As the adrenaline-pumped NASCAR races unfold, fans are voicing their discontent loud and clear towards FOX’s coverage of the events. The network’s lackluster performance during Sunday’s race at the Circuit of the Americas drew sharp criticism, adding to a growing list of grievances throughout the early 2025 season. The network’s inability to capture pivotal moments and its questionable production decisions have left viewers questioning FOX’s grasp of the sport it is contracted to spotlight.
One of the most notable oversights was the escalating rivalry between Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain. Fans were left in the dark as the tension between the two drivers reached its climax during the race’s final stage. Chastain’s tactical decision to slow down to avoid retaliation from Elliott, a defining moment in their on-track skirmish, was entirely missed by FOX’s cameras.
In another instance, viewers were denied the thrill of witnessing Elliott’s extraordinary recovery drive from 22nd to 4th position. Not a single overtaking maneuver was covered on screen. The dramatic drop of AJ Allmendinger from fifth to 30th position was also met with similar disregard. As a result, fans were left to piece together the race narrative through social media updates rather than the official broadcast.
Viewers have been highly critical, with comments on the lackluster coverage pouring in. One fan noted the irony of the ‘best move of the race’ being obscured by a shot of the back of a grandstand. This sentiment encapsulates the disappointment felt by fans who expect FOX’s coverage to deliver the full-throttle racing experience, capturing every on-track action and providing enthusiastic commentary.
Despite the race itself being hailed as “entertaining” and one of the best road course races of the NextGen era, FOX’s tepid presentation has been unable to translate this excitement to the home audience. The network’s shortcomings have been evident throughout the season, with fans expressing their frustration at the lack of quality in the coverage. This is particularly glaring given the recent $7.7 billion media rights deal NASCAR signed to involve other networks, including CW and Prime Video.
Earlier this season, FOX’s coverage of the races at Atlanta and Daytona also faced criticism. The network was accused of missing key moments of the races, often cutting to advertisements during crucial caution periods. The Daytona 500 coverage was particularly contentious, with fans outraged at the network’s omission of the iconic Air Force Thunderbirds flyover, a traditional pre-race ceremony.
The criticism isn’t limited to the coverage alone. The network’s announcing team has also come under fire for their lack of enthusiasm and energy. The disconnect between the intense action on the track and the subdued reactions from the commentary booth has further undermined NASCAR’s appeal to both die-hard fans and potential new viewers.
Amidst the growing discontent and the shifting media rights landscape, it remains to be seen if FOX can address these criticisms effectively. The consensus among the NASCAR community is clear: FOX needs to rekindle its understanding and passion for the sport before it’s too late. If not, fans might increasingly turn to alternative sources like radio broadcasts and social media for their racing fix, waiting for the day when FOX’s season ends.