Nextel Communications is hoping it can ingratiate itself to skeptical fans by providing subtle conveniences and nostalgia in its first season sponsoring NASCAR’s top series. High on the list is assuring fans they still will be able to use their race scanners. The popular and pricey gadgets allow fans to listen to teams’ in-race audio by tuning in to their frequency. When a communications company purchased title sponsor rights, speculation quickly mounted that the old scanners would be phased out. Though some tweaking may be done to allow Nextel subscribers similar access, there are no plans to make the scanners obsolete, executive vice president Mark Schweitzer said. “Scanners as they are now will stay in place,” Schweitzer said. “We have made no plans to limit their use.”(Augusta Chronicle/AP), more info on scanners on my Scanner Links / Freqs page.(2-7-2004)
