The roar of NASCAR’s engines should be just a click away, but for fans, catching every lap feels like a chase. While IMSA, a NASCAR-owned series, streams every WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race live on Peacock, NASCAR’s own Cup Series is stuck in a patchwork of cable and partial streaming that’s got fans frustrated.

The contrast is stark: IMSA’s all-in digital approach has boosted viewership 37% over five years, with a 60% spike in Peacock streams year-over-year. Meanwhile, NASCAR’s marquee races, like the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 on Amazon Prime Video, reach some screens, but many stay locked behind cable deals with NBC and USA Network.

The gap’s not just about access; it’s about vibe. IMSA’s full Peacock streams let fans dive into every moment, no cable box needed. NASCAR’s split coverage feels like a relic, leaning on traditional broadcasts to prop up network deals while streaming takes a back seat.

The Coca-Cola 600’s Prime debut pulled 2.72 million viewers, skewing younger at 55.8 years old versus cable’s 62, but fans still gripe about missing races on platforms they already pay for. With streaming ruling sports, think NFL on YouTube or F1 on ESPN+, NASCAR’s lag is glaring.

IMSA’s deal with NBC Sports was built for the digital age, prioritizing Peacock to hook fans who’ve cut the cord. NASCAR is juggling multiple networks, balancing exclusivity for USA Network’s cable subs with partial streaming on Peacock or Prime. It’s a business bind; networks want live sports to keep cable alive, but fans want the freedom to watch on their terms. The result? A clunky mix where not every race hits streaming, leaving cord-cutters scrambling.

The numbers tell a story. IMSA’s streaming bet paid off with a viewership bump, while NASCAR’s cable-heavy approach fights declining ratings. Cable’s losing ground; CordCutting.com reported 12.5 million U.S. households ditched cable in 2024 alone. NASCAR’s got the brand, the drivers, and the drama to dominate streaming, but contractual ties hold it back. Fans see IMSA’s playbook and wonder why NASCAR can’t match it.

Looking forward, the path is clear: streaming’s the future. NASCAR could take a page from IMSA, pushing for full-race streams on Peacock or Prime to catch the digital wave. It’s not about ditching cable entirely but finding a balance, maybe co-streaming to test the waters.

Fans aren’t asking for a revolution, just a way to watch without digging out a cable box. Until NASCAR bridges that gap, the sport risks losing the next generation to series that get it right. Fans on X aren’t holding back, airing their beef with NASCAR’s streaming setup.

Fan gripes hit X

“Prime was better,” one user said, nodding to the 2025 Coca-Cola 600’s 2.72 million viewers on Amazon Prime Video. That stream, peaking at 2.92 million, drew a younger crowd, 55.8 years old versus cable’s greyer 62. But some felt Prime’s polish didn’t match NBC’s traditional broadcast, with clunky interfaces or commentary missing the mark. The sentiment’s mixed: Prime’s a step, but not the full fix.

“IMSA starts on NBC, but you need Peacock to see the finish,” another fan griped. IMSA’s all-in Peacock streams let fans catch every lap, while NASCAR’s races bounce between NBC, USA, and partial Peacock coverage. The split frustrates fans who want one platform, not a channel-surfing scavenger hunt.

IMSA’s seamless streaming shows what’s possible, leaving NASCAR’s patchwork looking dated. “Because NASCAR took more money to help prop up the USA, and the USA needs exclusive content to underpin its cable sub fees,” a user pointed out.

NASCAR’s USA Network deal leans on exclusive broadcasts to keep cable subs hooked, unlike IMSA’s Peacock-first model. It’s a business play; cable pays big, but it locks races behind paywalls, alienating cord-cutters who want streaming ease.

“I’m not complaining about IMSA. I love the fact that you can get the full race on Peacock. I’m complaining NASCAR can’t simulcast their races on USA Network, owned by NBC, on Peacock,” another fan vented. The call for simulcasting hits hard; fans want USA’s races on Peacock, too, especially since both are under NBC’s umbrella. IMSA’s full-stream approach feels like a taunt when NASCAR’s half-in.

“The Peacock coverage, unless it’s gotten better over the past couple of years, is absolute dogshit. NASCAR would be damaged by streaming with that crew,” a user blasted. Some fans dunk on Peacock’s production, shaky commentary, glitchy feeds, worrying NASCAR’s streaming rep would tank with subpar execution. It’s a real concern when IMSA’s streams shine brighter.

“It’s because NBC thinks IMSA is filler content like they did IndyCar, they use it as a ‘for your consideration’ so people don’t immediately leave when sportsball is over, or they have something to watch before it begins. Purely NBC wanting to look better than they actually are,” one fan speculated.

The theory stings; IMSA as a gap-filler for NBC’s schedule feels plausible, while NASCAR’s prime cable slots prioritize profit over access. It’s a dig at network motives, not the sport’s heart.

“I think for at least a few years, NASCAR should co-stream and co-cable all of the races on each respective platform, just to give some people who may be reluctant to switch over some numbers and ideas of how it would go fully streamed,” a fan suggested. Co-streaming’s a smart middle ground, test full streaming without ditching cable. It could show NASCAR’s digital potential, easing fans into a cord-free future while keeping the old guard happy.