NASCAR Community Gives Up on FOX as Fans Expose “Horrible” Broadcasting Tactics in COTA

FOX Sports has been a cornerstone of NASCAR broadcasting for over two decades. From the legendary commentary of Mike Joy to the iconic “Boogity, Boogity, Boogity” calls by Darrell Waltrip, the network has played a crucial role in shaping how fans experience the sport. Their high-quality production, innovative camera angles, and engaging pre-race coverage have long been praised. However, in recent years, fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the network’s declining coverage standards.

Complaints about excessive commercials, awkward camera cuts, and poor race analysis have become common. However, at COTA, a new controversy emerged. This one has left the NASCAR community questioning what they’re actually watching on their screens.

Declining NASCAR viewership and controversial FOX broadcast decisions

NASCAR has experienced a decline in viewership over recent years. In 2024, the regular season saw a modest one percent increase year-over-year, averaging 3.13 million viewers. The 2025 Daytona 500 attracted an average of 6.76 million viewers, while the subsequent Ambetter Health race drew 4.586 million. These numbers indicate a need for strategies to boost audience engagement.

To address this, NASCAR implemented several initiatives. A significant move was the introduction of a $7.7 billion media-rights deal spanning from 2025 to 2031. This agreement brings in new broadcasting partners, including Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports, and The CW, alongside incumbents Fox and NBC. The aim is to diversify coverage and reach a broader audience.

However, FOX Sports’ latest broadcast decisions have left many fans frustrated. Viewers have accused the network of using AI-generated elements in its pre-race and in-race graphics. One of the biggest talking points was the “Drivers off to a slow start” graphic at COTA, featuring what appeared to be an AI-generated NASCAR car. The visuals felt unnatural, prompting speculation about the network’s reliance on artificial intelligence.

Fans also noted that mid-race graphics had an automated, robotic feel. Certain overlays lacked the polished human touch typically associated with high-quality sports broadcasting. Given that FOX has not publicly addressed these suspicions, speculation continues to grow. Some fans believe AI is being used to cut costs, which could impact the quality of NASCAR coverage.

Despite NASCAR and FOX making efforts to improve the broadcast experience, these AI concerns have only added to the frustration. The 2025 season has already been met with controversy, from inconsistent last-lap caution calls and ever-changing track limit rules to questionable broadcast tactics. With fan dissatisfaction growing, will FOX address the issue or continue to let speculation run wild?

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NASCAR fans are not happy with FOX for AI-generated graphics

FOX’s use of AI-generated graphics during the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at COTA didn’t go unnoticed by NASCAR fans. Instead of enhancing the broadcast, these visuals sparked backlash, with many viewers questioning why FOX would rely on artificial imagery when they have access to real cars and professional designers.

One fan sarcastically commented, “Why pay a guy for art when you have the robot hallucination machine.” Viewers argue that professional graphic designers ensure accuracy and authenticity, whereas AI-generated images often lack realism and fail to capture the true essence of NASCAR.

Another fan pointed out the absurdity of the situation, stating, “Such a weird choice considering they already have access to any image of a Cup car they could ever want, and accurate 3D models they could do renders of.” With NASCAR’s vast image database and advanced 3D modeling capabilities, there is no shortage of high-quality, realistic graphics. The decision to use AI instead feels unnecessary and even lazy.

One blunt critique read, “Oof. looks horrible.” The AI-generated NASCAR car shown in the COTA broadcast did not resemble any real Cup Series vehicle. The tire lettering and stickers on the car were clearly AI-generated. In fact, one fan argued that it might have taken FOX more effort to create these AI images and graphics than using stock images and videos, as they wrote, “This probably took more effort given how many stock images of NASCAR cars exist.”

Finally, a fan criticized saying, “It’s frustrating because of the laziness and the stolen artwork that was used as the base, but also because it is literally one of the cheapest aspects of the entire production.” Graphics are a minor expense compared to race coverage, commentary teams, and on-track footage. Cutting corners in this area suggests cost-cutting at the expense of quality, raising concerns about FOX’s priorities in NASCAR broadcasting. Do you think NASCAR is stepping in the wrong direction with AI usage? Let us know in the comments!