Internet World Group revs up for Shanghai

Whakatane company Internet World Group is pitching to supply internet broadcasting, internet services, and kiosks for the Shanghai Super Prix in China in October.

The event is being co-organised by California's Auto Racing Legends under a 10-year contract and is claimed to be the "first world-class professional sport and auto-racing event ever to be held in mainland China".

IWG chief executive Doug Bell said his company was competing with two other firms. He hoped to get innovative New Zealand companies such as Virtual Spectator and Deep Video Image involved.

The deal is expected to be worth at least US$5 million ($9.09 million) for each event, with two events a year.

Bell said the events were expected to attract 500,000 TV and internet viewers.

Kiosks at the racetrack are expected to feature internet telephony, video email, 3D viewing, and celebrity and car information.

The Shanghai Super Prix, originally targeted for 2001, will be staged in the Pudong district of Shanghai. The event will include various forms of motorsport racing, including "legend" cars, stock cars, vintage Nascar racers, motorcycles, Formula 2000 cars, dragsters, "funny cars" and drag bikes.