Crew reactions after a meaningless race in 2003

This race had 7.3 million viewers btw. For those playing along at home, that's more than Daytona got this season (6.8). Naturally, that number was heavily impacted by the rain delay, but the 500 didn't go against a football game either

Before you rush to the comments, yes. 2004 got 9.9m. But that bump was not sustainable. By 2008, it was below 7m for the finale for the first time since the 90s. After 2008, the only two times the finale eclipsed 7m were in 2015 and 2016, when the race ran late and led into SNF

Dale clinched his 7th championship with two races remaining and both of those races were sold out. If the races are good, people won't complain.

The funny thing is everyone is still watching even after their favorite driver has been “eliminated” or doesn’t even make the playoffs. Buescher and Chastain’s team as well as their fans were ecstatic in ‘24. If anything…

Was that bobby last win ?

Yes

If NASCAR wants to have some sort of post season, then go back to the original Chase format. Have to be consistent to get in and continue to be consistent to have a chance to win come homestead. I’m all for the old Winston format though.

I'd bet more people watched this race than the finale last year!

More people watched this race (2003 Ford 400) than Daytona this year lmao

Oh and by the way the ratings were better too in these "meaningless" races.