Denny Hamlin claimed his second consecutive victory at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday in the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400, but the NASCAR Cup Series race experienced a significant drop in television viewership during a late rain delay. The sudden downpour forced officials to pause the race for nearly an hour, interrupting the broadcast and affecting audience numbers.
The No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driver held off challengers to cross the finish line under these difficult conditions. However, the combined audience for the event across TNT and TruTV networks was 2.009 million viewers, which represented a 27% decrease compared to last year’s 2.401 million viewers on FS1.
Broadcast Changes and Schedule Shakeups Affect NASCAR Ratings This Season
This season, the NASCAR Cup Series has rotated among four broadcast partners, including Fox Sports, Prime Video, TNT Sports, and NBC. After Fox Sports handled early-season races, Prime Video streamed five mid-season events, beginning with the Coca-Cola 600, while TNT Sports covered five races, with NBC set to broadcast the final 14.
These shifts have contributed to lower ratings across various broadcasts, as seen at Dover and other venues. Events like the EchoPark race on TNT and the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway on Prime Video each faced more than a 20% decline in viewership from the previous year.
Fan Criticism Grows Over TNT’s Handling of the Dover Race Coverage
Despite Hamlin’s strong performance earning him his fourth win of the season, fans voiced frustration over TNT’s race coverage at Dover. Viewers called out several errors, including the use of JJ Yeley’s photo instead of Shane van Gisbergen’s during the opening laps and a general neglect of key race action.
Some also disapproved of the broadcast’s focus on leaders during crash incidents, overlooking important commentary from Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was emphasizing multiple race developments.
“It takes the NASCAR TNT production/camera operators 8 years to see what Dale Jr. sees in 4 seconds,” a fan wrote.
“Tv production is showing that they are not good at or care about racing. NBC will either will be the final nail in the coffin or a chance at a rebirth. (Prime spoiled and knows what the race fans want),” another fan shared.
When rain began during a caution caused by Ross Chastain’s crash with 14 laps remaining, the race was red-flagged. Viewers were unsettled by TNT’s decision to show workers carrying the winner’s trophy through the rain, suggesting that an early conclusion was expected. Upon resumption, Christopher Bell’s spin and Hamlin’s contested pass over William Byron for the lead further highlighted the live action, though fans criticized the broadcast for minimizing Byron’s subsequent crash.
Implications of the Coverage Issues for NASCAR’s Broadcast Future
The challenges faced by TNT in delivering seamless coverage — compounded by network rotations and weather delays — have impacted fan engagement and raised questions about the best platform to showcase NASCAR’s premier events. As NBC prepares to take over broadcasts for the remaining season, many hope this will mark an opportunity to rebuild viewer confidence and provide a more consistent experience that aligns with what race fans expect.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. He has become a racing legend. Hamlin has won 51 Cup Series races and three Daytona 500s in 2016, 2019, and 2020. He has earned millions from his successful career.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. As a child, she loved dancing, which led her to join the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats dancers. The team is now known as the Charlotte Hornets. She first met Hamlin while performing at a Bobcats game.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s net worth is about $65 million. He earns this money through racing, endorsement deals, team ownership, and real estate. Whether he’s racing or managing a team, Hamlin keeps making smart choices both on and off the track.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of $65 million. He earned over $100 million from NASCAR contracts and race winnings.
He also has endorsement deals worth millions with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Additionally, he co-owns 23XI Racing, a racing team valued at more than $100 million.
