Turner Sports New Media and NASCAR have announced plans to enhance the interactive experience of NASCAR.com by offering pioneering 3-D technology. On Feb. 1, NASCAR.com will relaunch with a new look and cutting-edge features. The redesign marks the first for the site since 2002.
Star of the new site is TrackPass RaceView, a 3-D application that features animation similar to that of popular sports video games, which allows fans to follow their favorite NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver during a race.
Multiple data-rendered views are available for every driver throughout every NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race. Technology by Sportvision generates instant race data that is displayed on the computer screen, showing drivers' positions and movements to within a few inches at all times.
Fans can select one driver or switch among the full field of drivers to follow them around the track during pit stops, cautions and lead changes while viewing driver data such as live position, speed and time behind leader; they can also listen to all available in-car audio feeds.
Three different race views are available for each driver, including lead view, which shows the front of the driver's car and the cars in pursuit; flyover view, an aerial view from above; and draft view, which shows the car from behind and the field in front of the driver. Other enhancements include pit road statistics, lap-by-lap editorial commentary and a fantasy game integration.
The redesign also marks the launch of the Infield Community on NASCAR.com, an online social gathering space for NASCAR fans to interact. In addition, TrackPass Scanner has been significantly improved to include access to more in-car audio feeds so every fan can experience a greater number of live in-car communications.
TrackPass RaceView will be available exclusively on NASCAR.com beginning Feb. 15 for an annual or monthly subscription fee and requires broadband access.
