On 17 February 2006 at Daytona International Speedway (DIS), Sprint Nextel, NASCAR and Kangaroo.TV will introduce the newest at-track wireless technology for spectators, Nascar Nextel FanView, a hand-held scanner that includes video, audio and data capabilities.
For years race fans have used scanners to listen to communications between a driver and crew during a race.
The Nascar Nextel FanView combines the race telecast and up to seven in-car camera channels, direct audio feeds allowing the user to listen to live driver and team conversations, as well as the radio broadcast and an exclusive audio-replay feature.
The device also taps directly into Nascar's timing and scoring system, providing fans with real-time race data and statistics at the touch of a button. The device, featuring technology which is licensed by Kangaroo.TV, will be available to rent during all Nascar Nextel Cup Series.
The new wireless device represents the next generation of fan access by integrating a race-day scanner with video feeds and race data and transmitting over the 2.5 GHz wireless broadcast spectrum.
In-car camera channels allow fans to virtually ride along with the drivers, and real-time race data keeps fans up to date on their favorite drivers' lap-by-lap statistics.
Additional Nascar Nextel FanView features include graphic-rich data such as lap times, speeds, position and point standings updated every lap, as well as information and statistics on drivers, events, and tracks; Real-time statistics for multiple drivers on the same screen; Pre-programmed frequencies of audio channels for every driver, NASCAR officials and the radio broadcast; Audio replay of communications between drivers and teams on demand.
Nascar Nextel FanView will be available to rent for US$50 per day or US$70 per race weekend.
In 2004, Sprint Nextel introduced Nextel FanScan. Meant for fans that are unable to make it to the track, subscribers to Nextel FanScan can hear live in-car communications by dialing *RACE from most Nextel and Sprint PCS wireless phones during each Nascar Nextel Cup Series race. This service is available for US$4.99 per race or US$9.99 monthly, plus standard airtime charges.
