In addition to a 4% increase in network ratings in the first half of the season despite having three races take place during Operation Iraqi Freedom (Bristol, Texas and Talladega), TampaSt. Petersburg is the NASCAR Busch Series largest marketbased on average number of mid-season households (72,000), up 3% over last season. Meanwhile, Atlanta (+6%), Boston (87%), Philadelphia (9%) and Washington, D.C. (60%), all Top Ten U.S. Metered Markets, experienced an increase in number of mid-season NASCAR Busch Series viewing households. In all, the NASCAR Busch Series increased in 28 out of 53 Markets (53%) over 2002. (Figures compiled by Nielsen Media Research.)(NASCAR PR)(7-9-2003)
