### Record-Breaking Viewership for the 2025 Indianapolis 500 The 2025 Indianapolis 500, featuring Álex Palou's victory, achieved an impressive average viewership of **7.05 million** on Fox, marking the largest audience for the event since 2008. This significant increase in viewership reflects a growing interest in the race, particularly as it was the first time the Indianapolis 500 aired on Fox, following a transition from NBC. The race not only captivated fans but also showcased the effectiveness of Fox's marketing strategies, contributing to a **40% increase** in viewership compared to the previous year. ### Breakdown of Key Aspects of the Event 1. **Viewership Statistics** - The race averaged **7.05 million viewers**, the highest since 2008 [https://www.espn.co.uk/racing/story/_/id/45342818/indianapolis-500-averages-705m-viewers-largest-2008]. - The broadcast peaked at **8.4 million viewers** during critical moments of the race [https://www.yardbarker.com/indycar/articles/indianapolis_500_enjoys_highest_tv_ratings_since_2008/s1_17062_42247088]. 2. **Comparison to Previous Years** - The 2025 viewership was up **40%** from the 2024 race, which averaged **5.024 million viewers** [https://www.yardbarker.com/indycar/articles/2025_indy_500_hauls_in_biggest_ratings_in_nearly_twenty_years/s1_17236_42246717]. - The 2008 race had an average of **7.245 million viewers**, making this year’s race the closest to that figure in nearly two decades [https://www.yardbarker.com/indycar/articles/outstanding_indianapolis_500_rating_proves_indycar_made_the_right_choice_moving_to_fox/s1_13132_42246655]. 3. **Significance of the Broadcast Change** - The move from NBC to Fox was seen as a strategic decision that paid off, as evidenced by the substantial increase in viewership [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/motor/2025-indy-500-fox-posts-races-highest-viewership-17-years]. - The race's success on Fox also outperformed other major motorsport events, including the rain-delayed **2025 Daytona 500**, which averaged **6.761 million viewers** [https://www.yardbarker.com/indycar/articles/outstanding_indianapolis_500_rating_proves_indycar_made_the_right_choice_moving_to_fox/s1_13132_42246655]. ### Summary of Findings The 2025 Indianapolis 500 has set a new benchmark for viewership, indicating a resurgence in interest in the event. 1. **Record Viewership**: The race averaged **7.05 million viewers**, the highest since 2008, with a peak of **8.4 million** during key moments [https://www.yardbarker.com/indycar/articles/indianapolis_500_enjoys_highest_tv_ratings_since_2008/s1_17062_42247088]. 2. **Significant Growth**: This year's viewership represents a **40% increase** from the previous year, highlighting the effectiveness of Fox's coverage [https://www.yardbarker.com/indycar/articles/2025_indy_500_hauls_in_biggest_ratings_in_nearly_twenty_years/s1_17236_42246717]. 3. **Strategic Broadcast Move**: The transition to Fox has proven beneficial, as the network's marketing efforts and coverage have drawn in a larger audience than previous years [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/motor/2025-indy-500-fox-posts-races-highest-viewership-17-years]. In conclusion, the 2025 Indianapolis 500 not only celebrated a thrilling race but also marked a pivotal moment in its broadcasting history, setting the stage for future events.