It’s the beginning of a new chapter in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, as the American broadcast network, ‘The CW,’ takes on the responsibility of covering the final eight events of the season, including every playoff race. This major shift in NASCAR’s media landscape comes with exciting updates for fans. According to multiple reports, The CW’s coverage won’t be limited to just the main races. Viewers will also be treated to full coverage of practice sessions and qualifying rounds, ensuring a more comprehensive and engaging viewing experience. Even more enticing is the fact that this new partnership will last through 2031, meaning that for the next seven years, fans will have free access to all the Xfinity Series races aired on The CW.
While there’s often a saying that goes, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t,” this deal appears to be the real deal. In a bold revelation shared by Adam Stern from Sports Business Journal, the network’s advertising strategy has sent waves of excitement through the NASCAR fanbase. The CW promises to offer fans a viewing experience unlike any they’ve had before in the Xfinity Series.
A Game-Changer for NASCAR Broadcasting: The CW Network Steps In
According to Stern, The CW has partnered with an impressive lineup of 25 advertisers to support its NASCAR coverage. Some of the biggest names in the business world have come on board, including Samsung, Snapchat, KFC, Toyota, The NAPA Network, NBCUniversal Parks, Progressive, and Pfizer. What’s more, Stern revealed that while fans will still encounter advertisements, the majority of the coverage will feature full-screen race action. There will also be side-by-side segments during commercial breaks, and only a limited number of ads will take up the entire screen, ensuring minimal interruptions to the race experience.
Although The CW Network is the official broadcaster for the final race of the regular Xfinity Series season and beyond, the production will still be handled by NBC Sports, NASCAR’s long-time partner. This partnership represents a significant shift in how media rights will be managed in the coming years, not just in motorsports but potentially across other sports as well. For fans, the promise of fewer ads, paired with the benefit of watching for free, signals a refreshing change from the more traditional, ad-heavy broadcasts they’ve grown accustomed to with Fox and NBC Sports.
With the race at Bristol Motor Speedway fast approaching, Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports will be aiming to defend his title on the 0.533-mile short track. With just one race remaining before the playoff series begins at Kansas Speedway, Allgaier currently sits atop the driver standings, holding an impressive 43-point lead over Cole Custer in second place. Meanwhile, racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make his final Xfinity Series appearance of the season, driving the No. 88 Chevy. After a disappointing 30th-place finish last year, all eyes will be on whether Earnhardt can improve his performance in what will also mark The CW Network’s debut NASCAR broadcast.
Fan Excitement Soars with CW’s Xfinity Series Takeover
As soon as news of The CW’s takeover of the Xfinity Series coverage broke, fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement. Many have high hopes that the new broadcast format will change the way they experience NASCAR races. One fan, thrilled by the idea of more full-screen action and side-by-side coverage during commercials, wrote on X, “Mostly side-by-side or full-screen action. I like it. Wish the other broadcasters, namely FOX, could do that.” It’s clear that this shift has already won over fans who have been craving fewer interruptions during race broadcasts.
Another fan voiced their support for NASCAR’s decision to partner with The CW, calling it a smart move even if it meant parting ways with Fox Sports, which had been airing the Xfinity Series since 2017. “Going exclusively to The CW will be the best thing that’s ever happened to the series. They had to burn bridges at FOX to do it, but in the end, it’s worth it,” the fan said. The sentiment was echoed by others who shared similar optimism about the future of NASCAR coverage. One fan commented, “CW is going to knock this out of the park.”
The CW’s promise of fewer ads and more uninterrupted racing has been a key reason for the enthusiastic response. Another fan highlighted the importance of evolving broadcast standards in today’s media landscape, writing, “NASCAR BROADCASTS ARE FINALLY EVOLVING.” This evolution, they believe, will bring the sport closer to where it needs to be, especially in an age where attention spans are short, and audiences demand a more seamless viewing experience.
One fan pointed out that NASCAR’s rise in popularity was closely tied to its previous broadcasts on networks that treated the sport as a priority. They expressed hope that The CW would provide that same environment again, writing, “NASCAR became huge when they were on networks where they were the ‘big dog.’ The CW may offer that environment again.” And that’s exactly what many fans are hoping for—a return to NASCAR’s glory days, where races were not only thrilling but also felt like major, can’t-miss events.
With The CW Network’s debut NASCAR broadcast looming on the horizon, it’s clear that expectations are high, and fans are eager to see if the network can deliver on its promises. As the Xfinity Series heads into its final regular-season race at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR enthusiasts will be tuning in to witness not just the action on the track, but also the beginning of what could be a game-changing era in the sport’s broadcasting history.
