The 2025 US motorsports broadcasting landscape is shifting dramatically, with FOX Sports breaking new ground by securing exclusive rights to air all IndyCar races. As FOX pours significant resources into promoting its new partner, including high-profile commercials starring IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden, NASCAR fans can’t help but feel left out in the cold.
FOX’s New Partnership with IndyCar
With NASCAR’s $7.7 billion media rights deal splitting 10 races between Amazon Prime Video and Warner Brothers, FOX has fewer NASCAR events to broadcast. This shift created an opportunity for FOX to strike an exclusive deal with IndyCar, making it the only US motorsport available entirely on cable TV.
The network is sparing no effort to market its new acquisition. From launching flashy ads during NFL playoff broadcasts to leveraging high-profile reporters like Bob Pockrass, FOX is making a statement about its commitment to IndyCar.
Even longtime NASCAR reporter Jeff Gluck couldn’t help but notice, saying, “This ad is further evidence FOX is really, really going all out for its first year of IndyCar. This is a terrific attention-grabber and exposure.”
NASCAR Fans: “What About Us?”
While FOX ramps up its IndyCar promotions, NASCAR fans are voicing their frustrations. They’ve cited numerous instances where the network’s NASCAR coverage fell short, from poorly timed commercials during critical race moments to lackluster advertising campaigns.
One fan summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“Wish FOX would give NASCAR the same treatment. Advertising feels stale and almost nonexistent, especially with the 500 coming up soon.”
Another added, “Imagine if they made that effort to produce a commercial for Larson, Blaney, Reddick, or Logano 🤷🏻♂️.”
A Troubling Track Record
FOX’s NASCAR coverage has been a frequent source of criticism. Notable incidents include:
- Missed Key Moments: Fans often turn to Twitter updates during commercial breaks to catch major crashes or lead changes.
- Poor Camera Angles: Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself once criticized FOX’s narrow focus during the COTA race, saying, “These camera shots are too tight. Can’t see everything. There’s a sh-t ton going out there.”
- Mishandled Promotions: Attempts to connect with younger fans, such as the comic book-style driver posters in 2024, backfired and became a meme among the NASCAR community.
Is FOX’s Investment in IndyCar Sustainable?
Some fans speculate that FOX’s current honeymoon phase with IndyCar won’t last. A fan on social media observed,
“It’s the same formula for every network: Get a new shiny thing. Put effort into it. Fans get excited. Years later, network seems to put in less effort. Fans complain about quality. Thing moves to a new network. Rinse and repeat.”
NASCAR enthusiasts fear this pattern could repeat for IndyCar, leaving their favorite series feeling neglected while FOX chases its next big project.
Race Hub and NASCAR’s Lost Legacy
NASCAR fans are still reeling from the cancellation of Race Hub, a FOX staple for over 15 seasons and 2,500 episodes. Some believe the decision to end the show ties directly to FOX’s shift in focus to IndyCar.
One fan questioned:
“I thought that’s why they stopped Race Hub—because of getting IndyCar. Wonder if they will do any kind of IndyCar show.”
The Bigger Picture
FOX’s partnership with IndyCar reflects a clear strategy: attract new fans and grow the open-wheel racing audience. However, NASCAR fans—already frustrated by years of perceived neglect—are left wondering if their sport will ever receive the same level of attention and respect.
What Can NASCAR Fans Expect in 2025?
As NASCAR leans on Netflix’s upcoming documentary to boost its profile, there’s hope that FOX will step up its promotional efforts. With the Daytona 500 on the horizon, the network has an opportunity to regain favor by elevating its coverage, providing more engaging advertising, and investing in the drivers who make NASCAR iconic.
For now, the ball is in FOX’s court. Will they rise to the challenge and prove they can serve both IndyCar and NASCAR fans with equal passion and dedication?