Fans Frustrated as CW Sports Falls Short on Track Coverage Promise: NASCAR’s Media Momentum at Risk?

When The CW Sports made waves by announcing its commitment to NASCAR’s lower series and claiming it would be present at “most” tracks in 2024 and beyond, fans were hopeful. The move seemed like a breath of fresh air — a chance to spotlight rising stars and bring more attention to NASCAR’s Xfinity Series through broader and deeper coverage.

But several months in, fans and insiders alike are starting to ask the same question: Where is CW Sports?

Despite their initial promise, CW’s presence at the track has been inconsistent at best. While they’ve been visible at major markets or crown jewel events, their absence at several key races has fans questioning the network’s level of commitment. The frustration is growing — not just among diehard followers of the Xfinity Series, but among those who view consistent coverage as vital to NASCAR’s larger media rebound.

An Unfulfilled Promise?

“The CW said they’d be at ‘most’ tracks, and that seemed like a step in the right direction,” one fan tweeted. “But now, it feels like a hollow promise.”

Many fans expected pit reporters, pre-race coverage, and a more hands-on feel that connected viewers to the energy at the track. Instead, several race broadcasts have felt distant, sterile, or even generic — lacking the flair and storytelling that come with boots-on-the-ground reporting.

Timing Couldn’t Be Worse

The lackluster execution comes at a time when NASCAR is making serious strides in reconnecting with its roots. The return of North Wilkesboro and the upcoming revival of Rockingham have breathed life back into a fanbase long hungry for tradition and authenticity. These moves signal that NASCAR is listening — but when broadcast partners don’t match that same energy, the sport’s momentum risks hitting a wall.

“How are we bringing back Rockingham and North Wilkesboro, but the coverage is falling flat?” another fan posted. “You’ve got to show fans the magic, not just mention it during commercials.”

The Bigger Picture: A Broadcast Gap

NASCAR’s television product has long been a point of debate, but the rise of streaming platforms, fresh fan interest, and legacy track comebacks have positioned the sport for a media renaissance. However, if broadcast partners aren’t fully engaged — particularly with coverage that connects fans to the stories unfolding at every level — that momentum can stall quickly.

This issue isn’t isolated to CW Sports, either. Fans have raised similar concerns with other networks, especially during high-profile races where on-air chemistry, depth of analysis, and access to drivers feel like afterthoughts.

Moving Forward

The solution may be simple: CW Sports — and any broadcast partner — needs to show up. That means more on-site teams, more driver interviews, more storytelling, and more of the gritty, emotional side of racing that drew fans in the first place.

NASCAR is doing the work to bring history back to life. It’s time for the networks to match that energy — not just in marketing speak, but in real presence at the track.

Final Thoughts:

If CW Sports wants to be a real player in NASCAR’s future, it’s going to take more than camera feeds and logos. It’s going to take showing up — literally and figuratively — at every corner of the sport. Fans have waited too long to feel this kind of hope again. Now it’s up to the coverage to keep pace.