Though still not up to the usual standards, NASCAR on FOX saw another improvement in the ratings on Saturday.
FOX drew a 4.2 rating and 7.0 million viewers for the Southern 500 on Saturday night, up 5% in ratings and viewership from last year (4.0, 6.7 mil) and down 13% and 11%, respectively, from 2008 (4.8, 7.8 mil).
The 4.2 rating is tied as the second-lowest for the Southern 500 since it moved to FOX in 2001. As recently as 2005, the race drew a 5.6 rating and over 9 million viewers.
On a more positive note, this marks the third time in four races that ratings have increased for NASCAR on FOX, the lone exception being last week’s Heath Calhoun 400.
Additionally, the 4.2 rating is the highest for any Saturday night NASCAR race on FOX since the aforementioned 2008 Southern 500 (4.8).
Despite the increases, ratings for the races have remained fairly low by historical standards.
The race topped the NBA on ABC (3.7, 5.8 mil) head-to-head on Saturday night. While that is not too surprising, even in the playoffs, keep in mind that the NBA game involved the big-market Lakers. The race could still finish behind Sunday’s Cavaliers/Celtics game on ABC.
Ratings For NASCAR Southern 500 Since 2000
| Year | Date | Winner | Net | Rating | Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Sat., 5/8/10 | Hamlin |
FOX
|
4.2
|
6,970
|
| 2009 | Sat., 5/9/09 | Martin |
FOX
|
4.0
|
6,671
|
| 2008 | Sat., 5/10/08 | Busch |
FOX
|
4.8
|
7,812
|
| 2007 | Sun., 5/13/07 | Gordon |
FOX
|
4.2
|
6,920
|
| 2006 | Sat., 5/13/06 | Biffle |
FOX
|
4.8
|
7,861
|
| 2005 | Sat., 5/7/05 | Biffle |
FOX
|
5.6
|
9,266
|
| 2004 | Sun., 3/21/04 | Johnson |
FOX
|
5.6
|
9,256
|
| 2003 | Sun., 3/16/03 | Craven |
FOX
|
5.9
|
9,259
|
| 2002 | Sun., 3/17/02 | Marlin |
FOX
|
5.8
|
9,563
|
| 2001 | Sun., 3/18/01 | Jarrett |
FOX
|
6.1
|
—
|
| 2000 | Sun., 3/19/00 | Burton |
ESPN
|
3.5
|
—
|
