NASCAR Dominates US Racing Scene

Commissioner Steve Phelps Details Strategic Edge

NASCAR is solidifying its position as America’s premier racing series, outpacing Formula 1 and IndyCar in domestic viewership. Commissioner Steve Phelps attributes this success to a deliberate strategy focused on accessibility and “Americana,” differentiating it from its international and open-wheel counterparts.

Defining the Audience Divide

In a recent discussion, **Phelps** addressed the perceived competition between motorsports, stating, I don’t think so. They’re in a different subset. He highlighted NASCAR’s resurgence since 2019, noting, If you consider that we’re the top of the heap of motorsports domestically—and we are, by a wide margin—it’s a good thing.

NASCAR’s audience shows a limited crossover with Formula 1 (6%), while maintaining a stronger connection with IndyCar fans (20%). **Phelps** elaborated on this distinction, emphasizing NASCAR’s commitment to fan access. We are different brands. F1 is all about restricted access. Ours is all about accessibility, he explained. He pointed to the ability of NASCAR fans to access pit roads and the affordability of tickets, typically ranging from $30 to $50 with free parking, as key differentiators.

Viewer Numbers Highlight NASCAR’s Strength

NASCAR’s ability to capture the American audience is evident in recent broadcast figures. On June 1, 2025, a NASCAR race on Prime Video attracted 2.06 million viewers. This figure surpassed Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix, which garnered 1.17 million viewers, and IndyCar’s Detroit Grand Prix, with 1.06 million viewers on the same day.

NASCAR’s initial two races on Prime Video averaged 2.39 million viewers, exceeding F1’s year-to-date average of 1.33 million and IndyCar’s average of 1.77 million. Notably, NASCAR’s viewership on Prime Video is also skewing younger, with a median age of 56.8 compared to 62.8 for traditional NASCAR broadcasts. This demographic shift is seen as a crucial factor for the sport’s long-term growth.

In 2023, the average F1 Grand Prix in the US drew 1.32 million viewers, a significant increase from previous years but still trailing NASCAR’s consistent performance (ESPN, 2024).