Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) have penned a strategic collaboration with OpenAI to help boost the team’s performance on and off the track.
Contract:
- The partnership covers all CGR entries, including IndyCar, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship
- OpenAI branding will be visible on the team’s IndyCar and Indy NXT entries
Context:
CGR will look to benefit from the software engineering and research capabilities that OpenAI enables, which are set to save the team both time and money. The announcement claims this is OpenAI’s ‘first collaboration in motorsports’ but, according to Sports Business Journal (SBJ), the company has been working with Nascar for the last six months on a pilot to streamline workflows.
Comment:
“Over the years, we have had the good fortune of partnering with some of the most iconic brands in the world, but I am not sure there is one that is more important right now than OpenAI,” said Chip Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing.
“Sam [Altman] and his team have been amazing at helping us try to maximise the power of artificial intelligence to make us better both on and off the racetrack. We look forward to continuing to attack business and racing challenges with the folks at OpenAI, some of the smartest and most creative people around.”
Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, added: “Racing has always been a proving ground for innovation, and we’re excited to explore how our AI technology can contribute alongside the incredible talent at Chip Ganassi Racing.
“IndyCar is a sport where every detail counts, and we’re eager to see how advanced technology can support the team’s expertise in pushing performance forward.”
Coming next:
With the 2025 IndyCar season now underway, the second race of the year sees the series travel to The Thermal Club in California. This year’s race, which takes place on 23rd March, is a points-paying race after last year’s non-championship US$1 million challenge event.
Go deeper:
- IndyCar’s TV deal with Fox: Why has the series left NBC and what does the move mean for its future?
- IndyCar 2024 season review: Stuttering viewership and off-track politics overshadow an exciting year
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