NASCAR Nextel FanView available for purchase, not just rental

Fans now can own their own NASCAR NEXTEL FanView, as Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) and NASCAR are making the device available for purchase beginning Feb. 8. NASCAR NEXTEL FanView comes to market following a successful year of rental in 2006 and feedback from fans and NASCAR teams who tested the device.

The sturdy, hand-held race-day scanner with video and audio capabilities, real-time data and statistics comes equipped with a battery, wall charger, quick-start guide and one-year warranty. It also boasts advanced features such as priority scanning, quick channel selection by car number and an exclusive audio replay feature. In addition, fans can choose to watch the live in-house NEXTEL Vision video feed or from up to seven different driver’s in-car cameras. Fans also can monitor driver progress through color graphics of real-time lap statistics, lap-by-lap point standings, positions gained or lost since the last caution, and more.

NASCAR NEXTEL FanView is available for $369.95 at www.nextel.com/fanview or by calling (800) 799-5921. Trackside, the device is available at Racing Electronics locations and NASCAR NEXTEL FanView haulers for $415. The device requires a $10 race-weekend activation fee for at-track use. Other accessories available for purchase include headset, lanyard, carry bag, extra batteries and wall chargers ranging in price from $7.99 – $69.99.

“The fan response to the NASCAR NEXTEL FanView has been overwhelming,” said Dean Kessel, director of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series marketing for Sprint Nextel. “Fans tell us they love being their own sports producer. They can select what they would like to watch and listen to as they’re sitting in the stands. It’s hard to monitor all 43 drivers on the racetrack, and that’s why our audio replay feature has been wildly successful. We are thrilled to offer the device for sale, and we could not have brought this to the fans without the help of our partners at NASCAR and Kangaroo.TV as well as Racing Electronics.”

NASCAR NEXTEL FanView will remain available for rent at the track through NASCAR NEXTEL FanView haulers and Racing Electronics locations during NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race weekends. The device also will be available for use during NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events when they accompany NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races. At $50 per day and $70 per weekend, NASCAR NEXTEL FanView rental is comparable to the standard rate for most racing scanners and includes the device, battery, charger (available only for weekend rentals), headset, carry bag and neck lanyard.