From Jayski:
No DirecTV Hot Pass in 2013: DirecTV is doing away with its NASCAR Hot Pass programming this year. The decision brings an end to the five-year-old service that gave subscribers four channels of in-car-driver video and audio. The distributor opted to discontinue the service because of its cost. DirecTV also decided to end its sponsorship of NASCAR. It had been an official partner of the sport since '07. It is looking for other ways to stay involved in the sport and plans to set up displays at some racetracks this season. DirecTV Senior VP/PR Darris Gringeri said, "We tried to charge for the (Hot Pass) product a few years ago, but the demand for it was low. We decided to switch to a free service. It's been great and we've been happy with it. It's been a differentiator. But in the end, the production cost became too much to bear." The offering was expensive because DirecTV had to sublicense the video rights to in-car-camera footage from NASCAR rightsholders Fox, Turner and ESPN.
On a personal note, I hate this. Especially hate it after I read that DirecTV is planning another 4.5% rate increase across the board starting next month. On top of that, was nice to get the in-car audio/spotter chatter during the race and not be subjected to the announce team.
updated by @jay-coker: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM