Thanks to better numbers for the Indy 500, ABC had a modest increase in ratings and viewership for the 2014 IndyCar season.
ABC averaged a 1.6 rating and 2.4 million viewers for five IndyCar Series races this season, up 14% in ratings and viewership from last year (1.4, 2.1M). Excluding the Indy 500, the network averaged a 0.8 and 1.1 million — flat in ratings and up 3% in viewership (1.14M to 1.10M). Neither average includes ABC’s two-day coverage of Indy 500 qualifying.
The increase was primarily due to the Indy 500, which rebounded from last year’s record-low audience to attract 6.2 million viewers.
The final ABC telecasts of the season attracted solid numbers relative to last year. Race 1 of the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix drew a 0.9 final rating and 1.4 million viewers on Saturday, up 50% in ratings and 59% in viewership from last year (0.6, 882K). Race 2 on Sunday drew a 0.7 and 1.0 million, flat in both measures.
IndyCar Ratings/Viewership on ABC This Season
| Date | Race | Rtg. | Vwrs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun., 3/30 | St. Pete | 0.6 | 866K |
| Sat., 5/10 | Indy (Grand Prix) | 0.9 |
1.3M
|
| Sat., 5/17 | Indy (Quals) | 0.7 | 1.1M |
| Sun., 5/18 | Indy (Quals) | 1.0 | 1.5M |
| Sun., 5/25 | Indy 500 | 3.9 |
6.2M
|
| Sat., 5/31 | Detroit (Race 1) | 0.9 |
1.4M
|
| Sun., 6/1 | Detroit (Race 2) | 0.7 |
1.0M
|
(Detroit numbers + season avg. from ESPN)
