The Death of Motorsports TV: Where Did All the Racing Channels Go?

by Jaime Ludwig

If you love motorsports, you’ve probably noticed that finding good racing coverage on TV is harder than spotting Bigfoot at Bristol. Gone are the days of SPEED Channel and easy access to everything from NASCAR to grassroots dirt racing. Now, racing fans are left juggling multiple streaming services just to keep up.

So, what happened? Why did racing get the boot from traditional television? And is there any hope for the future? Let’s dig in.

Back in the Day: When Racing Ruled the Airwaves

Once upon a time, motorsports had a real home on TV. SPEED Channel was THE place for all things fast, from NASCAR practice sessions to rally racing, F1, and even ridiculous shows like Pinks: Lose the Race, Lose Your Ride. NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) also did a solid job covering racing, but when they shut down in 2022, things got worse.

Now, the number of motorsports-dedicated TV channels is basically zero.

What Killed Motorsports TV?

1. Streaming Took Over

Cable is dying, and racing series have shifted to streaming platforms like:

  • Peacock (NBC’s racing content, including IMSA and IndyCar)
  • FloRacing (dirt racing, grassroots, and short track series)
  • MotoGP VideoPass (for motorcycle racing fans)
  • F1TV (for the Formula 1 crowd)
  • DirtVision (World of Outlaws and sprint car action)

The downside? If you want to watch everything, you need multiple subscriptions.

2. TV Networks Prioritize Bigger Sports

Motorsports still pulls solid ratings, but if it’s not the NFL, TV execs don’t care. Instead of giving racing prime-time slots, networks air endless talk shows and… cornhole tournaments (seriously).

3. Sponsorship and Advertising Changes

Big-name sponsors like Winston, Miller Lite, and Home Depot used to throw money at motorsports TV. Now, advertisers are shifting to digital platforms, where younger audiences actually spend time.

Where Do We Go from Here?

1. Streaming is the Future (Like It or Not)

Love it or hate it, streaming is the new home for racing. If you want to watch motorsports, get ready to subscribe to multiple platforms—or catch highlights on YouTube.

2. YouTube and Social Media are the New Racing Channels

Want grassroots racing? No TV needed—just follow guys like Cleetus McFarland, Hoonigan, and Daily Driven Exotics on YouTube. Even NASCAR is embracing social media, with drivers like Ross Chastain becoming viral stars.

3. Could a New Racing Network Be Possible?

Will we ever get a modern version of SPEED Channel? If someone figures out how to bundle all these streaming services into one affordable package, it could happen. But for now, gearheads will have to keep jumping between apps like a pit crew changing tires.

Final Thoughts: Adapt or Get Left in the Dust

Motorsports TV as we knew it is gone. But racing itself isn’t dead—it’s just evolving. Whether you’re watching streaming platforms, catching highlights on YouTube, or following your favorite drivers on TikTok, the action is still out there.

Until someone creates the ultimate motorsports streaming service, we’ll just have to keep chasing speed wherever we can find it. 🏁🔥

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