There’s a palpable sense of frustration brewing among NASCAR fans, particularly those following the Xfinity Series. The recent Phoenix race saw a broadcasting blunder that has left a bitter taste in the mouths of viewers, highlighting potential pitfalls in the monumental $7.7 billion media rights deal.
A key grievance among fans is the jarring disruption of the thrilling on-track action by ill-timed commercial breaks. Fox, which previously held the broadcasting rights, has often been at the receiving end of criticism for this. Fans were hopeful for a smoother viewing experience after CW took over the broadcasting rights, but were met with disappointment.
The Phoenix race perfectly encapsulated this frustration. In the final lap of the GOVX 200, Alex Bowman was leading, with veteran Aric Almirola waiting for the perfect moment to pass. Just as Almirola made a spectacular pass, viewers in Atlanta were left staring at a commercial, courtesy of a local CW affiliate, Peachtree TV.
Instead of the much-anticipated final lap action, Atlanta viewers were treated to a baseball ad and subsequently missed the dramatic finish where Almirola managed to hold his ground and cross the finish line a mere 0.045 seconds ahead of Bowman. This was the second-closest finish in Phoenix’s history. To add insult to injury, instead of returning to the race, the channel proceeded to an NBA game.
The incident sparked an uproar among fans, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on social media platforms and in comment sections. Even NASCAR analyst Eric Estepp found the situation hard to comprehend, criticizing the broadcast in a recent video.
The blunder may have significant implications for CW, especially considering the recent viewership numbers. Approximately 1.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the race, the highest in the last four years. This suggests that a significant portion of the audience was hopeful for improved broadcasts from CW compared to FS1.
However, CW is not the only player in the game. The $7.7 billion deal is set to unfold further, with Amazon being another major broadcaster. Amazon is reportedly building a stellar broadcast team, which includes fan-favorite Dale Jr. and Hall of Famer Carl Edwards.
While the Phoenix incident has left a sour taste, there is still much to look forward to in the world of NASCAR broadcasting. As for CW, they have pledged to learn from their mistakes and ensure seamless racing action in the future. Whether they manage to deliver on this promise remains to be seen. As the dust settles on the Phoenix debacle, one thing is certain – NASCAR fans demand and deserve a top-notch broadcast experience.
