Here’s a bombshell for the racing world: the NHRA just pulled off a TV-ratings victory that’s left NASCAR fans scratching their heads and more than a little irritated. But here’s where it gets controversial—was this a hard-earned triumph or just a stroke of luck? Let’s dive in.
Before the NHRA team starts popping the champagne, it’s worth unpacking the details behind their recent success. Last weekend, the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex drew a staggering 2.065 million viewers on FOX, marking the most-watched broadcast in the organization’s 74-year history. The event as a whole pulled in 3.631 million viewers, a milestone that even shocked NHRA insiders. And this is the part most people miss—this wasn’t just a win; it was the first time an NHRA broadcast crossed the two-million-viewer mark.
So, what’s the catch? Preliminary data suggests the NHRA telecast got a massive boost from a 7.2-million-viewer NFL lead-in featuring the Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers game. This gave the NHRA 1.872 million viewers, compared to NASCAR’s 1.717 million for the South Point 400 on USA Network. Bold statement alert: While NHRA fans are celebrating, some argue this success was less about strategy and more about timing.
Former NASCAR driver and media personality Kenny Wallace summed it up bluntly: ‘NHRA got a little lucky, and we all know it.’ Wallace, a longtime NHRA fan himself, pointed out that the race aired in prime time, right after a high-profile NFL game. But let’s be real—drag racing fans aren’t complaining. For years, they’ve been relegated to less-than-ideal time slots, so this victory feels particularly sweet.
Controversy alert: Journalist Chris Deeley from GP Fans weighed in, suggesting NASCAR’s fragmented TV deal—splitting races across four broadcasters—has made it harder for casual fans to tune in. In contrast, the NHRA consolidated its broadcast package years ago, a move that’s now paying dividends. But is this a fair comparison? Some say NASCAR’s $7.7 billion TV deal, while lucrative, has diluted its audience by scattering races across too many channels.
NHRA Top Fuel veteran Doug Foley didn’t hold back during the Texas Fall Nationals. ‘NASCAR made the dumbest move they ever could make,’ he said, criticizing the decision to spread their TV program across multiple channels. ‘Put it on Fox. Put it on ABC. They could put it out to the best bidder,’ he added, emphasizing the need for consistency in broadcasting.
For Foley, the issue hits close to home as a team owner. ‘We have to justify [to potential sponsors] why our TV numbers are down,’ he explained. With fewer sponsors, teams struggle to secure funding, leading to a decline in the number of cars on the track. ‘If there were sponsors out here, there’d be a million cars,’ Foley said. But without strong TV numbers, attracting sponsors becomes an uphill battle.
So, is NHRA’s recent success sustainable? Maybe. But one thing’s clear—it’s a wake-up call for both organizations. Thought-provoking question: As broadcasting landscapes evolve, which model will prove more resilient—NHRA’s consolidated approach or NASCAR’s fragmented strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below. The debate is just getting started.
