ESPN2 ratings up in 2008 with seven percent gain

A season of improved ratings and viewership for the Nationwide Series on ESPN2 ended on a high note as the Ford 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway delivered a 1.6 household coverage rating, an increase of 33 percent from the 1.2 rating for last year's race that also aired on ESPN2.

ESPN2's coverage of 23 Nationwide Series races during the 2008 season averaged a 1.5 rating, a seven percent gain from last year's 1.4 average. The coverage also saw a double-digit increase in the Males 25-54 demographic, averaging 1.3 vs. 1.1 last year.

The event at Homestead averaged 2,096,644 viewers, up 38 percent from last year's telecast.

ESPN2 will broadcast highlights of the Nationwide Series awards banquet at noon ET on Sunday, Nov. 30.

• The 2008 Sprint Cup and Nationwide series seasons will be reviewed in a pair of half-hour special programs airing at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 23, on ESPN2.

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