When Richard Petty suggests enhancements for NASCAR television broadcasts, it’s time for Fox to consider those changes. Petty, along with his son Kyle, appeared on the NASCAR on Fox broadcast during Stage 2 at Darlington on FS1, reflecting on his illustrious career, including three victories at the South Carolina track.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty visited the @NASCARONFOX booth during Sunday’s broadcast at @TooToughToTame and said what fans have been saying about the coverage for years. pic.twitter.com/necXO7HT2t
— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) April 6, 2025
“Thank you. It’s been interesting watching y’all try to operate up here,” Petty remarked, placing emphasis on “try,” which elicited laughter from those in the booth. Joy responded by taking it as a compliment, noting it was an improvement from last year, when Petty had said, “I don’t know what race you guys are watching.”
“The big deal is, when I’m sitting here and see what I see on the TV and the race is really back about 15th or 20th,” Petty explained. “Those guys drive their fannies off every lap. They’re really racing back there, but you know, if you’re here you can see that. You can’t see it on TV.” Joy countered politely that they strive to “get back there as much as we can… but you’re right, if you want to see it all, come buy a ticket.”
Fans have criticized Fox for its tendency to focus mainly on the front of the pack. Petty pointed out the disparity between witnessing all the action at the track versus on television, where broadcast coverage might suggest a two-car race. While fans likely appreciated the endorsement of their frustrations from such an iconic figure, it appeared Joy was not inclined to implement substantial changes to the broadcast, and his suggestion of “just come buy a ticket” probably won’t satisfy many viewers.
