NASCAR’s hotter start continued with Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 400 from Las Vegas.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Kobalt Tools 400 from Las Vegas earned a 5.3 overnight rating on FOX on Sunday afternoon, up 29% from last year (4.1), but down 4% from 2009 (5.5).
Though up from last year, the 5.3 is the second-lowest for NASCAR’s Las Vegas race since at least 2001.
So far this season, all three NASCAR Sprint Cup telecasts on FOX have had increases in overnight ratings compared to last year. The February 20 Daytona 500 drew an 8.2 overnight, up 17% (2010: 7.0), and the February 27 Subway Fresh Fit 500 drew a 5.3, up 6% (2010: 5.0).
Sunday’s race easily outdistanced the other marquee sporting events on broadcast over the weekend, including Heat/Bulls (3.6) and Lakers/Spurs (3.9) on ABC and Duke/North Carolina (3.2) on CBS.
Ratings for the race improved by over 70% in four of the nation’s top ten television markets, including a 136% rise in #3 market Chicago.
(Jayski)
