TV Ratings: Indy 500 Spikes for NBC

Josef Newgarden in rge Winner's Circle

The 2024 Indianapolis 500 delivered impressive results in terms of viewership. 

Newgarden

According to NBC, the race averaged 5.344 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, which is a significant increase from 4.927 million in 2023 and 4.837 million in 20221. The race peaked at 6.46 million viewers during the exciting final moments when Josef Newgarden secured his second consecutive 500 win1. Notably, the 2024 Indy 500 was also the most-streamed IndyCar race ever, with an Average Minute Audience of 286,000 viewers across Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms1.

Despite an hours-long weather delay, the event saw an 8% increase in viewership compared to the previous year. Pre-race coverage began at 11 a.m., and the green flag was originally scheduled for 12:45 p.m., but severe weather forced a nearly four-hour delay. The race window was adjusted to 4:45-8:15 p.m. to accommodate the situation. 

Additionally, IndyCar removed the blackout in Central Indiana, resulting in an impressive 18.15 household rating and a 54 share in that region.