Fox not too long ago introduced the viewership numbers for this previous weekend’s races at Daytona, and the standout spotlight comes not from the however from the . The Recent from Florida 250 on Friday night time achieved spectacular viewership figures not seen in almost a decade, largely due to the return of Tony Stewart. Followers, each previous and new, eagerly tuned in to witness the thrill of the race unfold.
Per Fox Sports activities PR, the race averaged 1.387 million viewers. That quantity marks a 37% enhance over the collection’ common. It peaked at simply over 1.6 million viewers between 9:45 and 10:00 PM. The Recent from Florida 250 was the most-watched truck race since 2016.
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The Tony Stewart Impact
Although we could also be unable to obviously attribute the success to Tony Stewart, it seems to be an apparent mover available in the market. Stewart was trending all week within the racing universe. He had many interviews, and race followers alike have been enthusiastic about his return. That is particularly for older racing followers who could have shied away since his retirement and the departure of his staff, Stewart-Haas Racing.
to racing eventually week’s Daytona 500. He did so in debuting the No. 25 RAM automobile for Kaulig Racing, alongside his different 4 full-time drivers on the staff. Though Stewart would wreck early within the race, many followers tuned in, excited to see the grasp train the scholars, as his competitors.
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Sadly, it was not so simple as a “grasp” educating his “college students.” Stewart had not touched a truck in years, nor has he been in any NASCAR automobile. He has not too long ago been competing within the NHRA (Drag Racing). As Stewart would exit early, the race nonetheless grew to become one of many extra thrilling we’ve seen within the collection not too long ago. Chandler Smith was the motive force to take it residence for Entrance Row Motorsports.
Cleetus McFarland Takes Impact?
Feb 13, 2026; Daytona Seaside, Florida, USA; Garrett Mitchell a.ok.a “Cleetus McFarland” throughout qualifying for the Common Tire 200 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesCleetus McFarland Prepares to Race Throughout Dayton
(Cleetus McFarland Prepares to Race Throughout Dayton)
Whereas Stewart deserves a lot reward for his marketability, he could not have been the only real contributor. Cleetus McFarland has taken the social media universe by storm. He usually will get effectively over 1 million views on his YouTube channel, and that certainly attracts much more consideration when he races at Daytona.
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The YouTube star has on his channel. He additionally has 1.6 million followers on Instagram, and effectively, this in all probability truly contributed extra to viewership than Stewart did. Nonetheless, including two massive names throughout a number of sides of motorsports will add some optimistic numbers.
In different information, NASCAR noticed an increase in , with the Friday session up 62%. Qualifying additionally reached a 15% enhance. That is all excellent news for the game.
This story was initially printed by on Feb 19, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a
