OFFICIAL! Mark D Miles speaks out to deny rumors that Indycar is attracting a new young audience with 86% growth recorded after FOX Sports shared this data despite not making “CLEAN” money from fans for the sport
Penske Entertainment CEO Mark D. Miles has directly addressed circulating rumors suggesting that the NTT IndyCar Series’ reported surge in younger viewers—particularly an eye-catching 86% increase in the 18-34 demographic—is overstated or misleading. In a recent statement, Miles firmly denied claims that the growth figures are inflated or that the series is somehow not legitimately benefiting from its fan base, emphasizing that the data from FOX Sports and Nielsen Media Research reflects genuine progress following the partnership’s first full season in 2025.
The controversy stems from mid-2025 reports, when FOX Sports highlighted impressive early-season gains after shifting IndyCar from NBC to its networks. Through races up to the Milwaukee event in August 2025, Nielsen data showed an 86% year-over-year spike in viewership among adults aged 18-34, alongside a 28% rise in the 2-17 age group. These numbers sparked widespread discussion across motorsport media and fan communities, with some outlets framing it as IndyCar successfully tapping into a new, youthful audience thanks to FOX’s broad broadcast reach and aggressive promotion.
However, as the full 2025 season concluded and final figures were released in early 2026, the narrative evolved, leading to speculation that the 86% figure was cherry-picked from partial data or did not represent sustainable, “clean” growth—meaning organic, unassisted by temporary factors or not translating into long-term revenue from fans.
Miles pushed back against these interpretations, clarifying that while the 86% surge was accurate for a portion of the season (notably in key demographics during the summer stretch), the overall picture is even more positive and grounded in reliable metrics. “The growth we’re seeing is real, measurable, and a direct result of our strategic move to FOX,” Miles stated. He pointed to the complete season averages: FOX/FS1 broadcasts of the 17-race 2025 NTT IndyCar Series drew an average of 1,362,000 viewers per race, marking a solid 27% increase from 2024’s figures under NBC.
This made 2025 the most-watched season in 17 years, since the post-merger era began in 2008, and positioned IndyCar as the sport with the largest audience growth among those averaging at least one million viewers.
The CEO highlighted that the younger demographic gains were substantial across the board. Final Nielsen numbers confirmed a massive 81% lift in the persons 18-34 category for the full season, closely aligning with the earlier 86% snapshot but adjusted for the complete campaign. The 18-49 demographic rose by 51%, while female viewers in the 18-34 bracket jumped 72% and those in 18-49 increased by 30%. Miles described these shifts as evidence of broadening appeal, particularly crediting FOX’s commitment to airing every race on network television rather than fragmented cable and streaming platforms.
“Broadcast TV still reaches people where they are,” he noted, adding that the partnership has created “appointment viewing” for fans who now know exactly where to find the series without hunting across channels.
Critics questioning the “clean” nature of the growth—implying perhaps artificial boosts from heavy promotion, one-off events like Super Bowl ads, or not converting to direct fan revenue—were also addressed. Miles explained that while FOX invested significantly in marketing (including high-profile spots during major events), the results stem from genuine engagement rather than fleeting hype. The series saw consistent mid-season stability, with multiple races holding in the 700,000-800,000 range, and standout performances like the season finale in Nashville drawing 1,142,000 viewers—a 136% increase over the prior year.
He stressed that IndyCar’s model prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term spikes, with revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales all benefiting from heightened visibility.
The move to FOX came after years of discussions, with the deal finalized in 2024 positioning the network as a co-owner and partner invested in the sport’s future. Miles has repeatedly called the collaboration “historic,” noting that the accessibility of over-the-air broadcasts has helped reverse demographic trends. Prior to the switch, IndyCar’s audience skewed older, with reports from earlier years indicating a high percentage of viewers over 55. The 2025 results mark a clear pivot, though Miles cautioned that building a younger base is an ongoing process.
“We’re encouraged by the data, but we know there’s more work to do,” he said, pointing to continued efforts in digital content, driver personalities, and event enhancements to retain and expand this new wave of fans.
Industry observers agree that the FOX partnership has delivered measurable wins. The series’ overall viewership growth outpaced many competitors, and the demographic shifts align with broader trends where younger audiences respond to prominent network exposure. FOX Sports executives echoed Miles’ optimism, with insights leaders describing the youth surge as proof of broadcast television’s enduring power in motorsports. As IndyCar heads into 2026, the focus remains on capitalizing on this momentum—planning schedule expansions, enhancing production values, and ensuring the sport’s excitement translates into sustained support.
Miles concluded by reaffirming confidence in the numbers and the direction forward. “These aren’t rumors or manipulated stats; they’re verified by Nielsen and celebrated by our partners at FOX. The growth is authentic, and it’s just the beginning for IndyCar.” With the series now enjoying its strongest broadcast era in recent memory, the denial of exaggerated skepticism underscores a commitment to transparency amid a period of exciting renewal.
