Gonna go round in circles
The sport that already offers unprecedented fan access is going one step further in 2007, allowing DirecTV viewers to watch an entire NASCAR race from behind the wheel. NASCAR HotPass will debut on DirecTV at the Daytona 500 in February and offer fans at home the opportunity to watch a race from a driver’s vantage point. Subscribers will have access to five channels dedicated to individual drivers, who will change every week. Each channel will have up to six cameras and two isolated announcers focusing solely on one driver for an entire race. Viewers will have access to in-car audio communication, real-time statistics and cameras covering every angle from inside the race car to the pit box and all around the track. HotPass is the brainchild of Fox Sports chairman David Hill. “There was this moment for me when the lights went on, and I thought, ‘This is why NASCAR is so popular – because you can buy a seat and sit down and watch your guy go round and round,”‘ Hill said. A season pass is expected to cost $99.
Father timeless of NHL
A few weeks ago, on the Detroit Red Wings’ swing through western Canada, a fan inside Calgary’s Saddledome held up a placard that read, “Hey, Chelios! Jesus called and He wants his sandals back!” So, yes, you could say Chris Chelios has seen the signs of old age creeping into his game. Just don’t let him hear you say it. “If that’s the only thing they can come up with, then I must be doing something right,” said Chelios, who at the age of 44 – he turns 45 next month – is the NHL’s oldest active player. Besides, he adds, “I’m not worried about what those fans think. I’ll pay attention when the coaches and management start saying that.” No worries there, it seems. Chelios has missed only one game this season – and just 23 games as a professional hockey player – and this past weekend suited up for his 1,500th NHL game. Tuesday night in St. Louis, one of the game’s most cantankerous characters started working on the next 1,500. “Knowing Chris, he could very well be playing in the NHL when he’s 50,” GM Ken Holland said.
High on the hog
“If they don’t put his name (out) there, it’s because he’s been diagnosed with leprosy.”
Frank Broyles, Arkansas athletic director, on why he’s not surprised Houston Nutt’s name keeps surfacing for football coaching vacancies
