The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES broadcast on FOX Sports achieved an average viewership of 1,362,000, marking a 27% increase compared to the previous year, according to Nielsen Media Research. This surge established the 2025 season as the most-watched in 17 years and represented the largest year-over-year growth across any sport averaging over one million viewers.
The final race of the season held in Nashville attracted 1,142,000 viewers, more than doubling the audience from last year’s finale by 136%, and marking the most-watched Nashville event since 2021.
Key Executives Comment on the Season’s Success and Future Plans
Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, highlighted the dual nature of the season‘s experiences, emphasizing optimism about the partnership’s prospects. He stated,
“In a season loaded with both massive successes and key learnings, we couldn’t be more excited about the potential we see in the FOX INDYCAR relationship as we close out the 2025 season together,”
and added,
“Expanding on our connection with INDYCAR for next year and beyond, projects already are well underway to keep this momentum going at full speed.”
Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment, praised the partnership’s impact on growth, saying,
“In partnership with FOX Sports, our viewership growth curve is the most impressive in all of sports,”
and further shared,
“We’re incredibly pleased with the first year of this relationship and know we can kick things into an even higher gear moving forward.”
Highlights from the 2025 FOX INDYCAR Season
The 2025 season brought numerous milestones, reflecting strong engagement across various viewer demographics. FOX Sports and FS1’s coverage averaged 1,362,000 viewers, the highest since the 2008 post-merger season, with notable increases among key age groups. Male viewers aged 18-34 rose by 81%, while those aged 18-49 climbed 51%. Female viewers also showed impressive growth, with women aged 18-34 increasing by 72% and women aged 18-49 by 30%.
The 109th Indianapolis 500 was a standout event, attracting 7,088,000 viewers—a 41% increase over 2024’s 5,024,000 audience—making it the most-watched Indy 500 in nearly two decades. Additionally, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg opening race drew 1,418,000 viewers, achieving a 14-year peak and a 45% rise compared to the previous year.
Implications for the Future of IndyCar Broadcasts
This substantial growth in the Indycar Series viewership signals a renewed interest and expanding fan base for the sport. The partnership between FOX Sports and Penske Entertainment has played a crucial role in boosting visibility and engagement. With ongoing projects to maintain and accelerate this momentum for upcoming seasons, both organizations are positioned to capitalize on this upward trajectory, which may lead to even larger audiences and more significant commercial opportunities going forward.
