NASCAR, known for its high-speed oval racing and powerful V8 engines, has been quietly incorporating advanced technology to improve race strategies, particularly during pit stops. While Formula One may dominate global attention, NASCAR continues to build its U.S. audience and maintain its unique appeal.
One area where technology is making a significant impact is in the management of pit stops—an essential part of NASCAR racing. Pit stops in NASCAR are frequent, often ranging from five to twelve per race, depending on the track and race conditions. Recognizing the importance of these moments, Richard Childress Racing has partnered with Lenovo to integrate AI technology into its pit stop processes, with a specific focus on improving fuel management.
In NASCAR, fuel management is critical. Unlike Formula One, where refueling has been banned since 2010, NASCAR still involves refueling during races, making it a key aspect of race strategy. However, NASCAR cars don’t have fuel gauges in the cockpit, so teams rely on strategy and estimation to determine how much fuel is added during a stop and how quickly it is consumed.
Various factors influence fuel consumption in NASCAR, including track length, configuration, and driving techniques such as drafting, where cars maintain speed while conserving fuel. Efficient fuel use can reduce the number of pit stops required, which is crucial in a race where every second counts.
To assist with this, Lenovo’s AI team developed a system using in-car transponders and a camera mounted above the pit box. This setup allows for real-time monitoring of pit stops, with the AI analyzing video footage at 30 frames per second to determine exactly when the fuel can is connected and disconnected from the car. This level of precision helps teams calculate fuel delivery more accurately.
Before this AI integration, the fuel crew had to rely on experience to estimate how long to pump fuel—typically around seven seconds. However, this method had its limitations, leading to potential over, or under-fueling, which could disrupt race strategy.
With Lenovo’s AI now handling the calculations, the margin for error has been reduced. On average, about 11 gallons of fuel are added during a pit stop, and since a NASCAR fuel cell holds 20 gallons, every second of fueling is critical. Even a slight overestimation can add unnecessary weight, impacting the car’s performance on the track.
Eric Kominek, RCR’s technical director, notes that the AI provides teams with greater confidence in their fuel management strategies. The AI-driven telemetry data allows teams to calculate fuel mileage with precision, which is vital for optimizing race performance.
Lenovo continues to refine the AI model, exploring additional factors like the angle at which the fuel can is attached to improve fuel flow. They are also considering the use of cameras on the tire crew to ensure that lug nuts are properly tightened during pit stops, further enhancing overall efficiency.
While Lenovo’s involvement in NASCAR might have been unexpected, it has led to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sport’s complexities. As NASCAR continues to evolve, the integration of AI and other technologies demonstrates that even in a sport with deep-rooted traditions, there is always room for improvement.