The American motorsports industry has undergone a huge overhaul as media companies have found new homes and renewed their existing deals. NASCAR and IndyCar were at the forefront of this change as the premier stock car racing welcomed Amazon Prime Video and old partner WB. Although FOX and NBC still retain their spot as key partners, there’s a new plan in motion with NASCAR’s expansion policy.

FOX, in particular, felt sidelined as they are only going to broadcast the first 14 Cup races for the next seven years. NBC is still in a good spot with crown jewel events, the playoffs, and the championship race under their wing. This is where FOX felt they needed to re-establish their presence as a key partner for a motorsports series, and they joined IndyCar in an exclusive deal. Well, the offer by FOX to IndyCar was too good to be turned down as they promised to air all 17 races on their TV network.

Well, FOX’s commitment to uplifting the open-wheel racing series certainly shines through the elaborate commercials they have put out. It started out with Josef Newgarden, and FOX premiered the driver-centric commercial during an NFL divisional game and across their TV network. It was bold and thrilling, and put the driver in the limelight, celebrating his achievements and showcasing upcoming challenges. The cherry on top of the cake was the Tom Brady cameo, which no one expected. And just when we thought this might be the ceiling in how FOX will promote the IndyCar Series, they aired another commercial, this time celebrating Alex Palou.

“🥛 @AlexPalou and @CGRTeams can almost taste it. Welcome to the fastest racing on earth. #INDYCARonFOX I @IndyCar.” This was the caption of the social media post shared by FOX in what was a captivating visual representation of the reigning IndyCar champion. We can’t lie, that commercial even got us hyped for the IndyCar championship. The slick cuts, an engaging voiceover, and clever lines such as “This is the front of his [Alex Palou] car, but if you race him, you’ll just see the back.”

Even NASCAR’s very own Jeff Gluck couldn’t help but tip his hat to the effort FOX has been putting in to promote their partnership with IndyCar. “Damn…Fox is not missing with these. Two-for-two in making some of the best racing promos we’ve seen in years.”

NASCAR fans started to take notice of this trend, and needless to say, they were fuming after seeing IndyCar being given special treatment. Meanwhile, on the NASCAR side of things, all they could come up with was a cartoon theme and lackluster promotional material that didn’t highlight either of the current star drivers.

Fans question FOX’s commitment towards NASCAR

Usually media partners would be on their A-game promoting an event like the Daytona 500. In just a few weeks, the Great American Race will kick-start the 2025 season. To FOX’s credit, they did make a short 15-second Daytona 500 commercial that featured Joey Logano. But it was a sketchy effort without any thought, clarity, or vision. On the other hand, the IndyCar commercial material featured their best stars along with a story that fans could relate to. Now that they’ve dropped a second commercial, NASCAR fans have lost their cool and are clearly feeling left out. “They’ve done f–k all for nascar.”

Even the commercial they did roll out could’ve been done better. They could’ve added featured three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin or could’ve gone with Helio Castroneves, as he could act as the bride connecting the two series. After all, a four-time Indy 500 winner competing in the Daytona 500 is a huge deal. But FOX has been low-key, and hasn’t spent time or resources to spread the word about the Great American Race, and this was highlighted by the race fans. “Is nascar doing any advertising for the 500? I havent seen anything on this level.”

Is there a possibility that a growing young audience on a streaming platform could aid FOX’s exit from the sport? After all, they lost out on four races, and they only have the Daytona 500 crown jewel as their major selling point. Given how carefree and unbothered they have been about NASCAR for the past couple of years, there might be some major shuffling going on behind the scenes. But the fans would have very much liked to see them depart before NASCAR partnered with them into the $7.7 billion mega media rights deal. “Really wish nascar would have just gotten rid of Fox in the tv deal. It pains me to say that because they used to be the best of the best, but they aren’t doing a damn thing for the sport.”

There’s a reason why fans almost beg for NBC to take over the broadcasting duties after enduring a painful first half of the season. The 2024 season races had the worst possible coverage of races, as after every 10 green lap run, they would cram in a commercial. To make matters worse, they would miss out on major crashes, accidents, and race-defining moments. Fans rely on Bob Pockrass’ on-ground reporting and the replay to get the context. “If only they cared this much about nascar. NASCAR on Fox is inferior to NBC and probably the new partners too. It’s a damn shame.”

NASCAR is known for its superstar drivers and their stories that resonate with the racing community. While nostalgia is something fans always get behind, FOX hasn’t tried to put the current stars like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, or Tyler Reddick in the limelight as they did with Newgarden and Palou. NASCAR had to rely on streaming giant Netflix and prepare a documentary, which was a step in the right direction. “It is refreshing to see driver spotlights again instead of “crashes and fights.” Another fan replied.

What do you make of this IndyCar favoritism that is on display by FOX, while their efforts with NASCAR or its drivers feel like an obligation?