NASCAR President Steve Phelps has assured fans that by 2025, they will clearly know where to watch Cup races, even with the expanded list of broadcast partners compared to the past season. During the Fifth Annual Race Industry Week, hosted by Racer.com, epartrade.com, and Speed Sport, Phelps also addressed the financial implications of the Chicago Street Race and the investments NASCAR has made to enhance fan experiences at tracks it owns.
However, Phelps was not questioned about the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR and Chairman Jim France. NASCAR has already filed a motion to dismiss the case, labeling the lawsuit as an attempt to mask business frustrations under the guise of antitrust concerns.
In 2025, NASCAR Cup races will be broadcast across USA Network, NBC, Fox, FS1, Amazon Prime Video, and TNT. Meanwhile, Xfinity races will air on the CW Network, and Truck Series races will remain on Fox and FS1. Prime Video will exclusively stream five Cup races, including the Coca-Cola 600, marking a first for the series. TNT will also carry five races, including the Chicago Street Race. NBC and USA Network will cover the final 14 races, including all playoff events. Practice and qualifying sessions, except for major events like the Daytona 500, will be available on Prime Video, Max, and truTV.
Addressing concerns about accessibility, Phelps emphasized the promotional efforts by media partners, stating that these campaigns would ensure fans know where to watch races. He highlighted Fox’s promotion of the Daytona 500 during high-profile events like the NFC Championship and Super Bowl. Other partners, including Amazon and Warner Brothers Discovery, will also contribute significant promotional efforts for their respective broadcasts.
Phelps also discussed NASCAR’s evolving schedule, noting changes like the Clash moving to Bowman Gray Stadium and the upcoming Mexico City Cup race in 2025. He acknowledged that while the Chicago Street Race posed financial challenges, its $50 million investment proved valuable in attracting new partners like Amazon and Warner Brothers Discovery, who recognized NASCAR’s commitment to innovation and growth.
Furthermore, NASCAR has prioritized improving fan experiences at its tracks, investing $50 million in high-speed connectivity across its 12 owned facilities. Phelps highlighted the importance of providing seamless internet access for fans to share their experiences on social media and stay connected during events. He stated, “We’ve got to keep up with what fans expect and ensure our investments create a more compelling experience.”
This approach underscores NASCAR’s dedication to adapting its offerings and infrastructure to meet the expectations of both new and loyal fans.
