SPEEDtv.com Cements Position as 'Online Motor Sports Authority' with Major February Wide Screen Web Re-Launch
'Speed-Wiki' to Allow Users to Define Motor Sports, Automotive
Passions
Ad Space Will Stress Position, Flexibility
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(Business Wire)--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.
SPEED
Erik Arneson, 704-731-2189
Earneson@SpeedTV.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
