifically mentioned the fact that the race was on Sunday night.

Alexander predicts that Sunday night racing could be a more prominent thing as time goes on.

NASCAR was Number 1 of the weekend.

From the Pressbox

Pete Pistone feels that Sunday night racing will be more of a thing in the future as a result of these ratings.

Indeed almost flat, Daniel McFadin.

The TV ratings this weekend showed some positive upswings for NASCAR. While it did not win the key demographic, it showed progress, and it also showed that there could very well be some viability to Sunday night races in the future.