IndyCar’s Sparse Spring Schedule Fails to Capitalize on Super Bowl Hype
IndyCar’s much-anticipated partnership with Fox Sports has not yielded the expected results, especially in the early months of the 2025 season. Despite significant promotional efforts, including Super Bowl ads and appearances on talk shows, TV ratings have been disappointing.
The series has faced stiff competition from other major sporting events and technical glitches. A less-than-optimal spring schedule has also contributed to the challenges.
This has led to concerns about the long-term impact on the sport. Teams are struggling with rising costs and need strong TV ratings to attract sponsors.
The Rocky Start: A Detailed Look at Early Season Ratings
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The season began with high hopes, with an average audience of over 1.4 million for the St. Pete race. However, this enthusiasm quickly waned.
By the time the series reached Thermal, the audience had halved. Another 150,000 viewers were lost by Long Beach.
The competition from the NCAA Tournament and the Masters, along with a 20-minute broadcast blackout in Thermal, made things worse. These factors contributed to the decline in viewership.
Initial Hopes and Promotions
IndyCar and Fox Sports had promised rapid growth. Their promotional efforts included:
- Super Bowl commercials
- Appearances on sports talk shows and Fox News
- Buzzy advertisements
These efforts were meant to catapult IndyCar into mainstream relevance. Penske Entertainment president and CEO Mark Miles was confident in the new partnership and expected rapid growth.
The Impact of Scheduling and Competition
One of the main issues was the spring schedule. With just three races in 63 days, the series faced tough competition from major sporting events.
Scheduling Conflicts
The races clashed with major events such as:
- The NCAA Tournament
- The Masters
This led to a drop in viewership as casual fans focused on other sports.
Technical Glitches and Broadcast Issues
Technical issues made things worse. A 20-minute broadcast blackout in Thermal and other glitches hurt the viewing experience.
Although these issues seemed to be fixed by the third weekend, the damage was already done.
Impact on Teams and Sponsors
For teams, the stakes are high. Rising costs have outpaced growth, with expenses increasing by 20-30%.
The 22 entries in this year’s Leaders Circle program received a $100,000 bump in annual payouts, but this was quickly absorbed by higher engine leases and personnel costs. Solid TV ratings are crucial for attracting sponsors, and the current numbers are causing concern among team owners.
Attendance vs. TV Ratings: A Mixed Bag
While attendance at races like Long Beach and St. Pete has been strong, this success hasn’t translated to TV ratings. The average audience for non-Indy 500 broadcasts has remained largely stagnant over the years, even with more races on network TV.
Comparative Analysis
Here are the average network ratings for non-Indy 500 broadcasts since 2019:
- 2019: 960,667 (1,006,400 without NFL clashes)
- 2021: 895,143 (977,000)
- 2022: 957,333 (998,273)
- 2023: 967,250 (1,006,273)
- 2024: 868,571 (932,833)
- 2025: 892,000
These figures show a trend of stagnation, especially when compared to the growth seen in other motorsports.
The Competition: NASCAR and Formula 1
IndyCar’s struggles are clear when compared to its competitors. NASCAR’s Xfinity series, now airing on The CW, has consistently drawn over 1 million viewers per race in 2025.
Formula 1, despite being on cable only, has seen its average audience double from 554,000 in 2018 to 1.1 million in 2023 and 2024.
IndyCar’s Position
IndyCar, once considered the second-most popular racing series in the U.S., has now dropped to fourth in average TV ratings. This decline is a cause for concern as the series faces big decisions from key stakeholders like Honda, other manufacturers, and McLaren Racing.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Change
As the series heads into May, there is hope that the excitement of the Indianapolis 500 and a packed schedule will help turn things around. The backend of the schedule features 14 races and two days of Indy 500 qualifying, all on network TV, along with many practice and qualifying sessions on cable.
Future Prospects
There are several promising developments on the horizon:
- Will Buxton’s first 500
- Josef Newgarden and Alex Palou’s pursuit of three-peats
- New races in Arlington, Texas, and potentially Mexico City
- The hope of a new car and technical formula in the coming years
These developments could inject new life into the series, but significant changes are needed to ensure long-term success.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
IndyCar’s partnership with Fox Sports was expected to be a game-changer. However, the early results have been disappointing.
The series faces a challenge to regain its footing and attract a broader audience. Major decisions are approaching, and the sport’s future depends on its ability to deliver solid TV ratings.
As we enter the crucial Month of May, the pressure is on IndyCar to keep the momentum going.
For a more detailed analysis of IndyCar’s ratings and the challenges it faces, you can read the full article here.
