Rain delay TV ratings rank high
Fox Sports officials say Sunday's coverage of the rain delay of the Aaron's 499 from Talladega Speedway still ranked as the top sporting event of the weekend. The Nextel Cup race wound up being run Monday after Sunday's event was postponed because of constant rain at the track.
According to Nielsen Media Research, Sunday's coverage produced a 4.5/11 national rating, outdrawing the NFL draft, the PGA and the NHL playoffs, among other things.
"NASCAR is the gift that keeps on giving," Fox Sports President Ed Goren said. "The sport's fan base is as loyal as they come, and it's amazing that in recent memory some considered NASCAR a regional sport."
Fox filled the rain delay slot with 13 driver interviews and a talk with actor Will Ferrell during the two-hour block before the race was officially postponed.
