It is beginning to look like NASCAR’s Danica-fueled resurgence was a one-time deal.
Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Kobalt Tools 500 from Las Vegas earned a 4.4 overnight rating on FOX, down 4% from last year (4.6), down 17% from 2011 (5.3), and the second-lowest overnight for the race since it moved to FOX in 2001.
Only the 2010 race, which aired opposite the Winter Olympics, drew a lower overnight in the FOX era (4.1).
The Kobalt Tools 500 ranks as the first Sprint Cup race of the season to have a decline in overnights. The Daytona 500 (+30%) and Subway Fresh Fit 500 from Phoenix (+6%) both had increases.
Despite the lower numbers, Sunday’s race tied Tiger Woods‘ victory at the WGC-Cadillac Championship as the highest rated sporting event of the weekend in the metered markets.
(Sunday’s overnight from Sports Business Daily)
