NBC Pleads Loyalty to NASCAR With Exciting Plans Amidst FOX’s Loyalty to Roger Penske

Over the past decade, NASCAR’s broadcast landscape has undergone a seismic shift. NBC returned to cover Cup Series races in 2015 and has retained its role as the network behind the final 14 races each season. This includes the playoffs and the championship under a sweeping 2025–2031 media rights deal. Meanwhile, Fox continues to anchor the early-season races, including the Daytona 500, and now promotes its broader motorsports interests through its deepening alignment with Roger Penske. FOX has recently doubled down on its ownership ties with IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Meanwhile, NBC, in an exciting turn, has now unveiled bold plans that reaffirm its absolute loyalty to NASCAR. This move promises fresh storytelling and brand-defining innovation that will anchor its role during the championship run.

Just this summer, Fox Corporation acquired a one‑third equity stake in Penske Entertainment. The deal is reportedly valued between $125M and $135M. This move underscores Fox’s strategic commitment to Penske’s motorsports universe. It has sparked discussion about where true loyalty lies, with legacy broadcasters like NBC or increasingly with the Penske empire. As the NASCAR playoffs approach, NBC has launched a contrasting initiative. A fan‑first branded intro and thematic coverage to prove where its loyalties truly lie. Starting with a cinematic kickoff that celebrates driver grit and NASCAR heritage.

NBC’s bold NASCAR strategy vs FOX’s Penske loyalty

NBC has announced a high‑impact race intro for its NASCAR Cup broadcasts, starting at the Iowa Corn 350. This intro spans two minutes and is sound‑tracked by Deep Purple’s iconic “Space Truckin’.” The sequence blends adrenaline‑pumping race footage, such as flips, pit stops, and archival shots, with staged behind‑the‑scenes moments. These feature drivers like Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, and even Richard Petty, hanging out in a bar, playing pool, or wrenching on street cars. This creative narrative was conceived after a discussion between NBC Sports VP Jeff Behnke and analyst Jeff Burton, centered on showcasing the physical toughness and authenticity of Cup drivers across all types of tracks.

Recently, the network also mentioned that the intro will be updated throughout the season. Key moments like Bubba Wallace’s Brickyard 400 victory are already slated for inclusion. This ensures the theme stays fresh and tied to real race drama. Beyond the look and feel, NBC’s decision carries weight. With TV rights up in the air post-2024, this is a public statement. NBC is not stepping back. It is doubling down. The campaign comes after FOX’s continued IndyCar coverage, where its Roger Penske ties run deep. While FOX looks forward, NBC is anchoring itself in NASCAR’s heartland.

As both networks enter the final year of their current media deals, NASCAR faces a broadcast crossroads. FOX may continue highlighting legacy stories and Penske’s vision. NBC, meanwhile, is carving out a new identity — one rooted in loyalty, culture, and fan experience. The balance of power may soon shift. But if this gritty NBC intro is any signal, NASCAR’s future will be about who understands the sport’s soul. And NBC is making its case, one cue ball at a time.

NBC analyst Jeff Burton teases thrilling Iowa weekend

NASCAR returns to Iowa Speedway this weekend. NBC Sports will air the Iowa Corn 350 on Sunday, August 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. This will mark their 200th Cup Series broadcast since rejoining the sport in 2015. As NBC prepares to debut its cinematic, driver-themed race intro, veteran analyst Jeff Burton is already building anticipation with a preview of what fans can expect on track this weekend.

Burton says racing at Iowa Speedway is always exciting. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad race there,” Burton said. “I love this racetrack. I was super excited when they announced they were going to have a Cup race here.” He expects nothing different this weekend. The 7/8-mile oval is tight and technical. Long runs matter. Restarts can be chaotic. Position is everything. Burton notes that the repaved surface adds grip, but also increases wear and tire strategy. “The less grip you have, the more groves you have,” he said. He expects drivers to battle door-to-door throughout the day. He also highlighted the Cup entry list. Fan favorites Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Shane van Gisbergen, and Bubba Wallace will bring aggressive short-track styles into play.

Qualifying and early pit strategy could make or break the race. He expects the field to string out on long green-flag runs. Passing will demand patience. Tire management will play a major role late in each stage. Burton warns that a single mistake on the pit lane or restart could change the race.

Jeff Burton’s excitement mirrors the energy building across the Cup garage. With playoff implications tightening and a short-track layout that rewards grit over reputation, Iowa is shaping up to be a weekend of hard racing and harder consequences. The repave has drawn mixed reactions from drivers. Some are praising the added grip, while others are wary of tire falloff and handling surprises