Fox Indy 500 Broadcast Draws Largest TV Audience Since 2008

Fox Sports' debut broadcast of the 109th Indianapolis 500 drew 7.05 million viewers, marking the race's largest TV audience since 2008 and a 33-40% increase over last year's NBC broadcast. The race peaked at 8.4 million viewers during Álex Palou's final laps, who won his first Indy 500 and became the first Spaniard to do so. Fox secured the IndyCar rights in 2024, ending NBC's six-year run, and committed to extensive coverage including increased pre-race programming, multiple in-car cameras, and storytelling features with notable personalities. Fox's aggressive promotional efforts, including celebrity involvement and innovative broadcast technology, helped boost interest and viewership. Despite some backlash towards Fox Sports from NASCAR fans over scheduling and broadcast issues, the network exceeded its advertising revenue targets for the event. Fox executives view the Indy 500 as a marquee event akin to a 'Super Bowl of Racing' and are dedicated to elevating its profile within the American sports landscape.