Speed launches Internet channel as pipeline to show more races

The Speed Channel, usually relegated to the upper-hundreds on the cable-channel spectrum, is launching a new broadband channel on the Internet.

Speed2 will only be available to current Speed subscribers and will have at least a dozen race series that normally don't make it to the TV channel. Subscribers of the cable channel will go through a short authentication process to access the network.

Speed is launching a beta version of the Internet channel in June. By July, a full debut is planned.

"NASCAR is the foundation and top priority of the linear [cable] network," Speed president Hunter Nickell said. "Developing Speed2 provides a dedicated platform for a wider variety of racing."

In addition to magazine-style shows such as "Inside Grand Prix" and "Motorsports Mundial," Speed2 will broadcast GT1 and GT3 races, German and British Touring Cars, World Touring Cars, Intercontinental Rally, motocross, endurance racing, F2 and F3 open-wheel races, the VW Scirocco Cup and the Time Trial Xtreme Grand Prix.

For now, Speed has no plans to bring the World Rally Championship to the new network. Last October, HD Theater took over broadcast of the series.

Those of us without the network will continue to rely on AutoWeek, of course.

By Jake Lingeman