NASCAR Team Uses AI for Faster Pit Stops

In a bid to enhance performance in the fast-paced world of NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing has turned to artificial intelligence to optimize its refueling process. The collaboration with Lenovo aims to refine pit stop efficiency, crucial in a sport where every millisecond counts. NASCAR races typically involve multiple pit stops, ranging from five to twelve, depending on various factors, making precise fuel management essential. The challenge lies in the absence of fuel gauges in the cars, requiring teams to rely on strategists to monitor fuel intake and consumption rates. During race cautions, fuel usage can drop significantly, complicating the calculations. On average, a NASCAR Cup Series car consumes about 100 gallons of fuel per race, underscoring the need for accurate data. Lenovo's AI technology processes information at 30 frames per second, achieving an accuracy of approximately 0.03 seconds, which is vital for effective pit stop management. During pit stops, around 11 gallons of fuel are typically added, and the AI assists in ensuring that teams do not waste time waiting for fuel during subsequent stops. Lenovo's Sachin Wani noted that the AI was trained on proprietary datasets and fine-tuned for optimal performance. Future enhancements may include attaching GoPro cameras to tire crews to monitor the tightening of single lug nuts, further improving the efficiency and safety of pit stops in NASCAR racing.