NBCSN’s viewership for its 12 Verizon IndyCar Series telecasts was up 34 percent over 2013 and was the second-highest total since the start of the contract in 2009, according to data provided by The Nielsen Company.

Key demographic increases over 2013 were seen among adults 25-54 (increase of 21 percent) and 18-40 (increase of 13 percent). Viewership for five of the races eclipsed the average viewership for the top race in 2013 (Sonoma Raceway), and the second race of the same-day doubleheader in Toronto recorded the highest viewership since the Grand Prix of Baltimore in 2011.

Six of the 2014 races posted viewership gains of at least 50 percent over 2013.

“The viewership increases this year clearly demonstrate the benefits of everyone in the industry working together,” Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports & NBCSN, said in the release. “Our two organizations successfully cooperated to reduce scheduling conflicts; drivers and teams delivered thrilling races week after week; our marketing department drove viewers to telecasts by utilizing all of our motorsports platforms; and our production team continued its best-in-class coverage. We look forward to growing viewership for the sport for many years to come.”

NBCSN is the exclusive cable home of the Verizon IndyCar Series. ABC telecast six races during the 2014 season, including the 98th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.