Home/NASCAR

via Imago

via Imago

Fans from across the United States (and the world) will be glued to Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, and rightly so. The Chiefs are aiming to win the Super Bowl for the third time in a row, while the Eagles are determined to rewrite the outcome of Super Bowl LVII. The game is set to be thrilling and have fans on the edge of their seats. But this year’s Super Bowl wasn’t just about football. Before kickoff, Roger Penske’s motorsports stars stole the spotlight in a unique crossover moment.

Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Josef Newgarden made a surprise appearance at the pregame event, mixing racing flair with football energy. Dressed in red-and-yellow firesuits that matched the Chiefs’ colors, the NASCAR and IndyCar champions mingled with fans, creating a buzz that connected two of America’s favorite sports. However, some fans felt FOX Sports’ coverage could have done more with the superstar drivers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Roger Penske’s drivers shine in motorsports crossover at Super Bowl

Roger Penske’s drivers lit up the Super Bowl LIX pregame event in New Orleans. Joey Logano and Josef Newgarden turned heads and added a dash of racing flair to the football festivities. The NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar champions mingled with fans and created a unique crossover moment that blended two of America’s most celebrated racing series with the biggest event in football.

With FOX now holding media rights for both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, this surprise appearance felt like a preview of bigger things to come. The pregame host perfectly captured the crossover energy, saying, “We’ve got a couple of guys wearing Chiefs colors. But, don’t confuse them for Chiefs fans, they are racing royalty.” The driver’s appearance wasn’t just a fun cameo. It symbolized FOX’s strategy to promote motorsports on one of the world’s most visible platforms.

 

Both of the Roger Penske drivers are aiming for monumental achievements in the 2025 season. Joey Logano is focused on defending his NASCAR Cup Series title. On the other hand, Josef Newgarden is chasing history with hopes of securing a third consecutive Indy 500 victory. While their appearance at the Super Bowl was a promotional event for their sports, it also served as a celebration of their dominance and a teaser for the high-octane action yet to come.

Mixed reactions: A sign of ongoing fan issues with FOX

The Super Bowl pregame crossover between motorsports and football did strike a chord with some fans. Comments like “Josef in the house!! Keep giving us this exposure, FOX!” “Crossover we didn’t know we needed! Let’s go, Logano and Newgarden!” and “That was 🆒,” highlighted the excitement around seeing Joey Logano and Josef Newgarden represent NASCAR and IndyCar on such a massive stage.

However, not all reactions were glowing. Some fans felt the appearance was rushed and felt it lacked real engagement. They also pointed out the poor marketing by FOX ahead of the NASCAR season. “An interview would have been nice,” one fan commented, expressing disappointment at the missed opportunity for deeper interaction. Another user echoed the same sentiment stating, “Why doesn’t FOX advertise the Daytona 500? Haven’t seen one Nascar commercial…..”

The fan disappointment is part of a larger issue FOX has been facing recently. During the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, 3.08 million viewers tuned in. But while the ratings were impressive, the broadcast drew sharp criticism. Fans felt the coverage missed the mark by focusing too heavily on tight shots of individual drivers and the lead car. The lack of wide shots made it hard to capture the chaotic nature of short-track racing. This left many frustrated with what they felt was a limited view of the action.

With FOX now holding media rights for both the Daytona 500 and Roger Penske-owned IndyCar series, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans expect more than flashy cameos and tight camera angles. They want comprehensive, well-rounded coverage that delivers the full experience. FOX has a golden opportunity to learn from recent feedback and improve its storytelling approach for these marquee events. If executed well, it could elevate motorsports to new heights, but the pressure is definitely on.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Debate

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT