The Complete 2024 NASCAR TV Ratings Tracker
What’s Happening? There are few things more important to NASCAR than TV ratings. TV networks are largely responsible for funding the…
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In an interview on Tuesday morning, NASCAR President Steve Phelps provided some rough financial information about NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race. While the event took a technical loss, a deeper look shows why Phelps is satisfied with NASCAR’s investment.
During Day Two of RACER.com’s Race Industry Week, NASCAR President Steve Phelps gave minimal insight into the cost of NASCAR’s street race in the heart of Chicago. While the majority of Phelps’s interview is cut from the replay on RACER’s YouTube channel, BrakeHard posted Phelps’s quote in full on X.
Many fans took this to mean that NASCAR took a financial loss on the event and was okay with it. However, fans shouldn’t take this statement at face value. The race, which takes place in Chicago’s Grant Park, offers several returns on NASCAR’s investment.
What’s Happening? There are few things more important to NASCAR than TV ratings. TV networks are largely responsible for funding the…
It is understandable why this statement confused fans. Some fans view Chicago as a stunt rather than a race, as the street circuit takes place in a market that already has a track in Joliet, Chicagoland Speedway.
However, the broader scope shows that Chicago is and will be remembered as a success. The first race, despite weather troubles, made national headlines, with Supercars star Shane Van Gisbergen winning in his first NASCAR race.
That’s not to mention the attention the race draws from Chicago-based influencers and local media clamoring to get in on the event. That free promotion adds value to the $50 million price tag. This is also a benefit to the city of Chicago, as it brings a high level of attention to the area from racing fans rather than their normal sports fans.
For the teams, major sponsors hop on board their cars for this spectacular event. For example, teams scored notable brands such as Jordan Brand, the Chicago White Sox, and Wendy’s for this year’s street race.
These sponsors want to take part as this race earns NASCAR and NBC a significant mid-season ratings boost. The 2024 race earned 3.870 million viewers, similar to what Indianapolis, Daytona, and Talladega did in the back half of the season.
The sponsors, the attention, and the new viewers make NASCAR’s small financial loss worth it in the long run.
What’s Happening? NASCAR’s next street circuit may have its location and could host a race within the next two seasons. San…
Since the race’s introduction, there have been rumors that Chicago or NASCAR are not interested in renewing their contracts following the 2025 season. While these are neither confirmed nor denied, it’s an interesting debate for NASCAR. So, should NASCAR move this race to another city?
In 2023, Chicago replaced the beloved Road America on the NASCAR schedule. While some fans rejected it, the eyes brought to a media market like Chicago are much more than those for a race at a track relatively known to casual fans.
Furthermore, the street circuit’s diverse racing style, combined with Chicago’s beautiful backdrop, makes for a one-of-a-kind NASCAR experience. However, if NASCAR sticks with the Windy City, this could be a detriment in the long run. For example, Bristol, Charlotte, or even Watkins Glen are very different from Chicago, and fans who like Chicago may not like those races.
Furthermore, the ratings show diminished viewership from the 2023 event. In 2023, the race had 4.632 million viewers, and this season, it saw just 3.870 million. While there was a delay for the 2024 race, both races featured weather delays.
There are rumors that cities such as San Diego want NASCAR’s street race in the future. It could be worthwhile for NASCAR to shake up the location. If they move the race, these races could be in cities just as beautiful as Chicago. But, if history tells us anything, NASCAR will never forget where the Street Circuit saga began.
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