FOX Sports hasn’t been a fan favorite when it comes to broadcasting NASCAR races lately. Fans, in general, have consistently voiced their complaints and shown their frustration with various types of issues with FOX’s coverage, whether it be missing on-track fights, poorly timed commercials, or poor graphics. Despite this, the famous broadcaster will continue to broadcast races in 2026, and they could pull another rabbit out of their hat that could be a game-changer for them.
With the Daytona 500 just a month away, preparations are in full swing for the return of NASCAR. In the midst of this, veteran FOX announcer Mike Joy announced the return of one of NASCAR’s greatest mascots, Digger, FOX’s animated gopher who was a constant presence during NASCAR broadcasts in the late 2000s.
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Is Digger coming back?
While NASCAR brought back the Chase format this year, something the sport followed from 2004 to 2013, fans are expecting the same in Digger’s case. Sharing a teaser about Digger, Mike Joy, the famous voice of NASCAR, shared a post on social media.
A fan on X shared an article about Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson returning to NASCAR in 2026 and uploaded a photo of Digger. He posted it on the micro-blogging site and asked Mike Joy if a return was being considered.
In response, Joy wrote“It’s far from the case, but I’ve learned to never say ‘never.’
via X (@nick__dauphin)
During the 2008 to 2011 Cup Series season, Digger was an integral part of the FOX Sports broadcast. The famous NASCAR Gopher mascot provided graphic overlays during the race and dug around the virtual race tracks.
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Digger was featured as part of FOX’s efforts to attract younger viewers. He lived in an underground “earth camera” beneath the circuit and frequently appeared with jokes, entertainment and interactions with drivers during races.
If some of the fans, especially the youngest, loved it, this is not the case for adults. To them it was distracting and childish. Although reactions to his popularity have been mixed, there is no denying his presence and impact during this time. But for now, fans want it back.
Fans Demand Digger’s Return, Share Their Reactions
As Mike Joy shared a teaser about X, fans immediately noticed it and shared their reactions towards FOX Sports. On his X account, a fan mentioned how Digger made racing interesting.
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“Bring back Digger! He made racing fun! Not everything has to be so serious all the time. But I don’t want a modernized, overly complicated race. This one would be awesome.”
The fan also mentioned that not everything needs to be modernized. And when everything around you is, then it’s always good to have old school elements around you to stay connected with the roots.
Another fan, who shared the same idea, wanted it for younger fans. Since Digger is a mascot that caught the attention of most young fans, it made sense that he would want it back.
“100 percent bring back Digger. If you want younger fans to pay attention, it never hurts to have a cartoon gopher involved every once in a while.”
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Children often like to pay more attention to the bright visuals, animated mascots and humor rather than the technical aspect of the race. Digger was that FOX attempt that met those criteria. It presented NASCAR in a kid-friendly way.
Another fan also wanted Digger to return, but with a twist. He said Digger would sync well with Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick, two of the leading voices of NASCAR on Fox. He wrote, “I always thought Digger and Clint would get along well. You’ll probably want to keep an eye on Harvick, though.”
This joke is about both of their personalities. While Bowyer is known for being outgoing and humorous, Harvick is more serious and lively. That’s why the fan jokingly mentioned that Digger and Bowyer would get along well but might clash with Harvick’s personality in a light-hearted way.
Another fan wanted Digger for the same reason: to make NASCAR interesting to younger fans. This time he wanted it for his fans. “My kids would love Digger. Bring him back,” he wrote.
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That said, it will be interesting to see if FOX Sports brings back Digger. For now, as Joy said, we can also just say “never say never.”
The position FOX faces growing demands as Star Broadcaster teases return to NASCAR of iconic mascot appeared first on EssentiallySport.
