INDYCAR Ratings Soar at Phoenix Raceway

The Good Ranchers 250 draws 1.2 million viewers, a 95% increase over previous Saturday races on FOX.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

INDYCAR's recent return to Phoenix Raceway was a major television ratings success, with the Good Ranchers 250 race drawing 1,247,000 viewers on FOX - a 95% increase compared to average Saturday races on the network last year. The highly competitive race, featuring a record-breaking 565 on-track passes, as well as the pairing with NASCAR, contributed to the impressive viewership numbers.

Why it matters

The surge in viewership reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in open-wheel racing and motorsports in general. The sport's accessibility and focus on driver skill are resonating with a new generation of fans, and the availability of races on streaming platforms and strong social media presence are further driving engagement.

The details

Several factors contributed to the impressive viewership, including the competitive nature of the race, with a record-breaking 565 on-track passes, as well as the pairing with NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway, which likely exposed INDYCAR to a broader audience. Notably, ratings were up 391% from the last INDYCAR race at Phoenix in 2018.

  • The Good Ranchers 250 race took place on March 11, 2026.
  • The last INDYCAR race at Phoenix Raceway was in 2018.

The players

Josef Newgarden

The winner of the Good Ranchers 250 race at Phoenix Raceway.

Team Penske

A leading team in INDYCAR, with a long history of success and a strong driver lineup, including Josef Newgarden, David Malukas, and Scott McLaughlin.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington in Texas is scheduled for Sunday, March 24, 2026, with coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app.

The takeaway

The success of the INDYCAR race at Phoenix Raceway, with a significant increase in viewership, demonstrates the growing interest in open-wheel racing and the potential for the sport to continue expanding its reach and fanbase through strategic scheduling, streaming accessibility, and digital engagement.