Things are getting worse before they get better for NASCAR on ABC.
Sunday’s rain-plagued LifeLock 400 drew a 2.8 overnight from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on ABC. The 2.8 ties the Sylvania 300 two weeks ago as the lowest overnight for a NASCAR race on broadcast television in at least three years. The 2.8 also marks an 18% decline from the 3.4 rating NBC drew for the race on the comparable date last year.
Through three Chase for the Cup races, ABC is averaging a 3.0 metered market rating. Last year, NBC averaged a 4.0 metered market rating for eight Chase races.
Because this race did not finish on ABC, the rating may not count towards ABC’s season average. The network switched coverage to ESPN2 at 6:00 PM, likely to avoid pre-empting the network’s Sunday night programming. The 90-minute conclusion of the race, which aired on ESPN2, drew a 2.1 overnight.
