Hendrick Motorsports continues to redefine excellence in NASCAR through the use of robotics, laser scanning, and precision metrology tools. From digital car assembly to advanced measurement verification, the team ensures compliance with strict NASCAR tolerances while maximizing performance potential. Their expansion into government
and commercial engineering solutions further reinforces their commitment to technological advancement. In a standardized racing environment, Hendrick’s focus on exactness and innovation sets a powerful precedent in motorsports engineering.
Key Highlights
- Hendrick Motorsports employs robotic arms and laser scanners for precise car assembly and performance tuning.
- Advanced measuring techniques ensure compliance with NASCAR standards while enhancing car precision and performance.
- Digital car construction and single-supplier parts streamline assembly and tactical optimizations.
- Expansion into engineering solutions broadens expertise and enhances technological capabilities beyond motorsports.
- Continuous innovation and NASA-level technology provide Hendrick Motorsports a significant competitive edge over rivals.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Use of Technology to Gain Competitive Advantage
Hendrick Motorsports, renowned for its dominance in NASCAR, utilizes state-of-the-art technology to maintain a competitive edge in the racing world. The team’s tactical integration of robotic arms, laser scanners, and advanced metrology labs exemplifies their commitment to precision engineering.
These technologies enable Hendrick Motorsports to measure and construct car components with meticulous accuracy, down to thousandths of an inch. Such precision is vital in a sport where even the smallest details can determine victory or defeat.
In a landscape where most NASCAR Cup Series cars are standardized, Hendrick Motorsports seeks every possible advantage. The use of NASA-level technology demonstrates their creative approach to staying ahead of competitors.
Their technological skill is not merely about keeping pace; it’s about setting the pace. With multiple wins already secured and several drivers ranking high in standings, Hendrick Motorsports’ technological expertise continues to set benchmarks in NASCAR, challenging rivals like Team Penske to keep up.
Evolution of NASCAR Car Assembly with Robots and Digital Tools
In today’s NASCAR, the assembly of race cars has evolved dramatically, with robots and digital tools taking center stage in the manufacturing process. The meticulous craftsmanship traditionally employed by engineers has given way to a sophisticated, automated approach. Cars are now virtually built in digital environments before hitting the track.
Although 85% of parts are sourced from a single supplier, teams enjoy the flexibility to tactically assemble these components, leveraging robots to gain a competitive edge.
Hendrick Motorsports exemplifies this shift, as highlighted by Chad Knaus, their vice president of competition. He emphasizes the significance of optimizing tolerances to improve performance through factors like weight, geometry, and shape.
“They want to have a set of tolerances that everybody has to operate within and it’s up to us to take those tolerances, stack them up in a way that creates performance, whatever that metric may be that we determine is the most important performance enhancer for that track and apply it. Whether that be weight, whether that be geometry, whether that be shape.” – Chad Knaus
With a set of primary chassis pieces and numerous clips to examine, teams must skilfully integrate these elements. The use of automated measuring equipment in this phase is vital, ensuring precision and ultimately contributing to superior performance on the racetrack.
“It helps us predict where we feel like geometry will be once we put the components together, and then after we put the components together we can go back and reaffirm that our math meets reality.” – Chad Knaus
Advanced Measuring Techniques and Equipment
Advanced measuring techniques and equipment have become indispensable in modern NASCAR race car assembly, ensuring adherence to the sport’s rigorous standards. Hendrick Motorsports exemplifies this through its tactical use of cutting-edge metrology tools. Utilizing Hexagon’s Absolute Arm, a device equipped with touch probing and laser scanning capabilities, the team achieves unmatched accuracy in measuring components. This precision allows them to meet NASCAR’s stringent measurement criteria, effectively bridging theoretical calculations with physical reality.
Moreover, Hendrick’s facility houses advanced robotic scanners that require minimal human intervention, streamlining the measurement process. Quality control supervisor Roy Crump highlights their operation, noting that these innovations have replaced traditional methods involving multiple personnel.
“For the last two or three months, we’ve been trying to measure as many parts as we can just to verify what we have because like I said, in the past we were using two guys to measure with the Romer arms.” – Roy Crump
Over recent months, the team has been diligently verifying numerous parts, ensuring their precision aligns with NASCAR’s standards. These technological advancements not only facilitate current success but also lay a robust foundation for future dominance in the competitive NASCAR landscape.
Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions Expansion
Expanding its influence beyond the racing circuit, Hendrick Motorsports has launched Hendrick Motorsports Engineering Solutions (HMES), a new venture aimed at leveraging its engineering and manufacturing expertise for broader applications.
The newly established division will operate from a substantial 160,000-square-foot facility, designed to provide engineering and manufacturing solutions for government and commercial sectors.
Rick Hendrick’s vision of utilizing their precision technologies beyond motorsports is embodied in this ambitious project.
Veteran corporate executive Scott Lampe has been appointed as the President of Advanced Manufacturing, tasked with overseeing daily operations.
Reporting to Hendrick Company’s President, Marshall Carlson, Lampe will spearhead the expansion, which already employs 180 staff members, with plans to increase the workforce.
“Rick Hendrick’s vision has always been about building for the future. He recognized Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions can be a leader in advanced manufacturing, serving customers with ultra-high requirements.” – Marshall Carlson
Construction of the HMES facility commenced in November 2023, offering alternative career paths to former motorsports staff, and positioning the firm as a leader in advanced manufacturing, serving clients with high demands.
News in Brief: Hendrick Motorsports Racing Technology
Hendrick Motorsports’ integration of cutting-edge robotics and digital tools has revolutionized their car assembly process, giving them a considerable competitive edge in NASCAR. By employing advanced measuring techniques and expanding their specialized solutions, they have optimized performance and precision. This technological leap raises the bar for competitors, challenging them to innovate to keep pace. As the landscape of NASCAR evolves, Hendrick Motorsports exemplifies how embracing technology can redefine success in high-stakes racing.
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