Roger Penske, the legendary motorsports mogul, is not just a NASCAR team owner; he is a force to be reckoned with in the racing world. Taking over the IndyCar series and the prestigious Indy 500 race in 2019, Penske has been on a mission to elevate American open-wheel racing to unprecedented heights.
One of Penske’s most significant power moves was securing a deal with FOX TV, a broadcaster synonymous with NASCAR for years. This partnership has proven to be a game-changer for IndyCar, with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg attracting a whopping 1.417 million viewers – the highest viewership for an IndyCar event (excluding the Indy 500) since 2011.
Thanks to FOX’s exclusive coverage of all 17 IndyCar races on big FOX, viewership numbers have soared, with a remarkable 25% increase overall and a staggering 60% spike in the crucial 18-to-34 age group. Penske himself lauded FOX’s unwavering support, acknowledging the broadcaster’s pivotal role in propelling IndyCar into the limelight.
Despite a minor hiccup during the race at Thermal Club, where technical difficulties briefly disrupted the broadcast, Penske remains focused on maintaining the momentum as the IndyCar season progresses towards the historic 109th running of the Indy 500.
Excitement is building as the Great Spectacle in Racing is set to be a sellout, marking the first time since 2016 that the event is expected to reach full capacity. With only a few hundred reserved grandstand tickets remaining, IndyCar is experiencing a resurgence under Penske’s stewardship, coupled with FOX Sports’ extensive coverage.
Notable figures in the racing world, including Team owner Chip Ganassi, have commended the collective efforts that have led to this resurgence, highlighting the successful Penske and FOX deals as catalysts for the sport’s resurgence. As the Indy 500 approaches, all eyes are on drivers like Josef Newgarden and Kyle Larson, poised to make history and create memorable moments on the track.
In conclusion, the Penske-FOX partnership has breathed new life into IndyCar, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead filled with anticipation, record-breaking viewership, and unforgettable racing moments.
