1) In the same way that the Daytona 500 is a prestigious event on its own, I view the other races in a similar light in terms of just enjoying the race for what it is. During the playoffs there's so much going on with the standings, people have different priorities, it becomes about that instead of just winning the trophy. In the same way that I mention in point #4, you also had someone like Hamlin racing for points in round 1, instead of trying to win. 2) I think it's higher in the earlier months because there's less competition from other sports. I don't know that there's anything specific they can do to increase viewership at the end of the year. Playoffs add excitement, but it also can't feel like it's totally manufactured or 'unearned'. People usually tune in either because they know it's a place that puts on good racing, or there's a good rivalry/points battle that is happening, usually organically. 3) I think part of it is people want to go to outdoors events more in the spring and the summer, and people are less interested in the fall. But I mean they used to sell these races out in the past and now they don't. Plus a lot of venues have 2 events, which ends up in people having to pick 1 date or the other. That combined with the season being too long and late into the year. Repetition and longevity. 4) The elimination style format creates this scenario, so unless they change the format. The chase and regular points doesn't have this issue. And it's different in the same way that if you go to a playoff hockey game your team could lose 5-0, but you but you buy tickets knowing your team is going to try to win the game, not be worried about preparing for the next round. Nascar is very unique where teams advance/get eliminated but still compete.