NASCAR stumbled in its TNT season debut, but held up well compared to one of Sunday’s major sporting events.
Sunday’s Gilette Fusion ProGlide 500 drew a 3.3 U.S. rating and 5.3 million viewers on TNT, according to Nielsen fast-nationals, down 3% in ratings and viewership from last year (3.4, 5.5 mil), and down 15% and 12%, respectively, from 2008 (3.9, 6.1 mil).
This marks the lowest rated, least-viewed edition of the race since 2007 (3.0, 5.0 mil). In 2006, the last time it aired on FOX, the race drew a 5.2 rating and 8.2 million viewers.
Of the 12 regularly scheduled NASCAR Sprint Cup races this season, Sunday’s race is the eighth to have a decrease in ratings compared to last year. Comparisons to last year were unavailable for a ninth race (the Coca-Cola 600), as last year’s race was rained out.
Despite the lower numbers, Sunday’s race drew the same rating as Sunday night’s Stanley Cup Final Game 5 on NBC — and actually attracted more households (3.778 mil to 3.750 mil). Flyers/Blackhawks drew more viewers (5.848 mil to 5.344 mil).
Additionally, the race was the top program of the day on cable in households, viewers and several key demographics — including men 18-49.
Ratings/Viewership For Pocono 500 Since 2000
| Year | Date | Winner | Net | Rating | Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Sun., 6/6/10 | Hamlin |
TNT
|
3.3
|
5,344
|
| 2009 | Sun., 6/7/09 | Stewart |
TNT
|
3.4
|
5,480
|
| 2008 | Sun., 6/8/08 | Kahne |
TNT
|
3.9
|
6,098
|
| 2007 | Sun., 6/10/07 | Gordon |
TNT
|
3.0
|
4,968
|
| 2006 | Sun., 6/11/06 | Hamlin |
FOX
|
5.2
|
8,178
|
| 2005 | Sun., 6/12/05 | Edwards |
FOX
|
5.6
|
8,644
|
| 2004 | Sun., 6/13/04 | Johnson |
FOX
|
5.2
|
8,317
|
| 2003 | Sun., 6/8/03 | Stewart |
FOX
|
5.3
|
7,744
|
| 2002 | Sun., 6/9/02 | Jarrett |
FOX
|
5.1
|
7,961
|
| 2001 | Sun., 6/17/01 | Rudd |
FOX
|
4.4
|
—
|
(Turner Sports)
