After a record-low at Daytona, overnight ratings did not bounce back for the second race of the season.
Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup “The Profit on CNBC 500” from Phoenix earned a 4.8 overnight rating on FOX, down 9% from a 5.3 last year, and down 4% from a 5.0 in 2011. The 4.8 is the lowest overnight for the second Sprint Cup race of the season since FOX began airing coverage in 2001.
The 4.8 is also the lowest overnight for the spring Phoenix race since it moved to its current date in 2010.
Though the Daytona 500 hit a record-low in television ratings, it has been suggested that Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s victory would provide NASCAR some much-needed momentum going into the rest of the season. At least this past Sunday, that was not the case.
Despite the lower numbers, Sunday’s race was easily the top sporting event of the weekend on broadcast.
(Sun. numbers from Sports Business Daily)
