SPEEDtv.com goes widescreen

SPEED, 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.”