This Sunday's Daytona 500 on FOX has sold out of TV ad spots. That's great news for the broadcaster and for NASCAR. What about fans? No matter how many or how few ads come on during a race, you are likely to see complaints online. So, what does it mean for fans that FOX has sold 80 units going into the weekend?
A new report from Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal details the number of ads sold and for how much. FOX was able to sell 80 units for an average of around $400,000 each. Not Super Bowl money, but it's significant. Karp also reports that there are a number of new brands spending money to advertise during the Daytona 500.
According to Karp, FOX sold out of ads for the Great American Race, which was a little surprising. Demand for the event was up this year. He even laid out what fans can expect as far as ad breaks go for the race.
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"Viewers can also expect some interesting integrations, including the return of commercial-free breaks in a double-box format backed by the likes of Toyota," Karp reports. "Coca-Cola, AT&T and Wendy's are also brands doing more traditional integrations on the broadcast."
FOX has come under fire for poorly timed ad breaks, too many commercials, not doing side-by-side commercials right, and a lot more. However, starting last year, they began offering more "ad-free" breaks in the double box style. New broadcasters in the NASCAR industry, like The CW and Prime Video, have attempted to eliminate ad breaks, especially late in races.
The Daytona 500 is a major event. This is where FOX is going to make back a portion of its yearly investment in the sport. That media rights deal doesn't pay for itself. Still, fans deserve to see as much of the race as possible.
While fans might complain, it's good news that FOX sold all of those ads. Sponsorship makes the NASCAR world go 'round, and that means TV dollars, too.