NASCAR Debuts Live VR, 360-Degree Video at Homestead-Miami Speedway

For the first time, NASCAR fans on smartphones and tablets will have access to live, 360-degree views of pre-race events at Homestead-Miami Speedway before Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship finale.

Leading up to the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Nov. 19 (3 p.m. ET, NBC, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), fans will have behind-the-scenes VR/360-video access to the driver’s meeting and throughout the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage via NASCAR.com and the NASCAR Mobile app, regardless of their location.

The live video, delivered by Ultracast, can also be viewed through smartphone, VR headsets, and laptops. This technology platform transforms the device into a launchpad, propelling viewers into fully immersive, 360-degree or virtual reality live experiences.

“For years, NASCAR has prided itself on providing fans with unprecedented access to the sport and its drivers, especially on race days,” says Tim Clark, managing director of NASCAR Digital Media. “With live, 360-degree video, fans everywhere can feel what it’s like to attend the driver’s meeting and experience the garage before the green flag waves at Homestead-Miami Speedway.”

When engaged with the 360-degree view, fans can choose where they look as live events happen to personalize their experience. As the individual’s phone, tablet or headset moves, so does the live camera angle.

In addition to Sunday’s driver’s meeting, much of the at-track content available via NASCAR’s GarageCam will be presented in live VR, 360 video during Ford Championship Weekend.

The 2017 NASCAR Playoffs will conclude with the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 19. The first to finish the race among the four remaining playoff drivers — Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski — will be crowned 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion.