FOX Sports Provides Unique Car Channels For Use During Daytona 500 TV Broadcast
(Courtesy of FOX Sports)
For the first time ever, FOX Sports will provide those calling the Daytona 500 on Sunday afternoon access to unique Car Channels and enhanced data packages for the 59th running of the race.
Should play-by-play man Mike Joy and analysts Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip utilize the two Car Channels, fans should gain a better sense of what it’s like to ride alongside a NASCAR driver.
“It’s something that we think has a lot of potential and the ability for us to do these and provide extra content to our fans at a minimal cost is a great value,” said Zac Fields, FOX Sports Senior Vice President of Graphic Technology and Integration.
The Car Channels debuted in 2016 via the FOX Sports GO app, but they weren’t fully rolled out until earlier this year. Each one will concentrate on one driver (as of this writing it wasn’t determined who yet) as fans encounter four different information and content displays as they stream on the FOX Sports GO app.
One area will show driver information and statistics, such as highest/lowest position and fastest lap time, along with another box for the linear feed, which will include broadcast commentary and unedited team radio communications. Additionally, a third window will highlight various angles of the driver, and the final box will follow the race leaders.
There will also be multiple camera angles and two dedicated pit cameras for both Car Channels. When a driver enters pit row, the camera is triggered, showing the crew operating on the car. As Fields explained, once he and the FOX team improved the Car Channels from last season to this year, they realized much of this bonus content and data could be automated to bring the experience to life, further complementing the linear NASCAR broadcast.
“One of the great things about NASCAR is there is a lot of technology involved and lots of data. Was there a way we could utilize the GPS data from the cars along with this additional content?” said Fields about creating the dedicated Car Channels.
“We’re hoping to create something that’s a lot more engaging to fans and interesting to them.”
