Exclusive Streaming Deal Extends NASCAR’s Reach
NASCAR Studios has partnered with the Emmy® Award‑winning Words + Pictures to debut Season 2 of the documentary series RISING. The series will stream exclusively on Xumo Play, which will serve as the sole platform for the next six months after the final episode airs. Following its broadcast, each episode will also appear on NASCAR’s official YouTube channel after a 14‑day window, giving fans an additional avenue to engage with the content.
Alma Angeles‑Parvaz, vice president of partnership marketing at NASCAR, emphasized that the collaboration with Xumo Play is designed to broaden the sport’s digital footprint and connect with a younger, tech‑savvy audience. The partnership builds on the strong performance of Season 1, which amassed more than 11 million views across NASCAR’s YouTube channel and FOX Sports networks, underscoring the appetite for behind‑the‑scenes storytelling.
Spotlight on the Next Generation
Season 2 introduces a fresh slate of drivers who are reshaping the sport’s narrative. Carson Hocevar, the 23‑year‑old breakout star from Portage, Michigan, returns after captivating fans with his on‑track performances and candid personality. Connor Zilisch, nicknamed “The Prodigy,” makes his debut as he embarks on a full‑time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. Meanwhile, Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, a 28‑year‑old former longshoreman turned ARCA champion, brings a blue‑collar work ethic to the track, embodying the diverse backgrounds of today’s drivers.
The series continues NASCAR’s commitment to showcasing the personalities, sacrifices, and stories that lie behind the helmets. Produced by Full Speed Entertainment — a joint venture between NASCAR Studios and Words + Pictures — the documentary offers unprecedented access to the drivers’ lives, from rigorous training regimens to the personal challenges they overcome off the circuit. New episodes will roll out on a monthly basis beginning in August, allowing viewers to follow each athlete’s journey in real time.