NASCAR is transitioning its Full Speed documentary series from Netflix to Prime Video, centering its 2026 edition exclusively on the recent Daytona 500 race. The series debuted in January 2024, highlighting the 2023 Cup Series playoffs, a production NASCAR invested $5 million in amid the rising popularity of sports documentaries. Unlike previous multi-episode seasons, the third installment will be a single-episode feature covering the 2026 Daytona 500 that occurred earlier this month and will premiere on March 5. Both earlier seasons will also be made available on Prime Video, a platform that became one of NASCAR’s domestic media-rights holders last year.
Key Drivers and Storylines Highlighted in the New Episode
The Daytona 500 winner, Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing, will be a central figure in the upcoming documentary. Additional attention will be given to notable drivers Kyle Busch of Richard Childress Racing, Connor Zilisch of Trackhouse Racing, Brad Keselowski representing RFK Racing, and Noah Gragson from Front Row Motorsports. Zilisch, sponsored by Red Bull, is promoted as a rising star with mainstream appeal. Keselowski is recovering from a broken leg sustained during a skiing accident over the offseason. Busch, a prominent name in the sport, secured the pole position for the race and is aiming to regain top form in his contract year. Gragson’s unpredictable personality continues to add intrigue to his presence on the track.
Production Team and Broadcast Details
The series continues to be produced by NASCAR Studios alongside Word + Pictures, with Tim Mullen and Jackie Decker directing this season. NASCAR Studios’ executive producers include Tim Clark, John Dahl, Tally Hair, and Ben Kennedy, while Words + Pictures contributes executive producers Connor Schell, Aaron Cohen, and Nick Eisenberg. As part of its media rights agreement, Prime Video broadcasts five Cup races annually, beginning this year with the Coke 600 scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend in late May. Prime also holds broadcasting rights for NASCAR’s significant new event, the Naval Base Coronado street race near San Diego on June 21, marking its second consecutive year airing this race.
Viewership and Future Implications
The inaugural season of Full Speed attracted 3.4 million views on Netflix during the first six months of 2024. The 2025 season, released in early May, garnered 900,000 views and added another 200,000 views later that year. With the move to Prime Video and the focused coverage on the notable 2026 Daytona 500, NASCAR aims to maintain and possibly grow its documentary audience. This shift reflects NASCAR’s strategic emphasis on timely and streamlined storytelling aligned with key marquee events, potentially enhancing fan engagement and expanding its reach through platform partnerships.
