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NBC’s broadcast of Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway averaged 2.471 million viewers and earned a 1.37 rating, according to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern. Both numbers were down from last year’s finale at Phoenix Raceway, which drew a 1.45 rating and 2.774 million viewers.
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Homestead Finale TV Ratings vs. Last Year
| Finale | Network | Rating | Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026, Homestead | NBC | 1.37 | 2.471 million |
| 2025, Phoenix | NBC | 1.45 | 2.774 million |
Full Season Down 2%
The 2026 Cup Series season as a whole averaged 2.419 million viewers, down 2% from the 2.479 million viewers NASCAR averaged in 2025.
A Title Decided Early
This year’s finale had a different feel than last year’s. Kyle Larson entered Homestead with a 67-point lead under the new Chase format and clinched his third title by finishing fourth in Stage 1, long before the checkered flag. Ryan Blaney went on to win the race with a late pass of Tyler Reddick. Read how Larson clinched the title.
Last year’s Phoenix finale came down to the final laps. Denny Hamlin was leading with three laps to go when a caution came out, and Larson won the championship after the final restart.
Why It Matters
The finale was the first under the new 10-race, no-elimination Chase, which NASCAR brought back in 2026. With the title decided in Stage 1, the race’s biggest storyline was over early in the broadcast.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said during his State of the Sport address at Homestead that the sport sees encouraging momentum, while acknowledging challenges.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has had a strong year on The CW. “Everything is great on Fridays and Saturdays, great ratings on The CW,” Kevin Harvick said this week while arguing NASCAR should focus on improving the Cup car. Read more.
2027 TV Partners
The 2027 Cup season will again air on FOX Sports, Prime Video, TNT Sports and USA Sports, with the championship race at Homestead on Nov. 14. See the full 2027 Cup Series schedule.
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