The recent media deal between FOX and IndyCar has stirred up strong reactions among NASCAR fans. In a significant move, all 2025 NTT IndyCar Series races will air exclusively on FOX, including extensive coverage of the Indianapolis 500. This unprecedented exposure for IndyCar has sparked debates about the potential impact on NASCAR, especially given the contrasting broadcast arrangements for the two sports.

FOX Sports CEO, Eric Shanks, highlighted a ‘halo effect’ for motorsports from this deal, but NASCAR fans aren’t convinced. As fans voice their frustrations and concerns, it raises the question: Will this new media landscape benefit both sports? Or will it lead to unintended consequences for NASCAR?

The impact of the FOX-IndyCar deal on NASCAR

Adam Stern from Sports Business Journal noted Eric Shanks’ comments about the new media deal. Shanks mentioned telling NASCAR CEO Jim France, “going to be a great halo effect for all of motorsports once you put the two schedules together with IndyCar.” Shanks believes the overlap will benefit both sports, creating a continuous stream of motorsport content.

The FOX-PR deal with NASCAR includes 14 Cup Series races, five on the main FOX network, and nine on FS1. In contrast, IndyCar will have all its races on the main FOX network, making it the only sport with such exclusive coverage. NBC’s response to losing IndyCar has been respectful, thanking the series for their partnership and highlighting their contributions over the past 16 seasons.

NASCAR’s multibillion-dollar media deal spans $7.7 billion over seven years, including contracts with Amazon, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal splits the race broadcasts among various networks: Fox Sports will air 14 races (five on FOX and nine on FS1), Amazon will broadcast five races on Prime Video, and WBD will show five races on TNT, simulcast on Max’s sports tier. NBC Sports will also air 14 races (four on NBC and ten on USA Network). This diversified coverage aims to maximize exposure, but it also fragments the viewing experience.

IndyCar’s uninterrupted coverage on FOX could attract new viewers and potentially divert some NASCAR fans. This shift raises concerns about how NASCAR’s segmented broadcast schedule might affect its viewership. As IndyCar becomes more accessible on a single network, NASCAR fans might feel left out, potentially impacting their loyalty to the sport.

Fans react to the media shift in motorsports

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The fans’ reactions to the FOX-IndyCar deal have been mixed, reflecting a range of opinions and concerns. One fan appreciated the scheduling arrangement, stating, “That’s one good thing about this deal. The IndyCar and NASCAR races won’t be taking place at the same time.” However, others expressed skepticism about the practicalities. “Sounds all great till there’s a rain delay and both are scheduled on the same channel that day back to back,” another fan noted.

Several fans pointed out the potential for scheduling conflicts. “Leading in and out of each other for what, 3 races? NASCAR is done with FOX before the Indy 500,” one fan commented, questioning the extent of the claimed benefits. Another fan expressed accessibility concerns, saying, “Wish Indy was staying on NBC/Peacock. FOX doesn’t have live streaming unless you pay for Hulu + Live TV, which is significantly more per month than Peacock.”

There was also criticism of FOX’s current coverage of NASCAR. One fan bluntly stated, “Someone ask Eric Shanks when was the last time he watched a NASCAR race on FOX.” This sentiment was echoed by others, highlighting dissatisfaction with the network’s handling of NASCAR broadcasts. “Fox Sports don’t care about us no more,” another fan lamented, reflecting a feeling of neglect among some NASCAR supporters.

Despite the mixed reactions, the deal’s potential impact on both sports remains to be seen. As NASCAR fans voice their frustrations and concerns, it seems to fall on deaf ears. The deal is over and the die is rolled. Will the “halo effect” truly benefit both NASCAR and IndyCar? Only time will tell.