When it comes to NASCAR broadcasts, fans don’t hold back. Whether it’s the commentary, the camera work, or how often we’re bombarded with commercials, every detail is up for scrutiny. And in 2024, the consensus is clear: NBC is running laps around FOX when it comes to race coverage.

But while many fans are quick to criticize FOX for what they see as declining quality, it’s not entirely one-sided. FOX does have its loyal defenders, even as NBC continues to set the standard for how NASCAR should be televised. So, how did NBC manage to win over fans, even after losing their most iconic analyst in Dale Earnhardt Jr.? And where does FOX still shine? Let’s break it down.

Fans take FOX to the cleaners, but it’s not all bad

If you’ve spent any time on Reddit or NASCAR forums lately, you’ve probably noticed the near-universal grumbling about FOX’s coverage. For many fans, FOX is no longer the broadcasting powerhouse it once was. Complaints about their race coverage have piled up faster than pit stop tires, with fans pointing to everything from the overwhelming number of commercials to the booth’s lack of chemistry.

A common gripe is how often FOX cuts away from the action. Fans feel like they’re constantly being yanked out of the race to watch yet another commercial. Sure, both FOX and NBC have their fair share of ad breaks—around 25% of race time—but for some reason, FOX feels more intrusive. NASCAR Fans claim the network packs too many ads into the early laps, making it hard to get into the rhythm of the race.

Reddit user SleepyRocket20 said, “Too many commercials. It seemed like they would come back from commercial, run maybe 10-15 laps (at most), then commercial again. I understand commercials bring in money, but it just felt really excessive.”

But commercials aren’t the only issue. FOX has also been accused of failing to capture the full scope of the race. “Fox seemed to miss a good amount of action throughout the race if it wasn’t happening at the front. They would focus on the top 10 and miss plenty of racing throughout the field. NBC also missed some of this, but Fox definitely felt worse,” another fan observed.

NBC, meanwhile, faced its own challenge when they lost Dale Earnhardt Jr. from the booth at the end of 2023. The loss of such a beloved figure—a driver turned broadcaster who had become the voice of modern NASCAR for many fans—could have spelled disaster for their coverage. Instead, NBC kept the momentum going, leaning on the chemistry and professionalism of their remaining team. Leigh Diffey stepped up as a fan-favorite play-by-play voice, while Steve Letarte and Jeff Burton brought their usual mix of technical expertise and engaging commentary. Fans were quick to praise how the network managed to “hold the ship together” despite such a major change.

The broadcast booth, once FOX’s strong suit, has also come under fire. While Mike Joy remains a respected voice, the dynamic in the booth has drawn mixed reactions. Kevin Harvick’s technical insight has been appreciated, but Clint Bowyer’s high-energy antics have left some viewers exhausted. “The booth. Mike Joy is great in the booth, and Harvick isn’t bad by any means, but Bowyer can get really annoying. Energy to the booth, but he dials it way too far up. NBC’s booth just seems like a more well-rounded team, and Leigh Diffey is a fantastic addition to the team,” one fan wrote.

Even loyal FOX viewers admit that the network’s coverage isn’t what it used to be. “Fox used to have the greatest coverage in NASCAR history. The budget, gadgets, coverage—everything was the best. They struck absolute gold with DW, Joy and McReynolds. Over the last 10 years or so, it’s become glaringly obvious how much the budget has been cut. … I still don’t think the Fox coverage is ‘bad,’ but it does feel like a shell of its past self,” another fan explained.

Still, not everyone thinks FOX deserves all the criticism. In the same Reddit discussion, one fan defended the network’s strengths: “When they aren’t at commercial, FOX rocks when it comes to green-flag pit stops. The track map they put up with important drivers makes it so easy to follow along who is where and who is going to cycle through as the leader. NBC doesn’t do this, and it makes green-flag pit stops far less enjoyable and more difficult to follow.”

Another added, “Fox just front-loaded [their commercials] in order to have fewer in the closing laps,” arguing that the format has its benefits, especially during crucial race-ending moments.

These debates show how deeply divided (or united) fans are when it comes to FOX’s coverage. Even those who appreciate the network’s unique strengths acknowledge that there’s room for improvement. Meanwhile, NBC has steadily built a reputation as the fan favorite, thanks to its emphasis on professionalism, storytelling, and balance. But honestly, it feels like NBC didn’t win, FOX just lost. Really hard.

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NASCAR’s Media Future: A New Era of Coverage

With FOX and NBC wrapping up their current NASCAR deal at the end of 2024, the sport is gearing up for a shake-up in its broadcast landscape. Starting in 2025, NASCAR will split its coverage among five networks: FOX, NBC, Amazon Prime Video, TNT, and The CW. It’s a bold move that reflects the changing way fans consume sports, blending traditional TV with streaming platforms.

Under the new deal, FOX and NBC will each retain 14 Cup Series races, keeping their most iconic events like the Daytona 500 (FOX) and the playoffs (NBC). Amazon will stream five mid-season races exclusively, marking a big step into digital-first coverage, while TNT will broadcast five late-summer races. And then there’s The CW, which will air the entire Xfinity Series, bringing NASCAR to a whole new audience.

Fans are cautiously optimistic about the new setup. On the one hand, more networks mean more options and potentially better competition between broadcasters. On the other hand, splitting coverage across multiple platforms could make it harder for fans to follow the season. “It’s already tough to switch gears when NBC takes over from FOX mid-season,” one fan noted. “Throw in streaming services, and it’s going to get even more complicated.”

For NASCAR, this deal is as much about the future as it is about the present. By embracing streaming, the sport hopes to attract younger viewers who might not watch traditional TV. But the challenge will be maintaining the continuity that fans have come to expect. NBC has been particularly good at picking up where FOX leaves off, seamlessly continuing storylines and keeping the energy going through the playoffs. With new players in the mix, it’s unclear whether that handoff will remain as smooth.

And what about FOX and NBC? Both networks will be under pressure to step up their game as they fight for viewer loyalty in an increasingly crowded field. For FOX, this could be an opportunity to revamp their approach and address long-standing fan criticisms. For NBC, it’s a chance to solidify its reputation as the best in the business. But with a new era of media deals on the horizon, the competition is about to get even fiercer.

As NASCAR heads into this new chapter, one thing is certain: the fans will be watching—and they won’t hesitate to make their voices heard. Whether it’s FOX, NBC, or one of the newcomers, the race to deliver the best NASCAR broadcast is far from over.