Hold onto your seats, because the world of motorsports just witnessed a seismic shift! For the first time ever, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has shattered viewership records, surpassing even NASCAR's Las Vegas race. This isn't just a win for drag racing—it's a full-throttle revolution in how we watch and engage with motorsports. But here's where it gets controversial: could this mark the beginning of a new era where NHRA challenges NASCAR's long-standing dominance? Let’s dive in.
The NHRA’s Texas FallNationals broadcast on Fox averaged a staggering 2.07 million viewers, with peak viewership hitting 3.63 million. This milestone not only marks the first time an NHRA event has crossed the 2 million viewer threshold but also comes hot on the heels of the NHRA U.S. Nationals, which drew 1.04 million viewers in August. Steve Reintjes, NHRA’s vice president of broadcast, credited the success to an “exceptional production team” and the unwavering support of partners like the Meyer family, Fox Sports, and race sponsors. But is this just a one-off victory, or a sign of deeper trends in viewer preferences?
Meanwhile, NASCAR’s playoffs are averaging 1.57 million viewers with three races left, putting them on track to fall short of the 2 million mark. While their Las Vegas race on USA Network saw a 10% viewership bump from the previous weekend’s Charlotte Roval event, it still trailed behind last year’s Las Vegas numbers, which aired on NBC. And this is the part most people miss: NASCAR’s shift to different networks and streaming platforms might be diluting its audience reach. What do you think—is NASCAR losing its grip, or is this just a temporary dip?
Globally, motorsports are roaring to life. In Australia, the Bathurst 1000 attracted its largest TV audience since 2016, with 2 million viewers tuning in across the Seven Network and Foxtel. Streaming platforms also broke records, with Seven’s 7Plus platform drawing 211,000 viewers—its highest non-Olympics or AFL Grand Final audience ever. Foxtel’s Kayo Sports and Foxtel Now saw their biggest day of Supercars streaming, with 207 million minutes watched. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As streaming gains traction, will traditional TV broadcasts become obsolete for motorsports?
As the dust settles on these record-breaking events, one thing is clear: the motorsports landscape is evolving faster than ever. Whether you’re Team NHRA, Team NASCAR, or just a fan of high-octane action, now’s the time to buckle up and join the conversation. What’s your take? Is NHRA’s surge a fluke, or the start of a new rivalry? And how do you think streaming will reshape the future of motorsports? Let us know in the comments below—we’re all ears!
