NASCAR is a massive motorsport franchise with a worldwide audience and a huge American fan base. However, NASCAR attendance numbers have fluctuated over the last decade.
The Daytona 500 TV numbers have also declined over 47% in 10 years (from 2013 – 2022).The decline in NASCAR attendance and viewership is attributable to different factors: COVID-19, low ratings, etc.
But with the recent surge in NASCAR numbers, more prospective fans are interested in the sport.
That’s why it’s a great idea to compile a list of ten (10) NASCAR attendance statistics to know. These stats give a general scope of NASCAR, its fans, and other vital information.
Table of Contents
1. The 2021 Daytona 500 had just over 30,000 fans in attendance
Fox
The Daytona 500 2021 kicked off after its 2020 edition was postponed due to COVID-19. Expectations were high among race organizers, however, the reality wasn’t at par with what sponsors hoped for.
2021’s Daytona 500 had a little over 30,000 fans in attendance, making it one of the lowest-attended NASCAR races in recent years.
However, recent numbers show that the 2022 Daytona 500 had 100,000+ fans in attendance, an over 300% increase from 2021.
2. NASCAR lost about $170 million due to low attendance numbers in 2020
Sports Pro Media
COVID-19 restrictions and fan base apprehension hit sports quite hard in 2020. The restrictions were evident throughout NASCAR as only fifteen (15) races were held out of a possible 36 annual events.
Scheduled events held by NASCAR throughout 2020 experienced very low turnout and scant ticket sales. NASCAR losses amounted to within $150 – $170 million across all racing tracks.
3. 73% of NASCAR fans are predominantly married, male homeowners
Performance Research
A recent study of NASCAR fans revealed that over 75% are male and about 73% are married. Findings from the study also reveal that a majority (over 80%) of NASCAR fans are middle-aged males who own a home.
The data might change over time with recent information showing significant shifts within NASCAR’s fan base. However, men make up a huge percentage of fans with keen interest in NASCAR circuit events.
4. 30% of attendees at 2021 NASCAR are new and under 35 years old
Fox Sports
Recent stats reveal that about 30% of new NASCAR race fans were young and under-35-year-olds. These numbers show that NASCAR’s drift from relatively older male fans seems to be in full swing.
Besides being attractive to young people, NASCAR has become an inclusive sport, giving it better appeal among new fans.
5. The average age of NASCAR fans is 42 years
Performance Research
NASCAR fans are largely male in their 40s, with the median age set at 42 from observed data. Newer NASCAR fans tend to be much younger, so there’s a chance that this median age could reduce soon enough.
6. About 3.7 million people watch the NASCAR Cup Series Finale every year
ESPN
Annual ratings show that about 3.7 million people watch NASCAR’s signature series finale every season.
The recent fluctuation in NASCAR’s viewership numbers is a major reason why it keeps recording low averages.
7. 87% of NASCAR fans are employed
Performance Research
Research shows that NASCAR fans are majorly over-40s males makes with a $35,000 – $50,000 median household income. Most of these fans interviewed (87%) say they are full-time employees.
8. Over 70% of NASCAR fans will choose a product based on sponsorship
Performance Research
NASCAR fans are open to purchase products based on their sponsorship of the racing franchise. In a recent study, more than 70% of NASCAR fans interviewed agreed they frequently choose products due to sponsorship affiliations.
9. 52% of NASCAR fans over the last three years are non-white
Statista, Fox Sports
In 2016/2017, over 90% of NASCAR fans were white. However, recent figures show that racially-diverse fans now attend NASCAR events and are avid fans.
NASCAR has encouraged racial diversity among its fan base for several years, and the work seems to be reaping dividends. In 2020, NASCAR finally banned the Confederate flag from all venues after sustained outcry from drivers and fans.
Racial inclusivity from NASCAR has seen it add more racially diverse fans than ever before. Stats from Fox Sports point to more enthusiasm among young, new fans.
10. A single NASCAR event made $7.1 million from race day sales alone
Fox Sports
Even with abysmally low rating, NASCAR was able to attract about 4million viewers for the Busch Clash exhibition race. But it wasn’t the most lucrative single race in recent times for NASCAR, especially when considering non-TV revenue.
The Dover Motor Speedway has been a mainstay among NASCAR’s most profitable courses in recent years.
In 2021, the Dover weekend racked up around $7.1 million from non-broadcast revenue. The increase eclipsed Dover 2020, where NASCAR got about $6.7 million from non-TV money.
