NASCAR finds itself in a favorable position to conclude its 2024 season on an exhilarating note, leveraging a significant boost in television ratings throughout the playoffs to generate momentum both on and off the track as it heads toward the highly anticipated Cup Series Championship race this Sunday in Phoenix.
Following NASCAR’s thrilling penultimate race in Martinsville last weekend, the Cup Series has managed to average an impressive 2.89 million viewers across Fox Sports and NBC Sports platforms this year. This figure represents a 2% increase compared to the same time frame in 2023, even in light of the fact that the sport’s marquee event—the Daytona 500—suffered a notable 27% drop in ratings, primarily attributed to an unforeseen one-day rain delay. Impressively, playoff races have averaged around 2.26 million viewers, reflecting a healthy 6% growth from the previous season.
As fans gear up for Sunday’s checkered flag, a bustling NASCAR offseason is on the horizon. The sport is bracing for significant overhauls slated for 2025, which include:
International expansion stands out as one of NASCAR’s most ambitious initiatives at present, as NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell elaborated in a recent interview with Front Office Sports. Mexico is poised to be merely the initial step in this exciting journey.
“If we’re able to pull it off, we’d certainly like to be in both Canada and Mexico,” O’Donnell stated, emphasizing the significance of bringing NASCAR racing to both sides of the North American border. “I think North America deserves NASCAR racing on both sides of the border,” he concluded with enthusiasm.
Not Just Racetracks Anymore
Next season marks NASCAR’s third consecutive year racing through the bustling streets of Chicago, but uncertainty looms over whether the Windy City’s contract to host the event will be renewed. “Tough to say,” O’Donnell expressed candidly when inquired about the potential for remaining in Chicago. “I think what will be a permanent fixture is the idea of new venues,” he added, highlighting the sport’s commitment to innovation.
In 2025, NASCAR aims to relocate its preseason exhibition, The Clash, departing from the storied Los Angeles Coliseum after three years. Instead, the event will be hosted in Winston-Salem, N.C. O’Donnell reflected on the decision, saying, “At some point, you look at things: Are they sustainable, year in, year out for the long term?” This strategic shift points to a forward-thinking approach for the sport.
O’Donnell anticipates The Clash will continue its trend of mobility in the future, yet openly acknowledges the challenges in identifying another suitable football stadium for racing. “The initial idea was we were going to race at Soldier Field,” O’Donnell noted regarding their eventual choice of the L.A. Coliseum in 2022. It’s worth mentioning that the Bears’ stadium once hosted NASCAR races back in the 1950s.
“What we didn’t realize is they’ve turned that from what it used to be in the track to just a football field,” O’Donnell remarked, shedding light on the limitations of available facilities. “So, there’s a limited number of facilities that have that kind of Olympic-sized track around it. You look in Europe, they certainly exist, but not many in the U.S.,” he noted with insight.
The MJ Dilemma
In a dramatic turn of events, the upcoming championship could crown a new winner whose team is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against NASCAR.
Tyler Reddick, one of the four drivers in contention for the coveted title, represents 23XI Racing—owned by the basketball legend Michael Jordan—who is engaged in a legal battle regarding NASCAR’s charter agreements. Despite the potential distraction this presents, O’Donnell remains optimistic and focuses on the positives surrounding the event.
“There’s no secret in terms of our position that we’re not publicly talking about lawsuits—we’re concentrating on what’s going on with the event,” O’Donnell reassured. He pointed out that Michael Jordan expressed confidence in the possibility of winning a championship just days prior.
Overall, Jordan’s “huge presence” continues to be an asset for NASCAR, as O’Donnell emphasized. “He’s a fan, and we love that. I think we’re all fans of the sport, as well, and we share that in common. We share the enthusiasm going into the championship,” he concluded, underscoring the shared passion that binds everyone involved in the sport.
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**Interview with NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell on the 2024 Season and Future Expansion Plans**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Steve! It’s exciting to see NASCAR heading towards the Cup Series Championship this Sunday in Phoenix. First, let’s talk about the recent boost in television ratings during the playoffs. What do you attribute this increase to, especially considering the drop in ratings for the Daytona 500?
**Steve O’Donnell:** Thank you for having me! The playoffs are always a thrilling time for our fans, and the energy around the races has been palpable this year. While the Daytona 500 faced challenges due to the rain delay, our playoff races have captivated audiences, showing a healthy growth. We believe the close competition and compelling storylines contribute significantly to our increased viewership.
**Interviewer:** That’s great to hear! Moving forward, I understand that international expansion is a key focus for NASCAR. What are some specific plans you have in mind for expanding into Canada and Mexico?
**Steve O’Donnell:** Absolutely! We see great potential in expanding NASCAR’s footprint internationally, starting with Mexico. It’s vital to bring the excitement of NASCAR to fans across North America. We hope to host races not just in Mexico, but also in Canada, as we believe it deserves NASCAR racing just as much.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of innovation, there’s been discussion about new venues. Can you elaborate on the potential future of racing events in Chicago and the decision to move The Clash to Winston-Salem, NC?
**Steve O’Donnell:** Certainly! Chicago has been an incredible host for the last couple of years, but we’re always evaluating contracts and venues to ensure sustainability. The move of The Clash to Winston-Salem is part of our strategy to reimagine our events and keep them fresh and engaging for our fans. We’re always open to new ideas and locations that can bring excitement to the racing calendar.
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! With so much on the horizon for NASCAR, how do you see these changes impacting the fan experience moving forward?
**Steve O’Donnell:** We’re committed to enhancing the fan experience both on and off the track. From new venues that provide fresh atmospheres to international races that broaden our reach, every move is focused on creating unforgettable moments for our fans. We want to engage with them in innovative ways and foster a community that celebrates the sport together.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Steve. It’s been insightful talking about NASCAR’s advancements and future plans. Best of luck with the Championship race this Sunday!
**Steve O’Donnell:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to an exhilarating race and an exciting offseason.
