The National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) has surged to its highest live 7plus audience total to date, with the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals delivering the biggest event result in NDRC digital broadcast history.
Staged last weekend from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June at Willowbank Raceway, the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals generated 3.11 million live viewing minutes, up 62% year-on-year.
The Riverbend Nationals, Gulf Western Oil Nitro Champs and Gulf Western Oil Winternationals have achieved 6.9 million live viewing minutes in Season 3 on 7plus, up 76% on the same events last season.
The outstanding broadcast result came after a weekend that saw national records in BLAHST Top Fuel and Top Doorslammer, with Pro Alcohol Funny Car racer Cheyne Phillips arguably stealing the show when he set a world record ET, not once, but twice on the same day.
The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals delivered growth across every key broadcast metric, with live stream starts up 15%, unique live users up 28%, and average watch time rising 40% from 57 minutes to 81 minutes.
NDRC Event Director Andy Lopez said the record result reflected the quality of the racing and the excellent coverage.
“The Winternationals absolutely went off,” Lopez said.
“Records fell in front of a huge live crowd. The racing was amazing from Junior Dragster through to Group 1.
“What stands out in these figures is that people aren’t just jumping on for a quick look. They’re getting on and staying on because the racing is so bloody good.
“This is because the racing is amazing, plus the broadcast coverage is the best that drag racing has seen in Australia. Our cameras and commentators are getting behind the scenes, telling stories, and showcasing this great sport like it deserves.”
Across the first three Season 3 events broadcast live on 7plus, stream starts are up 36% and unique live users are up 30% compared to the same events last season.
“This is not a one-off result. We’ve now seen major gains at the Riverbend Nationals, the Nitro Champs and the Winternationals,” Lopez said.
“That matters because these numbers create opportunity. More eyes to the racers, more attention on the live experience, more value for sponsors, and more energy behind the championship.
“Thanks must go to our broadcast partners Snap-on, Supercheap Auto Trade and Mickey Thompson and our category partners at BLAHST, XPRO and Aeroflow for helping us bring this great product to Aussie screens.
“There’s real momentum behind Australian drag racing, and there’s plenty more to come.”
The NDRC continues live and free on 7plus via the 7plus app, compatible smart TVs and connected TV devices.
For more information, visit nationaldragracing.com.au.
