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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
PitCommand available on Nextel phones
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTL) announced today the newest NASCAR.COM content offering, PitCommand, a wireless Java® application that delivers real-time race data in an exciting, full-color, visual display. PitCommand is available as part of "NASCAR.COM To Go," which packages NASCAR.COM's exclusive content in an easy-to-use service available on Nextel phones. PitCommand creates a single view of all the critical race elements – including speed, RPM, throttle/brake indicators, lap counts and more – the same live information that drivers have on their dashboard as they round the track and that crew chiefs receive at their command stations, or "war wagons," in the pits. Images of PitCommand are available at www.nascar.com/mobile.
Nextel has partnered with NASCAR.COM, the official site of NASCAR, Digital Orchid Inc., an innovator in the development, management and distribution of branded wireless applications, and Sportvision, a market leader in sports-media technology, to provide this suite of real-time wireless content, applications and services available to consumers on mobile devices offered on the Nextel all digital network.
PitCommand, available first from Nextel, uses in-car telemetry provided via Sportvision's sophisticated Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to track the position of the entire field of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers in real-time as they compete during a race. Fans get a firsthand look at their favorite drivers' position on the track, lap count and time behind the leader.
"PitCommand enhances the fan experience wherever they happen to be on race day – at the track, at home or on the go – from the convenience of their Nextel phone." said Mark Schweitzer, senior vice president of marketing for Nextel. "Since before the season started, Nextel has been dedicated to delivering greater excitement and enjoyment to NASCAR fans by leveraging our wireless technology expertise to make fans part of the action,"
A graphic version of the track where the race is run appears on the screen of the Nextel phone, with icons representing each car moving around the track fully synchronized with their relative speed and position as in real-life. Fans can customize their experience by selecting a virtual speedometer, odometer, gas and brake pedals for any car they choose, plus driver profiles and current standings. This weekend's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway will be the first race where NASCAR.COM's PitCommand mobile application is fully available commercially.
"Once again, Nextel is putting fans first by giving them access to NASCAR.COM wherever they go," said Drew Reifenberger, executive vice president of Turner Sports Program Planning, Acquisitions and Interactive. "Their desire to help raise the bar for live racing coverage is a great fit for the immersive experience of our PitCommand product."
In addition to PitCommand, NASCAR.COM To Go provides access to NASCAR news, schedules, standings, live leader boards and more as part of the service. Other services available to Nextel subscribers include NASCAR.COM Mobile, a wireless website with NASCAR news and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series content, and NASCAR.COM Alerts, a wireless messaging alert service that provides subscribers breaking news and event results.
NASCAR.COM To Go with PitCommand can be previewed and purchased at www.nextel.com. It costs $9.99 a month*. At no additional charge, current subscribers of NASCAR.COM To Go can upgrade to the new version which includes PitCommand. Subscription service to Nextel Online Racing Connection data plan or any Nextel Online and Total Connect plan is required.
About Nextel
Nextel Communications, a FORTUNE 200 company based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of fully integrated wireless communications services and has built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country covering thousands of communities across the United States. Today 95 percent of FORTUNE 500(R) companies are Nextel customers. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc. currently serve 296 of the top 300 U.S. markets where approximately 252 million people live or work.
About NASCAR.COM
NASCAR.COM is produced by Turner Sports Interactive. The company acquired all of NASCAR's interactive rights in October 2000 and became the exclusive producer of NASCAR.COM in January 2001. NASCAR.COM is one of the fastest growing sports sites on the Web, consistently ranking among the top three sport sites on the Internet. In 2003, NASCAR.COM was awarded an Emmy(R) by the National Television Academy for its TrackPass with PitCommand application.
About Digital Orchid
San Diego-based Digital Orchid is in the business of building, managing and distributing unique branded wireless applications for the mobile industry. The company provides the leadership necessary to enable the wireless industry to successfully make the transition from offering traditional circuit switched voice services to advanced packet switched data services. The company's systems integration approach to the production and distribution of wireless online services eliminates the barriers that have limited the adoption of wireless applications in the past. Specifically, the company develops sophisticated suites of applications, leverages carrier relationships, integrates various technological components and uses the already established marketing channels of large brands to create a unique experience for the mobile user. In addition, the company enables new marketing and distribution opportunities for both the carriers and the brands, thereby increasing the number of subscribers who can access Digital Orchid solutions.
About Sportvision, Inc.
Sportvision, Inc. is the nation's premier innovator of sports and entertainment products for fans, media and marketers. A privately held corporation, Sportvision solutions have enhanced experiences for fans and marketing partners of the NFL, NBA, NASCAR, NHL, PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, Major League Baseball, NCAA football and basketball, WTA, Major League Soccer and other sporting events on-air and online. The company has captured five Emmy Awards for its products, three for their signature broadcast enhancements, the virtual yellow 1st and Ten™ line and K Zone, and two for its pioneering advanced media work with NASCAR. Sportvision can be found on the web at www.sportvision.com.
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