HOTPASS drivers announced
The first five NASCAR drivers have been selected for DIRECTV's new HOTPASS package, which will debut during the Daytona 500.
They are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Michael Waltrip.
NASCAR HOTPASS will offer viewers five channels to watch specific drivers during races.
“We’re proud that the first five drivers who have decided to participate in this incredible new service are among NASCAR’s most elite competitors,� said David Hill, president of entertainment for DIRECTV. “The drivers are energized and excited about this new way to translate the incredible NASCAR experience, but it is the fans who are in for a truly amazing experience.�
With NASCAR HOTPASS, each of the five dedicated driver channels will offer multiple camera angles, real-time car telemetry, in-car audio communication and an announcer team. The new service, combined with race day telecasts and nascar.com coverage, will give fans the most comprehensive and powerful NASCAR experience possible.
DIRECTV customers can now purchase NASCAR HOTPASS. The full-season price of the package is $99, but customers can take advantage of an early bird offer by purchasing the package by Jan. 31 for $79. The exclusive service is also available on a pay-per-week basis for $29.99. More information is available on www.directv.com/hotpass.
DIRECTV is an official sponsor of NASCAR and an official sponsor of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and the # 07 car.
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About Haddock
in the Paddock
Tim Haddock covers motorsports — including stock-car and open-wheel racing — for the Los Angeles Daily News.
So, mass customization has hit NASCAR. This reminds me of the ABC's/ESPN's broadcasts of Indy racing a couple of years back. While the main broadcast on ABC showed the traditional race from outside of the car viewing the track, the ESPN broadcast jumped cockpit cameras from car to car to show the entire race through the eyes of a driver.
My question: How long before we get to vote on key race decisions, like when to pit, when to pull a blocking maneuver and when to brush bumpers with the Jeff Gordon as he tries to squeeze by on the inside? Isn't that what that green thumbs-up button on my DirecTV remote is for?
You can already text message your race decisions on your Sprint and Nextel phones. At least you can answer the broadcast teams silly questions during the race on your cell phones.
Did you get everything you need for Bryan?
I have a feeling this will become far more interactive over time. I can almost see a computer gaming company creating software that allows you to recreate a recently-finished race, putting you in the seat of your favorite driver and allowing you to respond to all the events unfolding before them, perhaps improving your finish, but more-than-likely finishing at the back of the pack.
Can you imagine your conversation with the driver?
Driver: Yeah, I did pretty well at Daytona in finishing third. It was a tough decision deciding to pit with 1 lap to go, but I was low on fuel so I did the splash-and-go to make sure I finished toward the front of the field.
You: Yes, but I drove that race, too, and you didn't need to stop. All you needed to do was draft behind Harvick for a lap and pass him on the final turn for first place. Next time, take the chance...
Yes. Received.