In 2007, DIRECTV will take the NASCAR television experience to another level as it debuts the highly anticipated and exclusive NASCAR HOTPASS only on DIRECTV during the Daytona 500 on February 18 at Daytona International Speedway.

DIRECTV announced the first five drivers for the debut of this new interactive television service that will enable fans to ride shotgun with their favorite drivers by literally taking them into the cars and pits of the top drivers and teams in NASCAR. NASCAR HOTPASS only on DIRECTV, will feature five channels (DIRECTV channels 794-799) completely devoted to specific drivers and their racing teams each week.

The service will debut at the Daytona 500 with the following lineup of top Nextel Cup Series drivers:

#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.

#29-Kevin Harvick

#48-Jimmie Johnson

#20-Tony Stewart

#55-Michael Waltrip

To drive national awareness for this exciting and exclusive new package, DIRECTV has completed its first national advertising campaign for the service, featuring the sport’s most popular personality, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The spot is set to debut just before the Daytona 500 and is a continuation of DIRECTV’s “Fourth Wall” campaign where top actors and athletes recreate a scene from a famous movie or a noteworthy moment of sports competition.

With NASCAR HOTPASS only on DIRECTV, each of the five dedicated driver channels will offer multiple camera angles, real-time car telemetry, in-car audio communication and a dedicated announcer team. The new service, combined with race day telecasts and nascar.com coverage, will give fans the most comprehensive and powerful NASCAR experience possible.

DIRECTV customers can now purchase NASCAR HOTPASS only on DIRECTV. The full-season price of the package is $99, but customers can take advantage of an Early Bird offer by purchasing the package by Jan. 31, 2007 for $79. The exclusive service is also available on a pay-per-week basis for $29.99. More information is available on www.directv.com/hotpass.