It’s no secret that NASCAR’s excitement quotient has diminished, and the numbers back it up. In 2025, the average viewership for Cup Series races is down roughly 11-14% compared to 2024, sliding from about 3.07 million per race to approximately 2.71 million. Despite a high-value media rights deal and the promise of broader digital reach, television ratings remain stagnant or are slipping in key demographics. Attendance trends echo the same concern, feeling widespread industry anxiety.
Amid rising criticism and declining engagement, veteran driver Kyle Busch has recently weighed in, sharing his perspective on what is really turning fans away. Busch argues that it isn’t just about scheduling, streaming, or broadcast partners; it is rooted in a deeper cultural shift that has stripped the spo