NASCAR drew its largest audience in nearly three months last Sunday.
Sunday’s Pepsi 500 drew a 3.6 rating and 6 million viewers on ABC, down 22% in ratings and 20% in viewership from a 4.6 and 7.4 million for last year’s comparable Amp Energy 500.
Compared to last year’s Pepsi 500, which aired in August on ESPN, Sunday’s race was up 9% and 6%, respectively, from a 3.3 and 5.6 million. This marks the lowest rating ever for the Pepsi 500 on broadcast — though it should be pointed out that this is the first time the race has aired opposite the NFL.
The Pepsi 500 ranks as the highest rated, most-viewed NASCAR race since the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in late July (4.1, 6.5 million). Additionally, this marks the second-highest rated and second-most viewed NASCAR race since FOX ended its run in May.
So far this season, 27 NASCAR races have averaged a 4.2 rating and 6.8 million viewers on FOX, TNT, ESPN and ABC. This does not include the Coca Cola 600, Pennsylvania 500 or the Heluva Good! at the Glen, each of which was postponed due to rain.
Through 4 races, the Chase for the Cup is averaging 4.3 million viewers on ABC, down 13% from 4.9 million through 4 races last year.
Ratings for the Pepsi 500
| Year | Date | Winner | Net | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Sun., 10/11/09 | Johnson | ABC |
3.6/-
|
| 2008 | Sun., 8/31/08 | Johnson | ESPN |
3.3 (3.9)
|
| 2007 | Sun., 9/2/07 | Johnson | ESPN |
3.6 (4.2)
|
| 2006 | Sun., 9/3/06 | Kahne | NBC |
5.0/10
|
| 2005 | Sun., 9/4/05 | Busch | NBC |
5.2/10
|
| 2004 | Sun., 9/5/04 | Sadler | NBC |
5.1/10
|
Sources: Jayski, Sports Business Daily
