NBC Sports experimenting with no full-screen commercials during Daytona, Atlanta, Talladega NASCAR races

NBC Sports will be “experimenting” with a commercial-free format for upcoming NASCAR races at Daytona, Atlanta and Talladega, according to Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal .

That’s incredible news for fans who have been clamoring for NASCAR to stop showing commercials during green flag laps, especially at superspeedway tracks. In the past, NBC and FOX have gone split-screen at times during that time, but that won’t be the case in the coming weeks.

“NBC Sports is experimenting with how it displays its advertising during NASCAR races, with a plan to show no full-screen commercials during green-flag action at some upcoming events,” Stern wrote . “In a move that will be announced this morning, the Comcast-owned network is committing to only showing split-screen commercials while there is on-track action taking place at three races to close out the 2024 season: Daytona, Atlanta and Talladega.

“Those are NASCAR’s superspeedway tracks, which attract outsized viewership and attention due to the spellbinding speeds that take place there.”

Now, fans won’t have to be left wondering what’s going on when they see an incident or a crucial pass while watching a commercial instead of the race. Stern added some more color on the situation, and why NBC and FOX were even doing it in the first place.

“Usually, NBC and fellow NASCAR rightsholder Fox Sports will mix in some full-screen commercials even while a NASCAR race is ongoing, particularly when there’s a lack of moments that bring out the caution flag that temporarily halts proceedings like a timeout in football,” Stern added . “It also mixes in ad loads that take up half the screen with audio playing while the other half continues to show the race but with the audio from the event muted.

“NBC calls that its NASCAR Non-Stop format, which some advertisers have been drawn to since viewers are less likely to change the channel or leave the room with on-track action still being shown.”

It’s the perfect time for NBC to get rid of the Non-Stop format for NASCAR as well, with a couple of crucial races on the docket. It’s the final two weeks of the regular season before the playoffs, and every position matters to each driver near the cut-line.

Now, fans won’t have to miss a minute of green flag action. NBC Sports is making a move that’s sure to be a popular one with race fans who planned to tune in for the Coke Zero 400, and other superspeedway races throughout the remainder of the season.

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