Since switching to Fox, the NTT IndyCar Series has seen more exposure thanks to Fox’s main channel coverage. Now the Series will get even more with the Bommarito 500 at Gateway getting a big move to a prime-time TV slot.
Fox’s Broadcast Schedule Changes Grant IndyCar A Primetime Spot
Due to some recent schedule changes, IndyCar’s race in St. Louis will be broadcast during primetime. Fox has changed some of the start times for a few of IndyCar’s races this season to avoid overlapping with NASCAR.
The changes are as follows:
(All times are according to Eastern Standard Time)
WWT Raceway
Original start time: 3:00 p.m.
New start time: 8:00 p.m.
Road America
Original start time: 3:30 p.m.
New start time: 1:30 p.m.
Mid-Ohio
Original start time: 2:00 p.m.
New start time: 1:00 p.m.
Iowa Race 2
Original start time: 2:00 p.m.
New start time: 1:00 p.m.
Streets of Toronto
Original start time: 2:00 p.m.
New start time: Noon
IndyCar’s Primetime Slot Will Do Wonders For Exposure
Since making the switch from NBC to Fox as the broadcaster for the season, viewership has been up and down. The season started strong in St. Pete, but there was a slight decrease in viewers during last week’s Sonsio Grand Prix.
As a result, IndyCar’s been working to regain and maintain its audience all season long. It seems like St. Louis will host the race that helps the sport solidify themselves as part of Fox’s sports lineup.
READ MORE: IndyCar: Massive FOX deal secured for 2025 and beyond
The Benefits of Primetime TV
As previously mentioned, IndyCar has been put in a unique position. While there is an established fanbase, they’ve been tasked with having to reintroducing themselves to an audience.
As IndyCar has been struggling to find its footing the past few races, St. Louis has the potential to solidify their presence.
Following last year, conversations were being held about IndyCar going international to help reach fans outside of North America. A popular argument was that IndyCar wasn’t big enough or had that reach.
Additionally, without the competition of NASCAR airing at the same time, all eyes will be on IndyCar.
Fans and people unfamiliar with the sport will be tuning in to see what the sport has to offer. The race will be one of Fox’s main events and will draw attention from anyone with the slightest interest in racing.
READ MORE: 3 Times IndyCar Raced Overseas
The Bommarito Automotive Group 500
Aside from the Indy 500, the race at St. Louis is some of the most exciting oval racing on the calendar.
WWT Raceway has been a part of the schedule since 1997. The track’s known for its on-track battles and overtakes. The 2024 race saw the most overtakes in the history of racing at WWT Raceway.
Oval racing can sometimes be discredited and gets called simplistic or boring since it doesn’t feature as many twists and turns the way road and street circuits do.
The racing during WWT Raceway is some of the strongest of the season, and the race will be guaranteed to keep watchers interested until the checkered flag waves.
June 15 (which is also Father’s Day) is going to mark the first time in IndyCar history that a race gets aired during a primetime slot.
LWOS will have coverage of the race weekend, so make sure to follow along with us until then and tune into the race on June 15, live at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Fox.
Main Photo: Travis Hinkle, Penske Entertainment
Recording Date: 8/18/2024
