NASCAR is considering integrating artificial intelligence into its future racing formats, as suggested by Steve O’Donnell, the organization’s chief operating officer, in a discussion with SBJ.
O’Donnell highlighted that AI could contribute to the strategic and operational aspects of racing, including the highly controversial playoff format.
AI has been in motorsport for some time, with its gradual introduction dating back several years. Teams at NASCAR and beyond have already leveraged AI and simulation technologies to analyze and respond to data in real time, often leading to improved strategies during races.
AI could simulate many variations in racing scenarios, such as adjustments to the number of drivers in the playoffs or variations in race conditions. This simulation helps predict potential impacts and unanticipated outcomes that may arise from format adjustments.
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O’Donnell explained:
“When it comes to racing, the strategy that goes into a race now, how that applies to our formats of the future, I think AI can play a really big role in that.
“When we created even the stages or the format of the playoffs, you did it with the best data you had and the best minds you had, but now you can log in and work with the ‘AI in terms of “OK, if you change the playoffs this one way or another, what should we pay attention to” or “How might this affect the sport?”
“There’s so much data and technology that you can now put into a model. I think it’s going to be very helpful in looking at predictive analysis of where the sport may go in the future, and then there’s everything the business side of things too.
.@NASCAR is evaluating how it can use generative AI for competitive questions, such as asking a model what impact playoff format changes could have on the sport, according to COO Steve O’Donnell.
🗨: “How this applies to our formats of the future, I think AI can play a really big role in that.” pic.twitter.com/wbNituf4tm
–Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 27, 2024
Beyond the strategies applied, the integration of AI could also strengthen real-time data analysis capabilities. NASCAR and other racing leagues use real-time data to guide decision-making during races. AI tools can analyze various metrics, including GPS data, vehicle acceleration and handling, helping teams make immediate adjustments during a race.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Regular season
- February 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
- February 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
- February 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
- March 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
- March 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- March 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- March 23: Property – 3 p.m., FS1
- March 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
- April 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
- April 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
- April 20: Disabled (Easter)
- April 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
- May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
- May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
- May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
- June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
- June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
- June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
- July 6: Chicago Street Classes – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
- July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
- August 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
- August 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
- August 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
- August 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs
- August 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., United States
- September 7: Saint Louis – 3 p.m., USA
- September 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
- September 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
- September 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
- October 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
- October 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
- October 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
- October 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
- November 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC
