For only the 7th time in 2009, NASCAR did not suffer a decline in ratings.
Sunday’s Dickies 500 drew a 3.7 final rating and 5.8 million viewers on ABC, even in ratings and down slightly in viewers from a 3.7 and 5.9 million for last year’s race. This marks the first time NASCAR ratings have not declined since the September 12 Chevy Rock & Roll 400.
While ratings held steady, the 5.8 million viewers is the lowest in the 5-year history of the Dickies 500. Viewership has declined every year in the history of the race, though ratings have held steady each of the past three years.
This marks only the 7th NASCAR race this season that did not have a decline in ratings. Of those races, only 5 have had increases in ratings.
Through Sunday, 31 NASCAR races have averaged a 4.1 rating and 6.6 million viewers on FOX, TNT, ESPN and ABC, down 8% and 9%, respectively, from a 4.5 and 7.3 million for the same races last year. Of those 31 races, 24 have had declines in ratings and 25 have had declines in viewership.
Those numbers do not include the Coca Cola 600, Pennsylvania 500 or the Heluva Good! at the Glen, all of which were postponed due to rain.
Ratings/viewership for the Dickies 500 since inaugural race in ’05
| Year | Date | Winner | Net | Rating | Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Sun., 11/8/09 | Busch | ABC |
3.7/-
|
5.8 mil
|
| 2008 | Sun., 11/2/08 | Edwards | ABC |
3.7/7
|
5.9 mil
|
| 2007 | Sun., 11/4/07 | Johnson | ABC |
3.7/9
|
6.0 mil
|
| 2006 | Sun., 11/5/06 | Stewart | NBC |
4.3/8
|
7.2 mil
|
| 2005 | Sun., 11/6/05 | Edwards | NBC |
5.1/10
|
8.1 mil
|
Source: ESPN
