Here's the thing: racing needs eyeballs, and the NTT IndyCar Series just pulled off a massive win. Coverage across the 17-race season averaged 1,362,000 viewers according to Nielsen Media Research. That gives us a stunning 27 percent year-over-year increase from 2024, locking in the sport's most-watched season in 17 years with every single race broadcast on network television.
That audience gain wasn't just a minor blip either. It was the most of any sport averaging at least a million viewers.
Fox sees the incredible potential across our sport and wants to play an active role in building our growth trajectory.
The numbers are wild across the board. The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge brought in 7.1 million viewers, a 41 percent increase over the 5.024 million from 2024, making it the most-watched Indy 500 in 17 years. The season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding pulled in 1,418,000 viewers for a 14-year high and a 45 percent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway netted 1,142,000 viewers, delivering a 136 percent increase from 2024 and standing as the most-watched Nashville race since 2021.
Demographics shifted dramatically too. The series saw a massive lift in the coveted 18-34 age bracket with an 81 percent gain, alongside a 51 percent gain in the 18-49 demographic. Women viewers tuned in heavily as well, showing a 72 percent gain in the 18-34 group and a 30 percent gain in 18-49.
Midseason, the partnership deepened when Fox acquired a one-third interest in Penske Entertainment, covering IndyCar and the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Announced on July 31 alongside a multi-year extension of IndyCar's media rights with Fox Sports, the investment aims to supercharge growth through enhanced promotion and a hyper-engaged digital strategy.
"This partnership is built on long-standing trust and a shared vision for the future," Roger Penske said. "Fox sees the incredible potential across our sport and wants to play an active role in building our growth trajectory."
Eric Shanks, CEO and executive producer at Fox Sports, added: "We’re thrilled to join the IndyCar ownership group at such a pivotal time for the sport. IndyCar represents everything we value in live sports: passionate fans, iconic venues, elite competition and year-round storytelling potential."
