NASCAR President Steve Phelps and Chief Operating Officer Steve O'Donnell delivered the annual State of the Sport address at Phoenix Raceway. They congratulated retiring full-time Cup drivers Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola and announced a 50% increase in sellouts at NASCAR races this year, indicating a rise in attendance. Despite a dip in ratings, Phelps noted that the energy level at the races was at its best in a decade. They also hinted at a new TV deal involving broadcast, cable, and streaming, and an extension to the charter system. Phelps emphasized the importance of fan feedback and lauded the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Playoff as the toughest title competition in sports.
"I think we do a better job than most sports in listening to our fans,'' NASCAR President Steve Phelps says of welcoming fan feedback. #NASCAR
It's so refreshing to watch the annual NASCAR "State of the Sport" press conference and not spend the entire time worrying if the person talking is going to pass out in a flop sweat and fall off the stage.
Some nuggets from Steve Phelps' opening State of the Sport remarks: • 50% more sellouts than last year • Ratings down "mid single digits" • New TV deal will be 3 pronged ↳ Broadcast, cable & streaming • Extension being worked on to the charter system (didn't specify)
NASCAR Annual State of The Sport Presser w Pres Steve Phelps & SVP Steve O’Donnell live now on @SiriusXMNASCAR https://t.co/bRliMr4OOg
50% more sell outs at race tracks in #NASCAR than last year says @stevephelps in his "State of the Sport" message. News conference on now he added - "Weather wasn't our friend" @SiriusXMNASCAR
NASCAR president Steve Phelps, in his opening remarks for the State of the Sport Address, says there have been 50% more sellouts for Cup Series races this year than in 2022
#NASCAR President Steve Phelps notes that there were 50% more sellouts this season. Phelps said: "Not only did the crowds looked better but the energy level is as good as it has been in a decade.”
NASCAR president Steve Phelps says in the annual state of the sport press conference that there were 50% more sellouts than there were in 2022. #NASCAR
Steve Phelps says that #NASCAR has had 50% more sold out races than a year ago. Attendance is on the rise, and the goal continues to be growing attendance at the track.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps believes the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Playoff is the toughest title competition in sports. #NASCAR
NASCAR President Steve Phelps opens his remarks in "State of the Sport" address with well wishes for 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion @KevinHarvick and @Aric_Almirola who will be stepping away from full-time competition in NASCAR's premier Cup Series.
Steve Phelps kicks off the #NASCAR State of the Sport address by congratulating @KevinHarvick and @Aric_Almirola on great careers.
Phelps starts the State of the Sport by congratulating #NASCAR's two retiring full-time Cup drivers: Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola.
It’s time for the annual State of the Sport address from @stevephelps 👀 Listen to it LIVE from the media center at @phoenixraceway on Ch. 90 NOW ⬇️ 🎧→ https://t.co/6ZY9TmBHO0 https://t.co/ErT3OeChwv
#NASCAR President Steve Phelps and Chief Operating Officer Steve O'Donnell meeting with media now here at Phoenix for state of sport media session
NASCAR senior executives about to deliver their annual state of the sport address. Updates to follow.
#NASCAR "State of the Sport" news conference about to start on @SiriusXMNASCAR Tune in! Later as #DialedIn begins at 7 p.m. ET @KevinHarvick news conference will take place and we will carry that live as well. He will swing by the studio! Keep it tuned to @SiriusXMNASCAR
Set up in @phoenixraceway for the weekend with all your favorite @Frontstretch reporters: @RealJaredHaas @m_massie22 @stephen_stumpf @TheBryanNolen #NASCAR And got here just in time for the annual State of the Sport address.
NASCAR executives' state of the sport address about to begin. Can watch here: https://t.co/uMqYK9nb2z