The Olympics break in NASCAR is almost over and we already have a controversy amongst the spectators. Kevin Harvick’s outburst sparked a debate on social media about the difficulty of finding and watching Saturday’s practice race. The race was a much-awaited return for the NASCAR Cup Series after a two-week-long break.
There have been talks about the lack of a single platform for watching all the NASCAR races and events across its three series. NASCAR fans want to be able to follow the sport without hassle, but they end up having to forage for the broadcasts.
Kevin Harvick was particularly upset about the burial of the Saturday Qualifiers
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It took Kevin Harvick 20 minutes to find the qualifying race for the Cook Out 400. He tweeted, “Two weeks off and it took me 20 minutes to find qualifying. Don’t blame the drivers when no one’s watching because it’s buried on an app.” It is an inconvenience that most of the fraternity underwent owing to the broadcast switch from TV to streaming. It is great that the apps are free and people have a plethora of choices, but it has also made the process cumbersome.
Polls of the day
Do you think Kevin Harvick’s outburst was justified?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Ross Chastain can silence his critics this NASCAR season?
Have an interesting take?
Why do you think NASCAR fans are turning against Kyle Larson?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Denny Hamlin’s confidence will lead him to victory at his mastered track?
Maybe, but it’s not guaranteed
Have an interesting take?
Another significant aspect of dismay was the fact that the motorsport came back in form after a long pause, but there was no importance ascribed to its stream. Kenny Wallace posted a video on X sharing his thoughts on the matter. He explained that although NASCAR is back in action, the reason why it was on a break is still ongoing. With the Olympics Closing Ceremony due on Sunday, broadcasters like NBC Sports were still focused on covering the multi-sport event in Paris.
As Kenny was a former Fox News reporter, he knows how the broadcasters prioritize news. Known for being mischievous, Kenny also joked around the fan’s comments and considered certain examples to address certain concerns. But majorly, he said that all the money flowing into NASCAR explains the hopeful future.
NASCAR is helping promote the apps by letting them stream the different races. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that is bringing young talent closer to the sport while allowing the broadcast networks to grow with the viewer inflow. And if it is any consolation, NBC Sports has supposedly struck a deal with NASCAR to get exclusive broadcast rights from 2025. So, the upcoming season is going to be more streamlined for everyone to follow.
Kenny also asked X users to respond with what they thought about the current streams.
NASCAR fans mostly agreed with Kevin Harvick, but a few were more ‘open to change’
Trending
The fans have been complaining about the NASCAR broadcast issues, such as the FOX blunder. But users resorted to grumbling when even Kevin Harvick found it difficult to get a hang of the race. “Yes! Saw a post from Kevin Harvick, he couldn’t get it either,” tweeted a user.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Other users expressed their wish to have a single app for all the NASCAR streams. “I enjoyed the Olympic break. I wish we had a week off every 6 races or so. Maybe the crews and drivers would too? I wish if NASCAR is going to stream they had one App like F1 does. Nobody knew where qualifying was yesterday not even Kevin Harvick.”, wrote a user feeling relieved after the NASCAR break.
“Dude it’s stupid. We have to pay four different things just to be able to watch nascar. We go from Fox to FS1 back to Fox then over to NBC and then Peacock and then USA and it’s stupid! Enough! Consolidate to one network and leave it! Too many irons in the fire,” another user ranted furiously about juggling between apps.
Some users seemed placated in their reactions, as they wrote, “I miss being able to find the broadcast. I’m only 42 years young, but am willing to accept the cost of an app. Helping NASCAR monetize a direct broadcast option for its fans would be a plus. I’d rather give NASCAR $50/mo to consistently watch all three series broadcasts.” Loyal fans often do not mind spending money for the convenience.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Then some users professed the change narrative with, “I didn’t mind the two weeks off. I look forward to the Olympics every four years. As for NASCAR, I enjoy the sport & watch it every time it’s on. I don’t use an app to watch it. Log on http://nascar.com to see what the schedule is. Change is going to happen, get use to it.”
While the inconvenience is frustrating, the fact that changes take time is real too. What do you think should NASCAR do to pacify its fans in the short term?
