NASCAR's Plummeting TV Ratings: What's Happening?

NASCAR’s 2025 season has hit a rough patch, with TV ratings taking a nosedive, especially during the high-stakes Cup Series playoffs. Viewership has dropped over 13% from last year, with playoff races plummeting nearly 17%. It continues years of decline.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

This decline has sparked heated discussions among fans, analysts, and insiders about the sport’s direction and the role of TV in shaping its future. However, NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace is urging fans to hold off on complaints, promising that change is on the horizon.

A Tough Season for TV Ratings

The numbers tell a grim story. The Cup Series race at Watkins Glen on USA Network drew just 1.85 million viewers, marking the third-lowest audience of the season and the smallest on the network since New Hampshire’s 1.03 million in 2023. Richmond fared even worse with 1.39 million viewers, while Gateway’s Enjoy Illinois 300, despite Denny Hamlin’s commanding 75-lap lead, pulled in a mere 1.525 million viewers and a 0.82 rating—a sharp drop from last year’s race and the June 2024 event at the same track on FS1.

New Hampshire was another low point. Despite packed grandstands and passionate local support, the race posted a dismal 0.70 rating and 1.2 million viewers, down from a 1.0 rating and 1.88 million in 2024. This nearly 600,000-viewer loss is one of the weakest playoff showings in recent years, raising alarms within the NASCAR community.

Fan Frustration and the TV Debate

The shift from traditional broadcasts to cable networks and streaming platforms like Amazon Prime has left some fans disoriented. Unlike Amazon’s successful 2024 NASCAR streaming debut, which averaged 2.16 million viewers per race with engaging features like post-race coverage and a double-box format, NBC’s coverage has struggled to maintain momentum. The NFL’s dominance and broadcast changes have only compounded NASCAR’s visibility issues.

Fans have also been vocal about the playoff system, with some speculating that TV networks influence its structure. NASCAR analyst Jeff Gluck and veteran Jeff Burton have pushed back on this idea. Burton, who has been in the decision-making room, emphasized, “TV didn’t make this decision… NASCAR takes all the information and makes a call.”

Kenny Wallace’s Call for Patience

Kenny Wallace, never one to mince words, is fed up with the complaints. “NASCAR’s already announced they’re changing the point system,” he said. “Next year, the racing will be different—three or four races to decide the champion. What don’t you understand? Stop whining and give it time.” Wallace compared the fan backlash to a friend who just wanted to “b—- for a bit,” urging the community to “get it out of your system” and trust that NASCAR is listening.

He echoed Burton’s sentiment that the sport is evolving to address fan concerns, including tweaks to the car and playoff format. “You’re gonna get what you want,” Wallace added. “Just not right now.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

As NASCAR navigates this challenging season, hope is pinned on 2026. With promised changes to the points system and racing format, the sport aims to recapture its audience and reignite the excitement that once defined its playoff races. For now, fans are left to grapple with a season of dwindling viewership and a shifting broadcast landscape, but Wallace’s message is clear: change is coming, so buckle up and be patient.