Here’s a bold statement: the NHRA just pulled off a TV-ratings victory that’s got the motorsports world buzzing—and it’s left some NASCAR fans scratching their heads. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did NHRA’s success come at NASCAR’s expense, or was it simply a stroke of luck? Let’s dive in.
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has every reason to celebrate. Their recent Texas Fall Nationals event at the Texas Motorplex on October 12th drew a staggering 2.065 million viewers on FOX, marking the most-watched broadcast in the organization’s 74-year history. The event as a whole pulled in 3.631 million viewers, a milestone that’s hard to ignore. Even more impressive? It was the first time a single NHRA broadcast crossed the two-million-viewer mark. And this is the part most people miss: This triumph came on the heels of the most-viewed live U.S. Nationals telecast in NHRA history, which aired in early September and drew 1.036 million viewers—the biggest non-NFL-adjacent audience on FOX since 2017.
So, what’s the catch? Well, the NHRA telecast benefited from a massive lead-in: a Dallas Cowboys–Carolina Panthers NFL game that pulled in 7.2 million viewers. This prime-time boost helped the NHRA outshine NASCAR’s South Point 400, which drew 1.717 million viewers on USA Network. Former NASCAR driver and media personality Kenny Wallace summed it up bluntly: ‘It shocked everybody. Even NHRA people did it.’ But Wallace, a longtime NHRA fan, admitted, ‘NHRA got a little lucky, and we all know it.’
Here’s the thing: drag-racing fans aren’t complaining. For years, NHRA has been relegated to less-than-ideal time slots, playing second fiddle to stick-and-ball sports. So, this victory feels well-deserved. But the question remains: Is this success sustainable, or was it a one-time fluke?
Controversy alert: Some argue that NASCAR’s declining viewership is partly due to its fragmented TV deal, which splits races across four broadcasters and makes it harder for casual fans to tune in. Journalist Chris Deeley pointed out that NASCAR’s $7.7 billion TV deal has led to increased fragmentation, leaving fans confused about where to find races. In contrast, NHRA consolidated its broadcast package in the 1990s, a move that’s now paying off.
NHRA Top Fuel veteran Doug Foley didn’t hold back during the Texas Fall Nationals. He criticized NASCAR’s decision to scatter its programming across multiple channels, making it harder for fans—and even team owners—to follow. ‘They made the dumbest move they ever could make,’ Foley said. ‘Put it on Fox. Put it on ABC. They could put it out to the best bidder.’ Foley’s frustration is personal: as a team owner, he relies on TV numbers to attract sponsors, and NASCAR’s declining viewership isn’t helping.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture. NHRA’s recent success isn’t just about luck or NASCAR’s missteps. It’s about delivering a product that resonates with viewers. As Foley noted, ‘NHRA is broadcasting a good product,’ but sustainability depends on consistent numbers and sponsor appeal. The challenge? Balancing instant gratification—like social media spoilers—with the need for strong TV ratings.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Can NHRA maintain this momentum, or will it return to the shadows of stick-and-ball sports? And what lessons should NASCAR take from this? Is fragmentation the real enemy, or is there more to the story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
