NASCAR Online "has been one of the Web's most
successful sports sites," according to David Sweet of the
WALL STREET JOURNAL. Produced by Disney's ESPN Internet
Group, the NASCAR site is the company's "fastest-growing
service," registering a 158% increase in page views since
June '97. Forrester Research Senior Analyst Mark Hardie
said fans are heading to NASCAR Online "because there's no
other alternative," as the sport "really doesn't get print
coverage in the Northeast or the West." The site recently
introduced a premium in-car audio area for $12.95, where
listeners can hear a driver talking to his crew during the
weekday time trials as well as race day. Also "on tap" are
audio coverage of press conferences and an expanded store,
"enhancements which could boost weekday traffic." While
NASCAR Online recently finished second in Media Metrix's
ranking as the most popular news/information/entertainment
Web site among "kids," the "big numbers" haven't translated
"into a profit on its Web site" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/22).
MORE ON THE WEB: Millennium Sports' The Owners' Box
Fantasy Web site will be incorporated into USA Today's site
on August 3. Some parts of the site, including Team Tracker
and InstaLeague will be free, but there will be a $49.95 fee
per season to play in the Spin Stats Commissioner fantasy
leagues. Fantasy football will be the first offering,
followed by basketball, hockey and baseball (AD AGE, 7/23).
