Shannons Nationals season finale to be broadcast online 25/11/2009 at 3:38:18 AM In a first for the Shannons Nationals, the ninth round of the 2009 series at Sandown Raceway this weekend will be broadcast live around the world via the internet. The Shannons Nationals has engaged the services of Pure Motorsport, a fledgling Adelaide-based company specialising in online live streaming and on-demand coverage of motorsport events – to show action from the Melbourne circuit across the weekend to a potentially global audience. The Shannons Nationals and Pure Motorsport will work with series television partner AVE to provide a video feed on Sunday that will be overlayed with the circuit commentary to provide complete coverage of each race across the weekend. Live coverage will also be available on Saturday with the broadcast of a timing feed and the circuit commentary, all available via the series website, www.thenationals.com.au. Shannons Nationals series director Rob Curkpatrick said that the Sandown coverage pointed towards a longer-term direction for the series’ broadcasting efforts. “It is abundantly clear that the internet is the future for sports broadcasting, and we want to make sure the Shannons Nationals is leading the way forward in investigating new ways of showcasing our product,” he said. “Internet broadcasting is cost effective and can deliver potentially unlimited scope for exposure. “At the same time, we think this will actually compliment our TV package on SBS Speedweek and Inside Speed, on Fox Sports. “Viewers will be able to see the races in full, live, this weekend and then tune in to hear all the interviews, go behind the scenes and see more detailed coverage on Speedweek a week later. “I know our categories are going to be very excited about this opportunity, and we’d like to extend our thanks in advance to Ryan Jones from Pure Motorsport and Richard Craill from the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship for assisting the Shannons Nationals with this fantastic opportunity. Anyway we can improve access to our series for our fans both nationally and around the world has to be a positive step forward.” Though they have only been established for two years, Pure Motorsport has already developed a solid track record for extensive online coverage of motorsport events. They have covered, in depth, the South Australian round of the Australian Rally Championship as well as offering live and on-demand coverage to state-level events in both SA and Victoria. "It is a great feeling to be taking a step forward into a different form of motorsport: circuit racing,” Pure Motorsport’s Ryan Jones said. “We have already delivered the final round of the Australian Rally Championship live on the internet, and it seems only natural to deliver the final round of the Shannons Nationals. I'm sure there will be a great many viewers tuning in to see the results, particularly the international battle in the Formula 3 SuperPrix." Live streaming pictures and audio from the weekend will be available via a link on the Shannons Nationals website, www.thenationals.com.au Users will require only a standard (512k) broadband internet connection to view the live feed and on-demand videos. Round Nine of the 2009 Shannons Nationals will be held at Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway on 28-29 November. The final rounds of the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Boylan Traffic Solutions Australian Manufacturers Championship, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Commodore Cup National Series, Kumho Tyres Australian Saloon Car Series and Shannons V8 Touring Car Series will feature across two days.