NASCAR ratings released for Xfinity 500 playoff race at Martinsville

This past Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway drew 2.5 million viewers on NBC, the network announced Wednesday.

That represents a 14% jump in viewership from last year’s Round of 8 finale at Martinsville. The Xfinity 500 was the fifth consecutive and seventh of the last eight races to see an increase in viewership from 2023. NASCAR Cup Series playoff viewership is up 6% in 2024.

Fans who tuned in were treated to a race featuring six of NASCAR’s best drivers looking to join Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick in the Championship 4 at Phoenix this coming Sunday. It was Ryan Blaney who first clinched his spot, taking the checkered flag for his third victory of the season. The reigning Cup Series champion will have a chance to defend his crown at Phoenix, where he’s tallied six straight top five finishes.

“Yeah, a lot of momentum,” Blaney said after the race. “Nice to have two Penske cars in. It’s nice to join [Logano] and have a decent shot to bring Roger [Penske] another title, a third title in a row, so these guys are the best at what they do, and it’s been so much fun to get to run with them and share wins and championships. It’s super strong right now in our organization and hopefully it carries over.”

Controversial playoff race at Martinsville delivers strong viewership for NASCAR

As for that fourth and final spot, well, there was some controversy to say the least. When the race ended, it was Christopher Bell who secured the final transfer spot. However, NASCAR issued him a safety violation for riding the wall to execute a final lap pass on Bubba Wallace.

Bell was eliminated from playoff contention after the ruling. William Byron took the final Championship 4 berth, the lone Hendrick Motorsports driver racing for a title at Phoenix.

“Yeah, I’ve never been a part of anything like this, so I don’t really know how to feel,” Byron said. “I hate it for everyone involved, but I’m happy for this No. 24 Chevy team. I’m happy for us moving on, and we’ll go on and focus on Phoenix. I’ll think about this one here at Martinsville with my team.

“We had a lot of adversity through the second half of the race there. Yeah, I mean, we know what the rules are, right? So, it is what it is. I wouldn’t say I’m happy, but I’m excited to race for a championship, that’s for sure.”