Saturday’s broadcast of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opening race, the United Rentals 300, on The CW provided excitement right up to the finish, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that also resonated positively with viewers. Just as the leader, Jesse Love, crossed the line to signal the final lap, a multi-car crash occurred, leading officials to wave the white flag, allowing Love to secure the win at Daytona International Speedway.
Multiple cars collected coming to the line, and @jesselovejr1 wins! pic.twitter.com/n1GRq8EmeF
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) February 16, 2025
According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, 1.8 million viewers tuned in for Saturday’s race, with a peak of 2.2 million total viewers. This represents a remarkable 93 percent increase in total viewers compared to the 2024 season-opening race, which faced weather challenges. Furthermore, this year’s race saw the highest season-opening viewership since 2020 and the largest audience for any Xfinity Series race since 2022.
.@TheCW says it drew 1.8 million viewers for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity United Rentals 300, per @Nielsen fast nationals, the best for a race in that series since spring Talladega 2022 and the most-watched Daytona season opener since 2020. pic.twitter.com/i2hCLMPrFo
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 18, 2025
This year marks the first time the NASCAR Xfinity Series will be broadcast in full on The CW after airing the final eight races of the 2024 season. While there is still a long road ahead in the 2025 Xfinity Series, the season has certainly started on a high note, marking a positive beginning to the full-time partnership between the Xfinity Series and The CW.
