NASCAR has been a beloved sport for decades, with fans tuning in to watch high-speed racing, cheering for their favorite drivers, and enjoying the unique experience that the sport offers. However, recent announcements about the renewal of NASCAR’s television rights have left many fans feeling angry and frustrated.
Despite assurances from Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks that the network is working to remain partners with NASCAR for years to come, fans are calling for “major change” and even saying that the situation is “the worst thing to happen in the history of the world.” What is behind this outrage, and what does it mean for the future of NASCAR?
NASCAR Broadcast Renewal: Potential Change of Broadcaster?
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The current controversy began when reports surfaced that Fox Sports and NBC Sports were likely to renew their partnership with NASCAR beyond 2024. While the news was not surprising, given that the networks have been the sport’s primary broadcasters since 2015, it sparked concern among some fans about the quality of the coverage that they provide. For many viewers, the main issue is the number of advertisements during races.
.@FoxSports and @NBCSports remain likely to renew with @NASCAR past 2024, even as it carves out a digital package.
🗨Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks: "Clearly we'd love to remain partners for a long time to come. We're in the process of trying to do that." https://t.co/NRxIZN38zk
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) May 2, 2023
The broadcasts are often interrupted by lengthy commercial breaks, which can disrupt the flow of the race and leave fans frustrated. Some viewers have also criticized the commentary and analysis provided by the networks, saying that they lacks depth and insight.
Fans Outraged Over News of Potential Renewal
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The fan reactions to the news of the likely renewal have been swift and vocal. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment with Fox Sports and NBC Sports, calling for changes to the way that the races are broadcasted. Some have even gone so far as to say that they will stop watching NASCAR if the networks continue with their current practices.
One fan tweeted, “Well nascar needs to tell fox to overhaul their coverage because it’s not helping the sport. Plus, I really hope FOX and NBC can take turns covering the Daytona 500 like how it was in the early to mid-2000s.” Another said, “Wish Fox would go away.”
Several fans also expressed their willingness to attend races in person rather than watching them on TV if the coverage did not improve. One fan wrote, “Guess there will be races in the summer I’ll have to go see in person if I want to see them then lol.” While another one tweeted, “There needs to be massive changes in both booths if they stay.”
Boooo fox coverage sucks
— Chris Berg (@UndraftedBerg) May 2, 2023
Eric Shanks needs to look at Fox from 2006 and learn how to properly cover NASCAR
— José May (@mylekay) May 2, 2023
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The overall message from fans has been clear: they want to see major changes in the way that NASCAR races are broadcasted. While Fox Sports and NBC Sports may be eager to renew their partnership with the sport, they will need to address the concerns of their viewers if they want to maintain their audience.
Fans are calling for a less commercial interruption during races, more insightful commentary and analysis, and a better overall viewing experience. They want to see the networks make changes to their coverage, including the length and placement of advertisements, the channels used for races, and the way that practice and qualifying sessions are broadcasted.
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Whether the networks are willing to make the necessary changes to meet these demands remains to be seen, but it is clear that the fans will not settle for anything less.