The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series concluded at Laguna Seca with a 23% average broadcast viewership increase following a strategic transition to FOX.
The championship attracted 1.681 million viewers per race. Final Nielsen Media Research figures outlined substantial growth within the key 18-49 demographic. Broad broadcast accessibility replaced fragmented cable distribution, establishing a reliable audience base across North America.
Record Audiences Beyond The Oval
Nine races surpassed one million viewers for the first time since 2008. The 110th Indianapolis 500, where Felix Rosenqvist claimed victory, drew 6.635 million people. A new street circuit in Washington, D.C. recorded an average of 3.282 million viewers. That figure stands as the highest television audience for any non-Indianapolis round since 1995.
This elevated domestic profile provides an attractive commercial platform for competitors currently evaluating a potential IndyCar future. The developmental Indy NXT series also recorded a 14% audience boost.
Penske Praises Broadcast Partnership Impact
Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO, told Motorsport.com that the campaign was a historic success.
“The final numbers are in and they confirm what we already know – it was a historic, memorable and breakout season for the NTT IndyCar Series,” Miles said.
He added: “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.”
Teams will now pivot to off-season development programmes, analysing data gathered during the new chassis debut at IMS.
