(A version of this story originally appeared as exclusive content on the Verizon INDYCAR Mobile app. To download the app for use on smartphones, click here.)

INDIANAPOLIS – Helio Castroneves, James Hinchcliffe and Will Power sometimes use the Verizon INDYCAR Mobile app on their smartphones while sitting in their race cars during a qualification session. It remains to be seen whether they’ll take advantage of the app during this weekend’s qualifying sessions for the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.

The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and available on all carriers, though Verizon wireless subscribers have access to exclusive content. Drivers like to view live data and video of their competitors to see which driving lines are working as they work to increase their speeds in qualifications.

“One of the cool things about the app is you can watch an onboard camera angle and see timing and scoring and get some information if you are a driver,” said Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. “Sometimes in qualifying, you can watch the app. My engineer will watch it and tell me what lines a driver is using.”

Exclusive app features for Verizon wireless customers that stream live through the app include enhanced real-time leaderboard and car telemetry, live in-car camera video streaming for select drivers during Verizon IndyCar Series races, live driver and pit crew radio transmissions during races and live Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network audio streaming during all track activities.

Power likes to check out the news and read the exclusive content on the app to keep track of what is going on in the sport. Sebastien Bourdais and Ed Carpenter both like to watch the videos that are available

“We watch it during practice and qualifying and there are some interesting things on there,” said Bourdais, driver of the No. 18 Sonny’s BBQ Honda for Dale Coyne Racing. “I like to be able to access the highlights quickly on the app.”

The leaderboard section displays live-time action with a “marching ants” graphic displaying car numbers and positions when cars are on track, along with a complete speed chart. A news scroll updates as drivers exit pit lane or enter the pits.

Live cameras also offer the track TV feed and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Gasoline Alley stationary camera is available this month. The weather section gives detailed information for the local race market.

App users can also find the latest Verizon IndyCar Series news, features and videos that are continuously updated, as well as race schedules, point standings, photos and more, including the entertaining “Mayor on Air” podcasts hosted by Hinchcliffe. Users can also select their favorite driver and team to get the latest information by manually.

“I like listening to all the podcasts,” said Power. “There are some good podcasts that are information and Hinch’s podcast is very funny.”

Bourdais appreciates the amount of content available and the support of series title sponsor Verizon in producing the app.

“I sent Verizon an email during the winter and told them they are going above and beyond what any title sponsors have done in the past,” Bourdais said. “The perks and the support we get is quite awesome. Their commitment to our series with extra cell towers (at racetracks) and awesome service even at a place like Mid-Ohio is really cool and shows how engaged and what a great partner they are.”