When it comes to motorsports, you’d be hard pressed to find a duo more iconic than Penske and INDYCAR. Since 1966, Team Penske has been a fixture in motorsports, especially open-wheel racing. The team has won 17 INDYCAR championships and holds the record for the most Indianapolis 500 wins at 19 — more than triple the amount of the next closest team. In 2020, Penske took ownership of the sport’s most famous venue, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With a legacy like that behind you, where do you go next?
This week on Catalyst, Penske’s Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Jonathan Gibson, joins Chris and Gina to discuss how the company is racing towards the future by investing in new technology to rev up fan engagement and experience in the NTT INDYCAR Series. Check out the highlights below, then dive into the full episode to learn more.
Accelerating the future of smart racing
INDYCAR has come a long way since it began in 1911. Currently known as the NTT INDYCAR Series due to sponsorship (and as a note, Launch by NTT DATA is part of the NTT Group), the series is embracing technology across the board. With thousands of data points collected from cars every second, telemetry, in-car cameras, and real-time data analysis now play a crucial role in making quick decisions for racing teams. Not only is this making racing more intelligent, it is also improving safety for the drivers.
Supercharging the INDYCAR fan experience
Penske is also taking tech beyond the track and putting it in the hands of racing fans. For the fans at the raceway, Penske is enhancing the in-venue experience by leveraging technology for bathroom and concessions crowd control, traffic and parking management, improved event access, and more. But with limited tickets for races and international interest in the sport, not every fan will be watching the race from the stands. For them, and for fans at the race who want a different vantage point, technology such as the INDYCAR app powered by NTT DATA enhances the experience by providing engaging content, telemetry, in-car camera views, and multi-camera in-venue viewing.
Safety and security at an NTT Smart Venue
As the largest single-day sporting event globally, safety and security at the Indianapolis 500 are top priorities. The use of technology such as smart venue initiatives and communication platforms ensures the well-being of fans, and collaboration with various agencies including the FBI and Secret Service is crucial for event planning.
Environmental sustainability
Penske Entertainment aspires to make the NTT INDYCAR Series the most sustainable racing series globally, and they are taking action to prove it. Their investments in a more sustainable future include using 100% renewable racing fuel and racing tires, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility.
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