NASCAR is already under fire, battling a high-profile antitrust lawsuit from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, who claim the sanctioning body has monopolized the sport. But now, a fresh controversy has erupted—this time over NASCAR’s leadership defending FOX Sports’ promotion of IndyCar over its own product.
With IndyCar making its long-awaited debut on FOX, the network has gone all-in on marketing, rolling out high-profile ads featuring Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, and Pato O’Ward. Meanwhile, NASCAR—FOX’s longtime motorsports partner—has been pushed to the backseat, receiving just one generic 30-second Daytona 500 promo using old highlights.
Fans are outraged, and NASCAR’s response isn’t helping matters.
Steve Phelps’ Controversial Comments Ignite Fan Backlash
Instead of challenging FOX for prioritizing IndyCar over NASCAR, NASCAR President Steve Phelps defended the network’s IndyCar push, telling media:
“I think FOX did a good job with the IndyCar commercials. We want to root for IndyCar. Having motorsports rise helps everybody. With NASCAR being the ‘King of the Hill’ here in the United States, it’s especially good for IndyCar.”
That statement has infuriated fans, and for good reason—it directly contradicts NASCAR’s own legal argument in its antitrust lawsuit.
Hypocrisy at Its Finest? NASCAR’s Lawsuit vs. Phelps’ Public Stance
To disprove allegations of monopolization, NASCAR has argued in court that it faces constant competition from other racing series, including IndyCar, IMSA, and Formula 1, for fans, sponsors, and talent.
“NASCAR has consistently faced competition from these other circuits for fan attention, talent, and sponsors.” (Official NASCAR legal filing)
Yet, if IndyCar is truly a ‘competitor’, why is NASCAR’s own president publicly ‘rooting’ for them while FOX downplays NASCAR’s biggest event of the year?
Fans have been quick to call out the hypocrisy, questioning how NASCAR can claim it competes with IndyCar in court, but then turn around and applaud FOX’s decision to sideline NASCAR in favor of IndyCar’s debut.
FOX’s Favoritism: NASCAR Fans Feel Left Behind
While FOX has been heavily promoting IndyCar’s 2025 season, NASCAR fans feel the stock car series has been neglected.
🔥 What FOX has done for IndyCar:
✅ High-profile ad campaign featuring active drivers
✅ Frequent prime-time commercials hyping the season
✅ Major social media marketing push
❌ What FOX has done for NASCAR:
- One generic Daytona 500 ad
- No major driver-focused promotions
- Less engagement compared to previous years
NASCAR fans aren’t buying the excuses.
Even Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s executive vice president, brushed off concerns, telling Sports Business Journal:
“I do not [have any concerns]. Anytime there’s a new property launch with FOX, they get behind it in a major way.”
That nonchalant attitude hasn’t sat well with fans, especially given NASCAR’s ongoing struggles with FOX’s subpar coverage in recent years.
NASCAR’s Broadcast Struggles: Another Reason for Fan Frustration
Fans have already been vocal about FOX’s declining NASCAR coverage, from poor camera angles and missed race moments to commercial overloads and awkward booth commentary.
Many were hoping that NASCAR’s new media deal—bringing in Amazon Prime, TNT Sports, and The CW—would improve things.
But instead of pushing FOX to give NASCAR the promotional treatment it deserves, the sport’s leadership seems content playing second fiddle to IndyCar.
Will NASCAR Finally Fight for Its Spotlight?
The backlash is loud, and growing louder.
Fans are demanding:
🚨 Stronger leadership that prioritizes NASCAR over “rooting” for competitors
🚨 Better race promotion from FOX and other broadcast partners
🚨 A more aggressive stance in ensuring NASCAR remains the top motorsport on U.S. television
If NASCAR wants to maintain its ‘King of the Hill’ status, it can’t afford to be complacent.
Because if IndyCar gains enough momentum, NASCAR might soon be fighting for the throne instead of sitting on it.
