NASCAR is getting a Netflix docuseries in early 2024 that will be focused on this fall’s NASCAR playoffs and championship race. Here’s what you need to know:
- NASCAR has long wanted a docuseries on Netflix after witnessing the “Drive to Survive” effect on Formula 1. Now, the Cup Series as a whole will finally get its show in the Netflix spotlight.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR executive Ben Kennedy are among the eight people listed as executive producers, as are Connor Schell and Libby Geist of “The Last Dance” fame.
- This series will be five episodes rather than the 10 in the “Race for the Championship,” USA Network’s NASCAR docuseries that aired last year.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Is this a breakthrough moment for NASCAR?
Anyone who expects this docuseries to replicate what “Drive to Survive” has done for F1 needs to hit the brakes. It’s extremely unlikely the mere presence of a docuseries on Netflix will suddenly transform NASCAR’s popularity. That said, there’s certainly a massive opportunity to reach a new audience through Netflix, as docuseries like “Full Swing” and “Quarterback” have been met with positive receptions.
This is a big deal for NASCAR to at least be in the same conversation; if the series comes off well, it could be a nice boost for stock car racing.
What should we expect to see?
Last year’s docuseries on USA Network was a mix of drivers away from the track and then on-track highlights, but some of the episodes required rapid turnarounds since they aired as the playoffs were unfolding.
For the F1 series, footage has been collected throughout the year and then producers have months to sift through it and identify the best storylines before it airs just before the next season begins. This docuseries sounds more along those lines than the USA Network version.
Will drivers and teams cooperate?
They should if they’re smart. There might be some hesitation after the USA docuseries failed to move the needle despite a big time investment for many involved in the show. Passing on fully participating in this season of the show could be a huge missed opportunity depending on how the playoffs unfold for some drivers.
Backstory
NASCAR has previously had to settle for a corny Netflix sitcom (“The Crew,” which starred Kevin James and lasted one season) and a 2022 Netflix docuseries on Bubba Wallace (“Race,” which won a Sports Emmy in May).
A 2022 playoff/championship docuseries called “Race for the Championship” was created last season, but it aired on USA Network in a bad time slot (Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET). The series drew disappointing viewership, with only three episodes exceeding 200,000 viewers.
Required reading
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