SPEEDtv.com Cements Position as 'Online Motor Sports Authority' with Major February Wide Screen Web Re-Launch

Business Wire,  Jan 14, 2008  

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'Speed-Wiki' to Allow Users to Define Motor Sports, Automotive Passions

Ad Space Will Stress Position, Flexibility

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- SPEED, the definitive motor sports and automotive lifestyle network, will re-launch its network Web site, SPEEDtv.com, on Feb. 6, with an eye toward expanded editorial and video content, easier navigation, social networking and optimized advertising opportunities. Simultaneously, SPEEDtv.com will optimize the site for wireless devices and launch a mobile version of the site.

"We are creating the hub and definitive home for all motor sports on the Web," said Kevin Annison, SPEED VP of Digital and Interactive Media. "No one will deliver the depth and breadth of content that SPEEDtv.com will deliver in the world of racing and automotive lifestyle that will be made available online and to mobile devices. Whether you are a true race fan or you just like sports cars, motorcycles or classic cars, SPEEDtv.com is the online motor sports authority and destination point for all motor sports fans."

With a solid team of seasoned, respected motor sports and automotive journalists, coupled with key relationships with content partners, including RACER Magazine, MotorcycleUSA.com, Truckseries.com and others, SPEEDtv.com will deliver timely news and information, plus insightful, exclusive analysis and commentary, as well as enhanced video and photographic content.

"SPEEDtv.com is going widescreen," said Joe Tripp, SPEED Director of Interactive Operations. "When SPEEDtv.com originally launched in 2002 under FOX ownership, 800 x 600 was considered high resolution on the Web. Now, with wide screens much more the norm, 1024 x 768 is a more optimal size. With the linear network going HD in February, it only makes sense that we deliver a similar experience online. Video, photos and Web pages will all be delivered in a rich new widescreen format.

"With the additional space and sheer volume of content, it was crucial to present a well-organized, easy to navigate Web site," Tripp added. "The site itself will be organized in seven main color-coded 'hubs,' including the SPEEDtv.com home page, NASCAR, Formula One, Auto Racing, Moto Racing, Cars and Bikes, with each providing news, commentary, video, statistics and venue information. Key program pages, promotional 'mini-sites,' statistical pages and media hubs will all be instantly available through the site's straightforward, contextual navigation."

"There is a major shift toward video on the Web and consumers are expecting much more in the area of video quality and content," Annison said. "We produce top-notch television shows every day and as user-generated video passes the torch to 'pro-sumer' and professionally produced content, we are there and will make our content available to our users anywhere, anytime. Additionally we are creating exclusive content that will be made available strictly to broadband and mobile applications featuring exclusive content, bonus coverage, special events, and will serve as an incubator for future network programming.

"This is just the beginning in the evolution of SPEEDtv.com and SPEED Interactive, where the environment is more conducive to broadband vertical initiatives and digital brand extensions for the linear network," Annison added.

"In addition, we will be able to provide a much more conducive environment for broadband vertical initiatives for the linear network," Annison added. "The opportunity to deliver bonus coverage of special events or to use SPEEDtv.com as an incubator for new SPEED original programs is enhanced 10-fold with the new site."

In addition to its already popular "SPEED Insider" message boards, the new SPEEDtv.com will offer enhanced social networking functionality throughout the site, including article comments, user content ratings and customization options. Users will be able to further enhance their experience and track their favorite content by creating a "MySPEED" profile page. SPEEDtv.com also is launching what it hopes to become the definitive user-supported motor sports database, coined "SPEED-wiki." SPEED-wiki will be a destination and resource where users can submit definitions, descriptions and relationships about motor sports and automotive topics.

As part of the re-design, SPEED will develop advertising and co-branding opportunities for sponsors with an emphasis on optimizing ad placement.

"There won't be a bad ad unit on the site," said Mark Mitchell, Executive Director of SPEEDtv.com. "The positions will be much more compelling, engaging and integrated seamlessly into the site and will include opportunities to connect multiple positions to create an even larger presence for advertisers."

SPEED is the nation's first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 78 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country and, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEEDtv.com, the online motor sports authority.

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