Amid speculation about whether FOX Sports has given NASCAR enough offseason promotion, the sanctioning body has made it clear—it’s not concerned. NASCAR officials addressed the situation, noting that IndyCar’s debut on FOX in 2024 has naturally led to increased marketing efforts for that series, while NASCAR has been a mainstay on the network since 2001.
A Longstanding Partnership
NASCAR has been a cornerstone of FOX Sports’ motorsports coverage for over two decades, making its promotional approach different from that of IndyCar, which is new to the network this year. FOX has been the home of the Daytona 500 since its first NASCAR broadcast in 2001, and the sport remains a key property for the network.
A NASCAR spokesperson acknowledged the contrast in promotional strategies but emphasized that there’s no reason for concern.
“We have a long and successful partnership with FOX Sports,” NASCAR said. “Their approach to promoting IndyCar makes sense given it’s their first season with the series. We’re confident that NASCAR will continue to receive the coverage and visibility it deserves.”
Balancing Two Motorsports Brands
FOX Sports’ acquisition of IndyCar’s broadcast rights has sparked comparisons between how the network promotes the two series. While FOX has been heavily marketing its IndyCar debut, including during NFL broadcasts, some NASCAR fans and industry insiders have noticed a relative lack of offseason hype for the upcoming 2024 NASCAR season.
However, NASCAR remains unfazed, pointing out that its status as a FOX staple means that in-season promotion will ramp up as the Daytona 500 approaches. Historically, FOX has heavily marketed NASCAR leading into Speedweeks and the season opener, and that trend is expected to continue.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As NASCAR’s 2024 season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway, FOX will shift its focus toward promoting its NASCAR coverage more aggressively. The Daytona 500 (February 18, 2024) remains one of FOX’s marquee events, and viewers can expect increased marketing efforts leading up to the race.
While IndyCar is getting much of the spotlight right now, NASCAR is confident that its longstanding relationship with FOX Sports will ensure strong coverage as the season gets underway.
