IndyCar Explores Sunday Night Broadcast Strategy Following Promising Ratings
IndyCar’s debut as a prime-time offering on FOX has prompted the series to explore further opportunities within this broadcasting window. The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway garnered an average viewership of 1,012,000, maintaining the series’ streak above one million for the third consecutive race, despite ratings falling short of expectations.
Penske Corporation president Bud Denker expressed optimism about the results, emphasizing the importance of viewer engagement. "We’re delighted to have over a million viewers again," Denker stated, noting that this marked a significant trend post-Indy 500. He underscored the excitement of the race, suggesting that anyone not thrilled by the event might "not have a pulse." Denker advocated for more Sunday night races in the future, hinting that FOX shared this enthusiasm.
One strategic benefit of the Sunday night slot is reduced competition from larger sporting events, particularly NASCAR’s afternoon race in Mexico. “The whole purpose was to avoid NASCAR,” Denker explained, highlighting a goal to minimize conflicts with major broadcasts, which has proven effective in strategies against smaller events.
Data from Nielsen revealed encouraging metrics across eight completed races, particularly in capturing the attention of younger demographics. Denker noted a 56 percent increase in viewership among 18- to 34-year-olds this season, a vital indicator for the series’ growth and ongoing efforts to attract new and diverse audiences.
