What’s Happening?
TNT’s return marked its first NASCAR race coverage in over a decade. However, expectations were high following the overwhelmingly positive reception of Prime Video’s debut earlier in the season. Prime had set a new standard with its clean presentation, sharp production quality, and innovative features, leaving TNT with the difficult task of matching that momentum.
The return of full-screen green-flag commercials, inconsistent audio mixing, and questionable camera work quickly drew criticism from viewers who felt the broadcast lacked the polish and modern feel of its predecessor. While some praised TNT for its nostalgic elements and energetic commentary, others viewed it as a step backward. Still, despite falling short of Prime’s benchmark, many fans agreed it was a noticeable improvement over FOX’s heavily criticized coverage earlier in the season. For TNT, the debut was a reminder of both how high the bar now sits.
Poll Results
What did you think of TNT's broadcast at EchoPark Speedway?
— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) June 29, 2025
Overall, fan reactions were mixed. While the broadcast team, both in the booth and on pit road, earned praise for their performance, technical issues drew criticism. Many viewers pointed to inconsistent audio mixing and awkward camera angles as distractions throughout the race. More notably, the return of full-screen commercials under green flag conditions frustrated fans who had grown accustomed to side-by-side ads during Amazon Prime’s coverage. Despite these shortcomings, the overall sentiment leaned slightly positive. Though far from groundbreaking, the broadcast was considered solid, competent, and watchable.
Fan Commentary
ICYMI here are TNT Sports’ NASCAR graphics. pic.twitter.com/Ca8doMRtJr
— Sports TV News & Updates (@TVSportsUpdates) June 28, 2025
Camera work needs improvement. It felt like the shots were a second behind where they should have been and too
— MAGAcano (@DeanoFate) June 29, 2025
Much panning in/out that it almost made me sick.
I thought the camera work for the last 20 laps of stage 2 was the best all season. However, to many in-car shots to end the race. They need Dale and Steve to join the post race show.
— Jose Rodriguez (@JoseRodriguezTX) June 29, 2025
I won't complain about commercials because we can't do anything about it. It is what it is.
Too many incar shots. Want to see the race especially a battle like last night. Scoring pilon was too small, couldn't read anything. Why can't networks to like CW and use a horizontal one, verticals take up too much screen
— Steve Goodwin (@vermonter8812) June 29, 2025
My only complaint were the commercials. Especially if I’m paying for MAX and watching it on there I deserve side by side commercials at least. Preferably no commercials but side by side would be okay.
— Go Chase9️⃣🏁 (@GoChaseElliott9) June 29, 2025
I had a hard time seeing lap number and driver position on the left side of the screen but maybe that was just me. Seemed like the font was really small.
— Roger Clark (@rpclark19881) June 29, 2025
TNT Highlights (So far)
Positives:
- Booth energy
- Altcast
- Pit reporters
Negatives:
- Camera work
- Scoring pylon
- Full-Screen commercials
Looking Ahead
As for the next race, the NASCAR Cup Series is headed to Chicago for the street race, once again on TNT for its second race, at 2 PM EST. Learn all the details about the upcoming race weekend HERE.
What did you think of Saturday’s broadcast? Let us know on our social media, and remember to join the discussion next weekend with your vote and commentary on X.