Motor Racing Network and AudioNow Ink New Deal

In a first for motorsports fans around the country, Motor Racing Network and AudioNow have announced a new way to access live race broadcasts simply by dialing a number from any mobile device.

Across the United States, race fans can dial 1-832-999-1717 and listen to MRN race broadcasts, interviews and analysis, as well as weekly programming such as “NASCAR Live” and “NASCAR USA.” The service will begin Saturday, Jan. 26, with the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race. Air time on the Motor Racing Network will be 3 p.m. (ET).

Upcoming broadcasts will include “Acceleration Weekend” at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., from Feb. 8-10 and the season-opening Daytona 500 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, Feb. 24.

The phone number incurs no extra charges and is the equivalent of making a mobile call. As data costs continue to rise on mobile devices and “unlimited voice plans” plummet, radio-by-voice stream is emerging as one of the most affordable pathways in the United States for listeners to use when they’re away from their favorite station.

“Now, race fans can listen to all the action throughout the season from the ease of a telephone,” said MRN President and Executive Producer David Hyatt. “Fans may not always have access to a radio but with the AudioNow service, they’re never far from hearing the legendary calls of theMotor Racing Network. This truly makes our coverage universal.”

AudioNow is the leading provider of mobile phone broadcast radio distribution in the country. The platform uses proprietary “HD” voice design and patent-pending technology that allows any fixed or mobile phone to access live audio programming without downloads.

“NASCAR fans can now turn their phone into a radio and change the way they interface with one of America’s most popular sports,” said George Cernat, chief marketing officer for AudioNow. “They can literally be in two places at once. We’re thrilled to partner with MRN since it means fans can hear the action, feel the excitement and basically be there without actually being near a radio.”

“Virtually everyone has access to a telephone,” said Chip Wile, director of business development for MRN. “This agreement ensures that everyone can access MRN’s award-winning broadcasts anywhere.”