2011 NASCAR television ratings

[dpkimmel2001]

2011 Daytona 500 TV Ratings Up Significantly Over 2010

Here's some news NASCAR fans haven't heard much in the last few years: The TV ratings for a major race were up significantly.

FOX says it got an 8.2 overnight rating for Sunday's Daytona 500, which is up 17 percent over last year's pothole-marred 7.0 rating and up three percent over 2009's 8.0 rating.

Clearly, that's great news for a sport which has been in a significant slump in ratings and attendance recently. After the Chase ratings were off 25 percent in some cases last year, there was real concern that longtime fans had gone and would never come back.

And when the two-car drafts became the story of Speedweeks, some theorized fans would tune out after losing the traditional pack racing.

But the increased rating – which should get even higher when the final numbers come in – not only speaks to the compelling nature of Sunday's race, but will provide some positive momentum heading into Phoenix.

It's too early to tell if this is the beginning of a turnaround, but it's a good start.

 

[Joniki]

Thank you DPK, I just forwarded this to several friends.

 

[dpkimmel2001]

Thank you DPK, I just forwarded this to several friends.

No problem. These were just the overnight ratings. They're expected to rise.

The one thing they don't tell you though is that while they were up, big time, over last year, they were only up slightly over the year before. Why's that mean anything, you may ask? Well, last year the Daytona 500 was up against the Olympics and plus that had that little pothole fiasco.

 

[sloggie]

Though up from last year's 19-year low, ratings for the 2011 Daytona 500 sputtered to their second-lowest levels ever on FOX.

The 2011 Daytona 500 earned an 8.7 final rating and 15.6 million viewers on FOX Sunday afternoon, up 13% in ratings and 17% in viewership from last year (7.7, 13.294M), but down 5% and 2%, respectively, from 2009 (9.2, 15.954M).

Keep in mind that the last two editions of the Daytona 500 were plagued by delays -- potholes last year, and rain in 2009.

Sunday's race ranks as the second-lowest rated, second-least viewed edition of the Daytona 500 since 2000 (8.4, 12.936M), ahead of only last year's race.

That said, this marks the first time since 2008 (10.2, 17.752M) that the race has had an increase in ratings or viewership.

Ratings improved by double-digits among men 12-17 (up 94%), men 18-34 (up 46%), men 18-49 (up 16%), and men 25-54 (up 14%). Sunday's race was won by 20-year old Trevor Bayne, and while his victory does not explain the big increases in younger demographics, one imagines it did not hurt.

For some perspective, Sunday's race drew a lower rating and fewer viewers than six of last year's seven NBA Finals games, but topped three of this year's five BCS bowls. Impressively, the race drew more viewers than every single game of last year's World Series.

Though the numbers were still low historically, ratings for all three NASCAR telecasts on FOX this season (the Budweiser Shootout, Daytona 500 Pole Qualifying, and Daytona 500) have increased -- a much better start than last year.

 

[mickeysimzac]

Everyone continues to forget with the improved internet and cell phone world we live in, TV viewership is down for most events(yes I know the Super Bowl had a record audience). What I was most impressed with was that I saw no empty seats on TV at the race. Can't say as I've seen that for a couple of seasons at any track.

 

[dpkimmel2001]

Danica Mania wearing off? ESPN reports Nationwide telecast earned final rating of 2.4, even with 2009, down from the 3.2 for Danica debut in 2010.

 

[SST55]

Lots of hype leading up to the 500. Newly repaved track, new cars, record speeds. Add in no racing the past couple of months and we were all chomping at the bit.

Let's see how the ratings are mid season.

Another good point brought up by Mickey:
"Everyone continues to forget with the improved internet and cell phone world we live in, TV viewership is down for most events"

 

[HoneyBadger]

http://www.scenedaily.com/news/arti...tml?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

I wonder if this is a trend or a fluke as a result of Trevor Bayne's popular Daytona 500 win.

 

[HoneyBadger]

Another good point brought up by Mickey:
"Everyone continues to forget with the improved internet and cell phone world we live in, TV viewership is down for most events"

Except the NFL, NHL and the NBA.

 

[dpkimmel2001]

I wonder if this is a trend or a fl... representation over the next few broadcasts.

 

[Tennessee Racing]

Danica Mania wearing off? ESPN reports Nationwide telecast earned final rating of 2.4, even with 2009, down from the 3.2 for Danica debut in 2010.

I think it's more that the Nationwide series just sucks right now.

 

[Mopardh9]

I think it's more that the Nationwide series just sucks right now.

Agreed.

 

[dpkimmel2001]

So maybe NASCAR is turning this ship around after all.....

Good signs continue for NASCAR. Las Vegas 400 posted a 5.3/11 overnight on FOX, +29% over last year's race (4.1/8).

What a time for an off week!

 

[dpkimmel2001]

SportsBusiness Daily reports Talladega race drew a 4.6 overnight on Fox, down from 4.9 last year. Final ratings probably released tomorrow.