Carrier network Sprint Nextel strengthened its sporting credentials with the debut of NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile on several Sprint phone models.

The mobile application will give Sprint subscribers access to NASCAR-related information and features through the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. Sprint is the title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for stock car racing.

"NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile rewards our loyal customers by providing them access inside the sport and hopefully will lure new customers to our program," said Steve Gaffney, director of NASCAR Sprint Cup series marketing for Sprint in Overland Park, KS.

Sprint subscribers opening the application on a non-race day will see an expandable menu for official point standings, drivers' statistics, NASCAR Sprint Cup series news and upcoming broadcast schedules.

During race day or qualifying day, the phone's home screen will offer live leaderboards, audio, video, real-time statistics and a personalized "My Driver" section. Subscribers will also be able to see the standard menu options by choosing the Menu soft key on the homepage.

The service is available at no extra cost to existing Sprint customers with a data pack. Sprint had nearly 54 million customers last year through its Sprint, Nextel and Boost Mobile networks.

Subscribers will be able to download NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile by texting NASCAR to 7777 on Sprint phones and receive a bounceback message with a link to the application. Standard messaging rates will apply.

Another way to download the application is by browsing Sprint wireless Web and entering NASCAR in the search box on the homepage. Subscribers can also go to Sprint Home > Sports > NASCAR.

There is considerable synergy between NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile and other channels.

For example, the live race audio feature on the mobile application will offer subscribers access to in-car communications between all 43 drivers and teams in addition to race broadcasts from radio broadcasters Motor Racing Network or Performance Racing Network.

Take video on-demand, as well. NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile will run programming from NASCAR.com including race reviews, recaps, highlights, video segments from NASCAR on the Speed network, analysis from industry experts and behind-the-scenes interviews.

On the personalization front, the "My Driver" section will let users customize the application based on their favorite driver. They can track the driver's progress during a race, get driver news and view the individual's profile and statistics.

Sprint Cup Mobile is available on 24 devices include Motorola Razr2, Motorola IC902, LG Rumor and Sanyo Katana DLX. The application will be supported on two BlackBerrys in the next couple of months.

"We will expand video on-demand components as the next phase and continue to increase the number of Sprint handsets that can support Sprint Cup Mobile," Mr. Gaffney said.