Despite a lengthy rain delay pushing back the race’s start time, the 2024 Indianapolis 500 did tremendous ratings for NBC and Peacock, the network said Monday in a press release.
The race saw 5.344 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and NBC Sports digital platforms, an 8% increase from 2023 and a 10% increase from 2022’s race.
Viewers were treated to a thrilling conclusion as Josef Newgarden became the first back-to-back winner since 2002 after passing Pato O’Ward on the race’s final lap.
The race peaked at 6.46 million viewers from 6:30-6:45 p.m. ET, as the final laps unfurled. The 2024 Indianapolis 500 also became the most-streamed INDYCAR race of all time with 286,000 viewers watching on Peacock or NBC Sports digital platforms, making it NBC Sports’ most-watched sporting event since January’s Divisional Playoff matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.
The rain delay also saw INDYCAR lift the race’s annual Indianapolis blackout, leading to an 18.15 household rating and 54 share in the city.
Despite the huge rating, fans in Madison, Wisconsin didn’t get to see the finish after an ill-advised commercial. Other NBC affiliates throughout the midwest were also forced to switch coverage from the race to focus on storms throughout the Missouri and Illinois areas.
NBC’s INDYCAR coverage resumes this weekend when the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix emanates from the streets of Detroit, Michigan.
About Robert O'Neill