NASCAR has unveiled the schedule for the 2025 Cup Series, including details on broadcast rights, but the announcement has stirred frustration among fans. Shared by NASCAR insider Danielle Trotta on social media, the update highlighted changes in race scheduling and broadcast distribution that many found disjointed.
The 2025 season kicks off on February 2 at Bowman Gray Stadium with the Clash, a highly anticipated event. Broadcast rights for the 38-race season are divided across six platforms, including a significant addition—Amazon Prime. Under the new media rights deal, Prime Video will stream four post-All-Star races, marking a notable shift in NASCAR’s distribution strategy. Additionally, four races are set for Saturday schedules, adding further complexity.
Fans have expressed disappointment online, particularly regarding inconvenient start times and the scattered nature of broadcast rights. One fan remarked, “@NASCAR has been with FOX for decades, yet IndyCar gets better start times on FOX’s main network. Why is that?” Others criticized the lack of a centralized streaming option. “Why can’t NASCAR offer a single streaming app with all the races? It’s frustrating to hunt down different channels,” one fan commented.
Recurring grievances included the staggered start times and the challenges of tracking where each race or qualifying session will air. “Remember when all races started at 1 PM? We could plan our Sundays around NASCAR,” a fan lamented. Another suggested NASCAR should establish its own network to simplify access for viewers. Meanwhile, Phoenix Raceway’s selection as the Championship venue also drew criticism. A fan argued, “Phoenix has a poor configuration for a championship race. NASCAR’s roots are in the southeast, and the finale should reflect that.”
The regular season officially begins with the iconic Daytona 500 on February 16, which will air exclusively on FOX at 2:30 PM ET.
In related news, NASCAR has made a strategic leadership move, appointing Craig Stimmel, a former F1 Las Vegas GP executive, as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Stimmel replaces Daryl Wolfe and will assume the role of Senior Vice President, focusing on bolstering sponsorships. Based in New York City, his appointment aligns with efforts to strengthen NASCAR’s presence in a market increasingly captivated by Formula One.
Adam Stern, reporting on the change, noted on X: “@NASCAR’s new CCO will be stationed in NYC, emphasizing the need for NASCAR to compete with F1’s sponsorship momentum.” Among Stimmel’s primary duties will be managing all NASCAR Holdings sales as the organization seeks to expand its commercial reach amidst rising competition from Formula One’s growing popularity.
