NHRA announces two new programs for fans to access race coverage worldwide
NHRA will launch a premium live streaming service, anticipated to start in March 2016, which will deliver live video streams from NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events to Internet-connected devices, including mobile devices. This subscription service will give NHRA fans around the world the chance to see all of the action from NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events like never before.
NHRA All Access will feature live and continuous coverage of all Pro and most Sportsman races from the qualifying runs on Friday through the finals on Sunday. The live stream of the in-venue feed will include audio from track announcers and video from trackside big screen displays. Subscribers will be able to experience all of the racing action as if they were sitting in the stands.
Upon launch, NHRA All Access will be available globally on a subscription basis for $99 (USD) for the remainder of the 2016 season. Fans should watch for announcements about NHRA All Access on NHRA.com.
“We're working toward a level of NHRA coverage that has never been available,’’ said Ken Adelson, NHRA vice president of broadcasting and digital content. “Being able to watch the event digitally as if you were there will be a great option for our fans on a worldwide basis. At the same time, we're focusing on bringing NHRA racing to TV networks around the globe. It will all be worth waiting for.”
To expand its availability to international audiences, NHRA also has partnered with Greenlight International Limited, the largest syndicator of international motorsport television rights in the world, to secure distribution of NHRA telecasts in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and other regions. Isle of Man and Brooksville, Fla.-based Greenlight has entered into a multiyear exclusive agreement to represent NHRA’s international television rights.
Greenlight International will be bringing all 24 events of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series to international media markets either as live or as one-hour highlights, delivering compelling coverage of the world’s fastest motorsport to audiences across the world. NHRA telecasts are already available in the United Kingdom via BT Sport and in Greece via Nova Sports.
“Greenlight International is very proud to start this relationship with the NHRA and the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series,’’ said Jon Quayle, Greenlight managing director. “It is without doubt a very significant championship with a very knowledgeable and dedicated fan base throughout the world. We will be working very hard over the coming months to secure distribution across our network of international broadcasters.”
Under its new television deal with FOX Sports, live telecasts and re-airings of NHRA events are available in Canada and the Caribbean through the FOX Sports Racing channel. Canadian distributors include Rogers, Cogeco Cable Canada, Videotron, MTS Allstream, and various smaller CCSA member companies. FOX is currently in negotiations to add additional video distributors in Canada.
“We continue to invest in and strengthen FOX Sports Racing in Canada, an effort not possible without our valued distribution partners,” said David Nathanson, head of business operations for FOX Sports.