Fox Buys an Exciting Slice of High-Speed Action with INYDCAR Stake
Fox isn’t just your go-to for Sunday night drama anymore. The media juggernaut has dropped a racing bombshell, buying one-third of Penske Entertainment, the brains behind INDYCAR and the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Yeah, you read that right. The folks who brought you animated sitcoms are now shifting gears to high-octane open-wheel racing. Because apparently, why not?
This move has ‘strategic power play’ written all over it. With the deal, Fox gets to go full throttle into motorsports, and INDYCAR gets a sleek, media-boosted makeover. It’s like stepping out of an old sedan and into a custom-built supercar. For fans and racers alike, this could mean more cameras, more storytelling, and a lot more eyeballs on the track.
What Does Fox Bring to the INDYCAR Table?
Fox isn’t just writing checks and standing back. They’re rolling up their sleeves and jumping into the pit crew. This deal is more than just owning a slice of the pie; they’re baking a dozen new ones to go around. Here are the game-changing upgrades already in the works:
Bigger and Better Broadcasts
Fox Sports already grabbed the media rights to broadcast INDYCAR races, and the results have been electric. The 2025 Indianapolis 500 drew 7.01 million viewers. To put this into perspective, that’s a 17-year record high. Who knew open-wheel racing could outperform sitcom reruns?
Star Power and Stories
Putting INDYCAR drivers under the spotlight isn’t just a cute idea. It’s a proven recipe for success. With Hollywood-level storytelling from the same geniuses that made us care about fictional characters (looking at you, Bart Simpson), Fox plans to make INDYCAR drivers household names.
Digital Domination
Imagine Netflix binge-worthy documentaries or TikTok dance trends featuring your favorite INDYCAR drivers. That’s the digital future Penske and Fox aim to create with this partnership. INDYCAR has already added 1 million social followers this year, and it’s not slowing down.
Why This Partnership is a Big Deal
Now that Fox holds a third of Penske Entertainment, INDYCAR doesn’t just remain a premier motorsport. It becomes a must-watch motorsport. Here’s why this sudsy mix of sports and strategy could impact motorsport lovers and casual fans alike:
Viewership Uplift, Venues with History and New Tracks Incoming
INDYCAR races are already surging in popularity. A 31% increase in annual viewership? Somewhere at Netflix, an analytics team is sobbing. Did we mention the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? This isn’t just another racetrack. It’s a cathedral of motorsports. Adding the Indy 500’s 300,000-person attendance is solid proof that this isn’t a sport on the decline. Arlington’s entertainment district is set to debut as a new racetrack in 2026. INDYCAR is quite literally paving the way for a significant growth trajectory.
Fox’s Secret Plan for INDYCAR Stardom
What’s Fox’s endgame here? The same as any savvy business move in live sports to turn passion into profit. Live sports are Netflix-proof. Forget ad-free episodes. Fans want adrenaline-pumping, real-time action. Fox knows this, and they’re betting big that INDYCAR has everything viewers crave, including legendary tracks like Laguna Seca and Road America, international talent with diverse racing styles, and year-round drama.
Final Thoughts
For fans, this deal is like Christmas came early. Bigger broadcasts, more exposure for favorite drivers, and live storytelling so good it might rival your favorite series finale. Sure, motorsports isn’t immune to challenges, like global sustainability efforts and fierce F1 competition, but this feels like a winning lap for Team INDYCAR. The real question now? How fast does Fox plan to hit the gas?
