IndyCar - Series To Partner With Autodesk

Indianapolis, Nov. 29, 2012: INDYCAR and its teams and partners will reap short- and long-term benefits through a three-year technical partnership with Autodesk, the leader in cloud-based design and engineering software.

The announcement was made at Autodesk University -- an annual series of in-person and online customer conferences that inspire and challenge attendees about the future of design and engineering -- in Las Vegas. An IZOD IndyCar Series car set the stage for the announcement.

The partnership will provide broad access to Autodesk software offerings, including Autodesk Product Design Suite, Autodesk Simulation 360, Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite and Autodesk PLM 360.

"INDYCAR's technological heritage dates to the use of the first rearview mirror on an automobile during the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911," said Greg Gruning, executive vice president, Corporate Business Development at INDYCAR. "Our partnership with Autodesk is a 21st century technology collaboration that gives INDYCAR new opportunities to improve our sport both on and off the racetrack in the near and long term."

INDYCAR's engineering and operations group will use Digital Prototyping applications such as Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD software to design and engineer product innovations for chassis designs, parts and components. The group also plans to employ the cloud-based optimization power of Autodesk Simulation 360 to digitally simulate the performance impact of design changes before they are added to the race cars.

This capability will better enable the organization to come up with aerodynamic specifications for components that all race teams can agree upon -- reducing any advantages or disadvantages among teams and creating a more competitive and exciting racing environment.

INDYCAR already employs Autodesk software within its operations for a variety of important functions. For example, the organization uses AutoCAD software to create detailed garage layouts before each event, which helps improve the logistics of load-in and load-out at venues. Additionally, the detailed drawings that are used for sled crash tests -- which play a critical role in improving driver safety -- are prepared with AutoCAD.

"Gaining full access to our product portfolio will let INDYCAR take advantage of all that we have to offer, from the desktop to the cloud," said Brenda Discher, vice president, Manufacturing Industry Strategy and Marketing at Autodesk. "Like INDYCAR, we are always keeping an eye on the road ahead, and we look forward to being part of their continued track record of success."