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Nortel tries Indy again...maybe it will work this time!

17 May 1999

Nortel Networks Allows Fans to Click Into the Action of the 83rd Indianapolis 500; Participate in the World's Largest Live Sporting Event From Your Home Computer

    INDIANAPOLIS--(AutomotiveWire)--May 17, 1999--Panther Racing, Nortel Networks, and Redline Media are teaming up to bring 1999 Indianapolis 500 fans live into the heart of the action.
    Nortel Networks is at the Heart of the Internet -- debuting an application that will make the Internet as fast, as powerful, and as fun as the Indianapolis 500 itself.
    The Indianapolis 500 experience will be enhanced for fans across the globe by participating in live chats during practice, qualification, and the race with team owner Jim Harbaugh, quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, and other Panther Pack members. Fans will also experience real-time racecar telemetry as the no.4 Pennzoil Panther Racing car, driven by Scott Goodyear, makes its way around the 2 1/2-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Live racetrack audio -- including communications between Scott Goodyear and his crew -- will put fans right in the heart of the action.
    "Anyone with an Internet connection can be in the pits with us during the race," said Jim Harbaugh. "And fans in the speedway will have access to the pit stall through a high-speed Internet kiosk at FanFest and other areas around the track."
    "Nortel Networks is reshaping the way racing fans interact with technology," said Oscar Rodriguez, VP Marketing, Nortel Networks Cable Access Products. "The next millennium will allow consumers to choose the way they interact with sporting events -- such as the Indy 500. This application is just a preview of what's to come."
    Redline Media is providing the web site design and implementation to make this application user-friendly. During the two weeks leading up to the Indianapolis 500, 6 live chats are planned -- including Opening Weekend, Pole Day -- and many others. For a complete schedule of webcasts, please visit www.pantherracing.com.
    Nortel Networks is providing the networking, high-speed cable modems, DSL modems and EtherLoop modems that will make this application fun and ultra-fast. A track-wide network is connecting Indy FanFest, Scott Goodyear's pit stall and several other locations around the track to the Internet and the rest of the world.