The Indianapolis 500 zoomed past the Coca Cola 600 in the overnights this weekend.
ABC drew a 5.1 overnight for the Indy 500, up 6% from a 4.8 for last year’s rain soaked race. Compared to the 2006 race, which did not have weather delays, the 5.1 is down 2%.
For the third time in four years, the Indy 500 finished with a higher overnight rating than NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600. FOX drew a 4.4 overnight for the 600 on Sunday evening, down 2% from a 4.5 last year.
Despite drawing the higher overnight, the Indy 500 could lose the overall ratings battle. The final ratings for NASCAR events typically rise from the overnights, while the Indy 500 typically sees a decline from the overnight to the final. This can be attributed to NASCAR’s strength in smaller markets (overnight ratings measure the top 55 markets in the country).
Last year, ratings for the Indy 500 fell 10% from the overnight to the final rating, while ratings for the Coca Cola 600 rose 3%.
Update: NASCAR did end up winning the ratings battle with the Indy 500. The Coca Cola 600 drew a 4.7 final rating (up 7% from the 4.4 overnight) while the Indy 500 finished with a 4.5 (down 12% from the 5.1 overnight).
