IndyCar and NASCAR double-header ignites action at Phoenix Raceway. [Image Source: AZPBS]
This weekend, Phoenix Raceway in Arizona is hosting a rare double-header featuring both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NTT IndyCar Series, with the IndyCar race scheduled for Saturday and NASCAR’s event set for Sunday. This marks the continuation of a format where both series share the same venue and weekend, a practice seen earlier between 2020 and 2023 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward initially expressed frustration over IndyCar’s position as the ‘support’ race to NASCAR, emphasizing a tension about the series’ visibility and status during the joint weekend.
Pato O’Ward Voices Concerns Over IndyCar’s Role as Support Race
Before the weekend’s events, O’Ward revealed his reservations about IndyCar serving as the supporting act to NASCAR. He commented on the divided fanbases, saying,
“We’re catering to a very similar crowd,”
highlighting that many fans exclusively follow either NASCAR or IndyCar, rarely both.
He admitted his own limited engagement with NASCAR, stating,
“Some NASCAR people don’t watch INDYCAR and vise-versa. I would love to say that I watch all forms of motorsports but I don’t.”
Additionally, he said,
“I don’t really keep up with what’s going on with NASCAR. I can’t tell you that last time I watched a NASCAR race that we raced with them. I usually just look at how the friends are doing.”
O’Ward clarified that his lack of following NASCAR was due to other commitments, explaining,
“I don’t really follow it. And not because I don’t care about it or anything, I’m usually doing other things and/or traveling.”
Expressing his thoughts on the double-header format, O’Ward remarked,
“I think it’s a good thing,”
but also made his feelings clear regarding IndyCar’s traditional secondary role, stating,
“I’m sick and tired of INDYCAR being the support race.”
He further explained,
“The race is on Saturday. I don’t mind races on Saturday but I know every time we race with them, we’re always the support show.”
His position was somewhat ambivalent about future changes, adding,
Image of: IndyCar
“I’m neutral on the opinion. If they added more, great. If they don’t add more, great.”
Besides the headline events, the race weekend also incorporates other series such as the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, making it a full slate of motorsport activities.
Viewership Numbers Shed Light on Series Popularity
The recent ratings offer some insight into the dynamics between the series. The NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) attracted an average of 3.9 million viewers, considerably higher than the IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, which pulled about 1.4 million viewers. Both events were broadcast on FOX and aired on Sundays, underlining NASCAR’s larger television audience.
After reviewing the viewership data, O’Ward revisited his stance and publicly changed his tone regarding the IndyCar and NASCAR weekend.
O’Ward Changes Mind and Embraces the NASCAR Weekend
Following deeper reflection and consideration of the exposure opportunities, Pato O’Ward issued a public statement expressing his newfound enthusiasm for the joint event, saying,
“I stand corrected, i’m so happy to be here with NASCAR this weekend.”
Television Coverage and Media Discussion of the Phoenix Event
The broadcasting of the Phoenix weekend includes extensive media coverage, with discussions about the double-header and O’Ward’s comments appearing on platforms like SPEED. On the latest episode, hosts Kevin Harvick and Will Buxton spoke about O’Ward’s remarks on IndyCar’s perceived role as a support series. These conversations highlight ongoing debates within the motorsport community regarding the positioning and marketing of IndyCar in relation to NASCAR.
Phoenix Raceway, a one-mile oval, continues to be a focal point as multiple series, including NASCAR and IndyCar, utilize the track to increase fan engagement and broaden their audiences in Arizona.
The Broader Impact and Future Outlook for IndyCar and NASCAR Joint Events
The collaboration between IndyCar and NASCAR at venues like Phoenix Raceway represents an important strategy to combine fanbases and enhance motorsport’s visibility. While drivers like Pato O’Ward initially express concerns about IndyCar’s relative placement, the exposure gained from sharing weekends with NASCAR could influence the sport’s growth and sponsorship appeal.
The evolving relationship between the two series could lead to more joint events or adjusted scheduling designed to benefit both fan engagement and television ratings, offering a more unified motorsport experience going forward.
