NASCAR in Talks with NFL to Avoid Daytona Super Bowl Clash
In a world where sports schedules collide, NASCAR is gearing up for a potential clash with the NFL’s Super Bowl. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing development and strategy, recently shared insights with a select group of reporters regarding the looming possibility of these two major events occurring simultaneously.
The NFL, under the leadership of commissioner Roger Goodell, has been contemplating extending its schedule, which could result in the Super Bowl falling on Presidents Day weekend. This proposed shift has caught the attention of NASCAR officials, prompting them to monitor the situation closely and engage in discussions with the NFL to navigate around any potential conflicts.
Kennedy emphasized the importance of maintaining a strategic approach to scheduling, stating, “We’re keeping tabs on it, for sure. (And) having a lot of conversations with our partners, have a couple of conversations with the NFL as well.” While immediate changes to the upcoming season’s dates are unlikely, the long-term implications of aligning NASCAR events with the Super Bowl are significant and require careful consideration.
The impact of the Super Bowl on viewership cannot be understated. Super Bowl 59, which took place on Feb. 9, drew a record 127.7 million viewers as the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs. This massive audience included viewers tuning in through both traditional television broadcasts and online streaming platforms.
On the other hand, the Daytona 500 stands as the crown jewel of NASCAR racing, attracting fans from across the globe. The upcoming race has already sold out for the 10th consecutive year, promising an electrifying atmosphere. With a record $30 million purse up for grabs, the stakes are higher than ever for drivers and teams vying for victory.
Last year’s Daytona 500, which saw a one-day delay due to rain, drew an impressive 6 million viewers on FOX. However, the most-watched edition of the race in the past decade remains the 2015 event, which captured the attention of 13.3 million viewers. These numbers underscore the enduring appeal of the Daytona 500 and its status as a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts.
As NASCAR prepares to kick off its season, discussions are underway regarding the timing of key events such as the Clash, an exhibition race that typically precedes the Super Bowl weekend. Kennedy shed light on the deliberations, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between maximizing viewership and avoiding direct competition with the Super Bowl.
“We’ve talked about: do you go the weekend before? Do we keep it the weekend after?” Kennedy mused. “I think we lean toward the latter of trying to come out of the Super Bowl and go to the Daytona 500.” This strategic approach aims to leverage the momentum generated by the Super Bowl while ensuring a seamless transition into the high-octane action of the Daytona 500.
Beyond the domestic audience, NASCAR’s reach extends globally, with Sunday’s race set to be broadcast in 26 languages across more than 190 countries and territories. Viewers in the U.S. can catch the action live on FOX, with additional coverage available on radio through partners MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
As NASCAR navigates the intricate dance of scheduling and strategic planning, the eyes of sports enthusiasts around the world will be fixed on Daytona, eager to witness the thrilling spectacle that unfolds on race day. In a world where speed, strategy, and spectacle converge, the Daytona 500 stands as a beacon of excitement and anticipation for fans of motorsport everywhere.
