Ryan Newman crash comparisons ignite backlash as NASCAR fans accuse FOX Sports of a “greedy” AI commercial for the 2026 Daytona 500

FOX Sports is facing strong criticism from NASCAR fans after a new Daytona 500 advertisement appeared to use artificial intelligence. The commercial quickly went viral online, but not for the reason FOX expected.

Instead of excitement for the race, many fans were left angry and disappointed. The ad aired during NFL playoff broadcasts as FOX promoted the 2026 Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest race of the year. However, viewers soon noticed strange visuals and unrealistic racing scenes that looked like they were created by AI. Fans began calling the commercial “AI slop” and accused FOX of being “greedy” for using artificial intelligence instead of real NASCAR footage.

The reaction spread quickly across social media. Fans said the network has access to decades of real race footage, historic moments, and dramatic finishes. Yet FOX still chose AI-generated visuals for a major NASCAR promotion. For many longtime viewers, this was not surprising. FOX has already faced criticism in recent years for confusing graphics, excessive commercials, and poor camera work during races. This latest advertisement only added to the growing frustration among NASCAR fans.

FOX Sports criticized after AI-style Daytona 500 ad appears to reference Ryan Newman’s crash

The controversy began when FOX released a promotional video for the 2026 Daytona 500 earlier this year. The advertisement was meant to build excitement for the upcoming NASCAR season and highlight the intensity of racing at Daytona International Speedway.But almost immediately, fans started pointing out problems in the video.Several clips looked unnatural, with cars moving strangely and crashes appearing unrealistic.

Many viewers believed these scenes were created using artificial intelligence rather than real race footage.Fans quickly voiced their frustration online.One fan wrote, “was that AI slop or iRacing?”https://x.com/Cynon44/status/2010619211773595808?s=20 Another viewer said, “Make us run digital dashes. Don’t use them in the commercial. LoL”https://x.com/Brian_Murphy_/status/2010455699650912548?s=20 The biggest criticism came from a scene that appeared to be inspired by Ryan Newman’s frightening crash during the 2020 Daytona 500.

The crash was one of the most dramatic moments in recent NASCAR history, and Newman was taken to hospital before later recovering.Some fans felt including a moment similar to that crash in a promotional advertisement was disrespectful.One viewer commented, “I’m sure current sponsors love being left out in favor of former sponsors. Christ can they ever do anything right ?”https://x.com/fidgetsfive/status/2010215148083138784?s=20 Because of this, many fans accused FOX of trying to save money by using AI instead of real video editors and historic footage.This also brought back older complaints about FOX’s NASCAR coverage. In recent seasons, viewers have criticized the network for missed race moments, awkward graphics, and frequent advertisements during live races.So when the AI-style commercial appeared, many fans felt it was just another example of the network not listening to its audience.FOX has not officially confirmed whether the advertisement used artificial intelligence. But the debate around the commercial shows one thing clearly, NASCAR fans want authenticity, real footage, and respect for the sport’s history.