Fox continues to face serious challenges with their broadcast scoring during the NTT IndyCar Series, nearly two decades into their exclusive coverage. Despite a year of experience, the network’s handling of the scoring pylon remains inconsistent, causing confusion and frustration among viewers during races across multiple venues, including the recent event at Phoenix Raceway.
Persistent Scoring Problems Undermine Broadcast Credibility
Since taking over as the exclusive television partner for IndyCar, Fox has struggled repeatedly with the accuracy and visibility of the race leaderboard. Early setbacks featured outright removal of the timing and scoring pylon from the broadcast or showing it in a truncated form. At times, the displayed positions have been completely incorrect, with drivers’ names seemingly shifting places without any corresponding on-track overtakes.
This ongoing issue is surprising given Fox’s extensive experience in motorsports broadcasting, notably with NASCAR, where they cover multiple races annually. However, after 19 races into the IndyCar tenure, Fox still appears unable to reliably manage the complexity of live race scoring graphics over a sustained period.
Is fox’s scoring pylon broken? — Luke (@lateforapex) March 7, 2026
Where is the scoring pylon? — jone 4🏏♓3🏏♓ (@DirtyAirRacing_) March 7, 2026
Race at Phoenix Highlights Severity of Broadcast Mistakes
The situation deteriorated most noticeably during the Good Ranchers 250, held on a 1.022-mile oval at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. This race took place as part of a rare NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader weekend, adding to viewer expectations for seamless coverage. Instead, the leaderboard frequently disappeared and reappeared without warning, and when present, often provided dubious information.
Crucial data such as lap counts were missing for extended stretches. At one point, Fox wrongly listed Mick Schumacher in fourth place despite him being multiple laps behind in 22nd position. This echoed past errors, such as the 2025 Gateway race where Josef Newgarden was incorrectly shown leading after he had already crashed out.
Viewers noted that the only consistently accurate leaderboard appeared during commercial breaks, further highlighting the broadcast’s instability.
Hopefully this is intentional, because commercials are the only time they actually show a leaderboard. Embarrassing. https://t.co/rCaN9p8GPD — Beyond the Flag (@Beyond_The_Flag) March 7, 2026
Despite Strong Announcers, Broadcast Flaws Underline IndyCar’s Secondary Status
While Fox has received praise for bolstering IndyCar promotion and employs some of motorsport’s finest commentators, these scoring errors reinforce concerns voiced by figures like Pato O’Ward. He has criticized how IndyCar is often treated as a secondary event when scheduled alongside NASCAR doubleheader weekends.
Midway through the Phoenix race, Fox appeared to resolve many graphical issues, as the scoring pylon returned consistently near lap 160 and remained stable through the end of the event. Nevertheless, such improvements came after hours of confusion and viewer dissatisfaction.
The ongoing difficulties with Fox IndyCar scoring issues not only undermine the viewing experience but risk eroding trust in live race broadcasts. How Fox addresses these problems in future events will be critical for maintaining its partnership with IndyCar and satisfying a passionate fan base eager for accurate, engaging coverage.
Is fox's scoring pylon broken?
— Luke (@lateforapex) March 7, 2026
Where is the scoring pylon?
— jone 4️⃣3️⃣ (@DirtyAirRacing_) March 7, 2026
Hopefully this is intentional, because commercials are the only time they actually show a leaderboard. Embarrassing. https://t.co/rCaN9p8GPD
— Beyond the Flag (@Beyond_The_Flag) March 7, 2026
