For the sixth straight year, ESPN’s Winston Cup ratings rose, averaging a 4.3 for 14 races according to Nielsen Media Research, or 3.05 million households on average. The increase was locked in with a 5.2 rating for the season-ending NAPA 500 on Nov. 16 — which tied the cable network’s auto racing record with an average of 3.75 million homes tuning in. Since 1991, ESPN’s Winston Cup rating has risen 54 percent, from 2.8 to 4.3 rating and viewership has climbed from 1.64 to 3.05 million households — an increase of 86 percent.(Speedworld)(12-6-97)
