NASCAR NEXTEL FanView gives you live video on race day

We can't quite claim to be NASCAR nuts, but we do know that the hip cool thing to do at the track on race day is to tune into radio communications between drivers and their crews. Well Sprint Nextel is taking that to the next level with their NASCAR NEXTEL FanView, a handheld device that can tune into video, audio, and data being broadcast over 2.5Ghz at the track, including in-car cameras and official timing and scores. The, erm, distinctive looking device can be rented for $50 a day or $70 for the weekend, and should be available during the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series which start February 19th.

[Via MobileMag]

[SOAD @ Feb 9th 2006 11:21PM]

How can this be prevented from being stolen?

[discdoc @ Feb 9th 2006 11:30PM]

Best way??? By not renting one in the first place.

[David @ Feb 9th 2006 11:32PM]

I think that's the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life. Bravo Nextel(sprint).

#1, they probably hold your credit card for ransom if you don't return it, or maybe they hold your Dale Jr. whilst you enjoy the race.

[John Allison @ Feb 9th 2006 11:58PM]

Duh! It is shaped that way to fit in the chair's beer holder.

[Jon @ Feb 10th 2006 12:03AM]

So I'm going to travel to the racetrack & sit there all weekend watching this little TV screen and ignoring actual cars going round & round in circles in front of me. Rather than sitting at home watching cars on a BIG screen.

Yup, think that about sums it up.

[Imp @ Feb 10th 2006 12:09AM]

Seems to me like everyone who posted above me has never actually been to a race.
Figures.

[Jamar @ Feb 10th 2006 2:26AM]

This would be far more useful for watching from away, like just outside the racetrack, as opposed to being for people IN it.

[Wickedly Offensive @ Feb 10th 2006 4:59AM]

There'll be a redneck rampage as the cornpone jackasses stampede one another to get to these.

I love to piss on NASCAR the way some of you love to piss on stuff I like. Is it rational? No. Is it mature? No. Will it inspire someone to spit back in a fit of rage? Yes. And that's what makes it worth it.

Back to your trailers, people. Nothing to see here.

[Z @ Feb 10th 2006 5:30AM]

Well, let's see here... I think the idea behind this isn't meant to be a replacement for watching a live race or staying at home and watching it on a big screen TV, but a SUPPLEMENT to being at a live race. I guess some people aren't quite grasping that.

I'd rather be out in the sunshine at a live race than watching it at home on a big screen TV, just like I'd rather be at a live game than merely watching it at home on a big screen TV. And like the article said, this device provides a person with live in-car camera views, up-to-date driver stats, and other video, audio, and data, and a person might be able to switch between different video feeds whenever they feel like it (not simply when NASCAR chooses to, like would be the case on TV). And how cool would that be while you're waiting for the cars to come back around to your side of the track? And when would you ever get to see all of that and have control over what you see, at a live race apart from having this device in your hand?

So bottom line: now you can have the best of both worlds - a live race, supplemented with FanView that will give you all the video, audio and stats extras.

Sounds great to me!

[strider_mt2k @ Feb 10th 2006 5:59AM]

Way to shill, shilly.

[Bart @ Feb 10th 2006 6:23AM]

Hello.

I did send Dewalt this info, because for sure they use the colors of them to sell better.
The colors of Dewalt are protected.

We will see if it will stay yellow black on the Dewalt Nascar event.
regards, Bart

[rodents @ Feb 10th 2006 6:48AM]

will people drop this redneck sh--.. i'm really sick of it

nascar is pretty cool, that phone thing looks like it'll be outdated by next year and they'll have bigger tablet like models.. the trackscan things get better as the year goes on as well..

they'll sell those for sure though

[PodMonkeys @ Feb 10th 2006 7:05AM]

They've gotta hire them some design people! I'm looking at that thinking of the car Homer designed!

[ScottE @ Feb 10th 2006 7:16AM]

Now a Tablet with interactive stats for each driver powered by EVDO or EDGE would be cool.

[Geir E @ Feb 10th 2006 7:27AM]

I'm not an american, nor have I ever been to a race. But I've watched on sat and always been impressed with the race. and the thought of hearing the communication between crew and driver, seeing in car cam and such sounds just amazing.

[David @ Feb 10th 2006 9:58AM]

I consider myself a fairly knowledgable fan of auto racing. I've attended every Sebring but one since 1965. I was fortunate to follow the Gran Prix circus through Europe in 1978 as a photographer. I flagged for IMSA beteween 1972 and 1992. Since then I've participated as a trackside photographer.

Over the years I've used many devices that promised communication at the racetrack.

I used one of these devices in a trial at the Nascar Championship race at Homestead last year.

With this thing you can choose which in-car camera you wish to monitor. It allows you to selectively eavesdrop on the pit-to-car communication of any team that is wired for sound. Because it is linked to the track scoring system you can know the position of any competitor all the time. You can 'program' a screen that compiles several information sources into a single on-screen graphic presentation as it follows multiple competitors of your choice. It is easy to view and portable. You can keep track of the action while visiting the refreshment stand or the loo. You can hear it much better than the trackside PA systems at most track I've attended. It did other stuff, too.

I was told they have other applications planned for it. Maybe in the future we will be able to order our refreshments through it.

I thought it was pretty neat, actually. I don't think it detracted from my enjoyment of the race, at all. When you try it you might like it.

[Nascar Sucks @ Feb 10th 2006 9:58AM]

Isn't it easy enough already for nascar fans to watch these insipid 'races'? After all they just go round and round and round endlessly while some hillbilly announcer gets all excited and starts yammering on in that insufferable southern drawl (funny how sexy the women sound and how repugnant the men sound - just my opinion).

It's an oval after all which means that if you are a fat arse nascar fan, you can park your ample rear on your cooler, pull out your can of Shlitz with one hand set it in the cup holder, intermittently scratch your equally fat hairy balls while you stuff your footlong into your gargantuan gob with the other hand. This way you can get dizzy as hell on lead fumes, revolting beer, while watching 'drivers' 'race' around in circles.

They don't even get to turn right for fux sake. It's like some bad drum and bass that just loops endlessly. Hey here's an idea, maybe while you're offending the world behind you by exposing your crack above your Wranglers and filling the air with litres of your vile beer and weiner-induced farts you might try turning this stupid gizmo upside down to counter the effects of dizziness. They'll all look as though they're turning right the whole time (I added this obvious sentence 'cause nascar fans like to be told like it iz). The reality is that they're too bloody thick to interpret innuendo.

If they can't get enough of their beloved sport all they have to do is turn on Fox or another one of Rupert Murdoch's stations: Speed which is currently advertising 70 hours of nascrap in 10 days at the expense of motorsports that actually require talent and skill.

[Matt @ Feb 10th 2006 9:59AM]

Oh Man dat dare be a sweat piece! Now when mes gots to go pee. me aint gots to pee in my seat or miss any of da race!

[grayskies @ Feb 10th 2006 10:25AM]

"Now a Tablet with interactive stats for each driver powered by EVDO or EDGE would be cool."

Wow. Do you just like to spit out random acronyms? Does it matter if it�s over EDGE or EVDO? No. Motorola (Nextel)'s iDEN is probably the most reliable data network in the country (hence it's usage in industrial and construction applications). I think this is pretty cool, even though you'd never see me at a race. The design is a little lacking, but it's so you don't walk away with it. Basically this thing gives you open access to every driver on the track, their radio and their data. People don't understand that a lot of people going to the race bring radios and TVs to watch while watching the race. Kind of like people who bring radios and portable TVs to football games. Great idea for a targeted market.

[DNordbak @ Feb 10th 2006 12:07PM]

"Motorola (Nextel)'s iDEN is probably the most reliable data network in the country (hence it's usage in industrial and construction applications)"

Not exactly true. The reason that Nextel even has any share of the market is because of how long they had the rights for the nationwide walkie-talkie feature. However, they have the worst reception, only so-so phones, and are actually hated by many construction workers. (I know plenty that would agree with me on that one) Now that other companies like Cingular and boost mobile have push-to-talk, Nextel is going to need to change things in order to hold their part of the market.

[Bob The Pirate @ Feb 10th 2006 4:23PM]

DNordbak
"Now that other companies like Cingular and boost mobile"

Boost mobile is owned by nextel/sprint in the US....

[Erik @ Feb 10th 2006 5:30PM]

Many of the people that go to the races already have scanners and headsets to listen to the radio/TV broadcasts as well as listen to the in-car radio conversations between driver and pit crews. Its very entertaining as well as good for your ears because those cars are loud. You can rent scanners and headsets at the track. You give them your credit card number and license and get it back when you bring the unit back.

Fan view looks interesting. They have large screens at the track so that you can see the instant replay of a pass, or wreck but they aren't always in view of the seats.

Drawbacks that I can see.
1) The majority of races are held in the daytime which may cause a problem to see the screen.
2) Holding the thing for the whole race would be kind of tough. Most tracks are metal bleachers and don't have drink holders
3) Most small screens of this type don't have a wide viewing angle. A must if you go with a bunch of your friends.

[grayskies @ Feb 11th 2006 3:24AM]

"However, they have the worst reception, only so-so phones, and are actually hated by many construction workers. (I know plenty that would agree with me on that one)"

Thats just an opinion. After dropping my phone 5 storeys down an elevator shaft and having it survive, I'm impressed by the quality of these phones.

Also, check out some info about TDMA and iDEN before spouting crap about reception.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_division_multiple_access
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_Digital_Enhanced_Network

Thanks.

[DNordbak @ Feb 11th 2006 3:50PM]

"Also, check out some info about TDMA and iDEN before spouting crap about reception."

Ok, looking at charts can be one thing, but when you are sitting at a job site, and everyone has reception but the guys using Nextel(this has happened on quite a few occasions), then charts mean nothing.

[Rick Martinez @ Feb 11th 2006 11:01PM]

I actually got to test this product out myself at the Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Nextel Cup last year. It really is a great and useful proudct and works wonderfully. It's extremely cool to use and gives you updated live stats and even lets you switch to an inside car camera of your choosing. It's like running your own Nascar TV production in your hands.

[Numoracer @ Feb 12th 2006 12:41AM]

"Now that other companies like Cingular and boost mobile have push-to-talk, Nextel is going to need to change things in order to hold their part of the market."

Last time i checked, boost mobile was owned by Nextel... also, about those so-so phones, nextels are the sames as boosts.

About the Kangaroo TV, its already old, it was used since 2003 in the Champ Car World Series. And they are a really nice addition to the Fan experience.

[cdsstlcop @ Feb 13th 2006 9:37PM]

just so y'all know, the way they are going to get people to bring these things back is the $500 deposit required on top of the 50 or 70 dollar rental fee, i certainly would remember to return it if it meant $500

[Nick Bouchard @ Feb 15th 2006 6:55PM]

Its a must have device. I try the KangarooTV (same as the fanview by nextel) at one champcar race and its really incredible. I suggest everybody to rent one. Just wish taht everybody could have one at the first race....

[Josh @ Feb 16th 2006 9:13PM]

I am an avid nascar person and wanted to point something out. This thing is absolutely revolutionary for ALL sports. Being able to sit in a football, baseball, or hocky game you can pick a camera angle, listen to the broadcast and get stats. In any event, I thought I would mention the stock is trading on the Canadian stock exchange for about a buck a share. Considering the market of NASCAR people, this device is a wet dream for all race fans. Imagine when this thing hits the home shopping network...

[Brian @ Feb 20th 2006 12:34PM]

I have been looking into this because I have been attending at least one Nascar race per year for the past 15 years and I must say this looks to be a whole lot better than a regular scanner. And you dont have to be sitting in the track to know whats going on. I was just wondering if anyone had any info on possibly reserving one of these. I am attending the Las Vegas race and would like to get my hands on one for that weekend. Thanks

[Meri @ Feb 21st 2006 9:25AM]

I just got back from the Daytona 500 and we had 2 of these Nextel Fan View's and they worked great!! The screens are crystal clear and the amount of things these units are capable of is amazing. The rental fees aren't bad especially if your there in the infield for all 4 or 5 days. I wish they would work from home because when the broadcast goes to commercial watching these you don't miss a beat. Yes watching it in person is the best way to go but we "rednecks" as you call us don't want to sit for 2-4 hours just watching the race with these you can see stats and have the advantage of listening to in car radio. By the way who ever made the comment about "rednecks" most everyone that attends these events show up in half million dollar motorhomes we don't live in "trailers" all the time just on race weekends. Before you cast judgement take a look at the money that is involved with not just the racers but the spectators....we have have done pretty well for ourselves.

[Lauri Gagnon @ Feb 22nd 2006 12:59AM]

this would help me immensely! when something happens on the track & everyone stands up, i can't stand up to see as i have MS & am in a wheelchair. now don't tell me to sit in handicapped, i do that on friday & saturday. for sundays race my husband & i have tickets for the top row. he looks forward to this, why should he be penalized because i have this disease? i want to sit with him & also see what is happening, wouldn't you? this would allow me to see what's happening & what he's seeing & still sit together.
when will they start selling these? soon i hope!
i have read all the comments & not one has mentioned that it might be useful for us who have disabilities. another way to make me feel like a second-hand citizen

[Big D @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:50PM]

Regarding comments made in the #33 post: "...go but we "rednecks" as you call us don't want to sit for 2-4 hours just watching the race...most everyone that attends these events show up in half million dollar motorhomes." Great comments Meri!!
Here, Here...score one for the "Redneck" Geeks!
Listen people - its obvious many of you have never been to a race. Try to pull yourself away from the computer and go to one. Its great fun and with a gadget such as this, it will only make it more fun. NASCAR is a sport that truly is always searching for bigger and better ways to get race info out to the fan. I can't wait to get my hands on this item. I say the more gadgets we have, the better.

[Roger Beebe @ Feb 27th 2006 10:01PM]

Most of the comments seem to be from fans who have not used it. I rented one at The California Speedway this weekend and for the real die-hard fan who whats to see the replays, stats, and hear commentary, it is awsome!!! It beats scanners! If you have been to a race, and are not sitting in a suite, there is lots of stuff you miss...Give it a try!

[Rick Leach @ Feb 28th 2006 12:57PM]

I am interested! I can't find any specs about a second headset capability. Does anyone know if it will allow two headsets or do I have to rent another one for me. First one obviously for the 24 fan I married.

[Rick Southerland @ Mar 1st 2006 6:48PM]

I know that now you can only rent one,but i want to know when I can get one.I do not care what anybody say;s,I think there are cool as anything i've seen.

[sm @ Mar 3rd 2006 2:37PM]

"The majority of races are held in the daytime which may cause a problem to see the screen."

I rented one last year at a ChampCar race and the LCD screen seems to have a mirror insted of a backlight, so as strange as it may sound, the screen looks better in direct sun than in the shade. I haven't seen this 2nd generation unit, don't know if it is the same.

[Linda @ Mar 12th 2006 6:39PM]

We went to Daytona, again, and people in front of us had rented this. Even sitting above them we were able to watch the screen. I would like to buy one. I agree they only enhance the race. We can see the entire track but really enjoyed watching the race both live and on the screen. You seem to get more info. This from a true Florida Beach Girl!!!
Yee Haw, Ya,all

[Jason @ Mar 13th 2006 4:22PM]

These things are really cool. We're starting a club for anyone who want's to stay tuned (no pun intended) as to what is happening and when they will be avaiable

http://www.marketplacesnapshot.com/fanviewclub.com/fanclub.html

[LeighAnne @ Mar 20th 2006 4:39PM]

"Does anyone know if it will allow two headsets or do I have to rent another one for me. -Rick Leach"

--FanView will allow for two headsets. One headset comes with the rental, but you can rent a second headset for only $15. There is a splitter built into the headset.

[LeighAnne @ Mar 20th 2006 4:47PM]

"I know that now you can only rent one,but i want to know when I can get one. --Rick Southerland"

The Fanviews will be available for purchase by midseason this year. Keep up with www.nextel.com/nascar for more information as it gets closer!

[Nick Bouchard @ Mar 21st 2006 8:26AM]

"The fanview will be available for purchase by midseason this year"
LeighAnne

Where do you get this information LeighAnne ??? I check everywhere on the internet and i dodnt found nothing and im very excited about this device...

[LeighAnne @ Mar 21st 2006 6:17PM]

I work for the marketing company for the Nextel FanView at NASCAR races.

[Michael Adams @ Mar 21st 2006 8:41PM]

I don't recall reading any negative comments from people who have actually rented one of these. I myself rented one at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and I loved it. I will definetly buy one when they come out for sale. My only hope is that I would be able to use it anywhere not just at the track. For the comment about the colors being the same as "dewalts", as a Matt Kenseth fan it doesn't bother me.

[Bob @ Mar 22nd 2006 7:46AM]

I rented a FanView for the truck, Busch, and Cup races at Daytona. The slight 'delay' in the transmission was a little frustrating, and there were times when some of the in-car cameras were not working. Same with scanner for certain frequencies. The video was really good for the night race, and pretty good on Sunday when it was cloudy. It was barely visible in the bright sunshine on Saturday. Give it a '7' with lots of possibilities, and room for improvement.

[mike strope @ Mar 22nd 2006 9:33PM]

I rented one at Las Vegas. I had trouble seeing it in the sunshine and I couldn't get enough volume out of mine. I heard the same complaint from many of the people who were waiting in line after the race to turn their units back in. Also, about 8 times during the race, it would lose the audio signal. I had to turn it off then back on to get audio.

[LeighAnne @ Mar 23rd 2006 8:27PM]

We are working on the audio before it comes available for purchase. Keep your suggestions coming and I will be sure to pass them on! Stay warm if you are heading to Bristol this weekend, it's going to be a chilly one!

[Sam @ Apr 10th 2006 12:04AM]

LeighAnne I tried out one of the FanViews this weekend in Texas. It was a great piece of gear and look forward to buying one myself. I do have one question and one comment.
1. The volume was way to low!!! You couldn't hear anything when the cars went buy.
2. Will you be able to choose which drivers you would like to see their in-car video or is it just who nextel chooses that week?

[john @ Apr 11th 2006 2:34PM]

Amazing the number of people that don't like NASCAR, but take time out of their lives to beat on it on this site.
I haven't rented one of these, but they are cool. You have to be a Real race fan and actually goto a race to understand. The race is only a small part of the picture. Real race fans get there as soon as they are allowed on the track property, setup camp and it is a weekend of events. Only the race gets shown on TV for the few hours that the race lasts. People at home miss 95% of the weekend.

This device is cool. You can watch in car cam of who you choose, listen to the pit crew of who you choose replay bits that you missed that you want, etc I want one of these....
Also Real race fans are in the stands and close enough to the fence that you get the "full effect" Nothing beats the wind in your face and the smell of race fuel as they wiz by making such noise that you can scream at the guy sitting next to you and he won't hear a thing.

[LeighAnne @ Apr 12th 2006 7:59AM]

NASCAR chooses the drivers whose cars will have an in-car camera for that race. But you can choose who you set as your priority drivers for the audio. All 43 drivers are already pre-programmed. There is no need to enter the drivers' frequencies.