More than just big numbers: How Year 2 for FOX IndyCar TV coverage was a standout

The second season of FOX’s exclusive coverage of the NTT IndyCar Series generated a significant boost in its per-race average audience and important viewer demographics.

Following its IndyCar debut in 2025 which features a 17-race average of 1,362,000 viewers per contest, FOX raised the average to 1,681,000 in 2026 across the 18 races it featured, which represents a year-to-year increase of 23 percent.

Three events, led by the Indianapolis 500 (6,635,000 viewers), Washington, D.C. (3,282,000), and Road America (1,803,000) were centrally responsible for the rise, and from a season-long perspective, FOX made another important gain from 2025 where only five of the 17 races produced more than 1 million viewers.

In 2026, the figure increased to nine, giving FOX and IndyCar a meaningful lift where 50 percent of the 18 races were seen by at least 1 million people on its main network channel.

According to Nielsen Media Research, FOX’s 2026 season expanded IndyCar’s average 18-49-year-old demographic per race by 10 percent over 2025, and added 15 percent among the 25-54-year-old audience.

“The final numbers are in and they confirm what we already know – it was a historic, memorable and breakout season for the IndyCar Series,” said Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles. “Our growth is not just impressive, it’s best in class and sits at the forefront of our entire industry. Our partnership with FOX Sports has elevated our reach, production standards and promotion. With FOX we have a special relationship built to carry the sport to new heights.”