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AI revolutionizes nascar's race day operations and fan engagement

NASCARSource: Fast Company08/10/2026, 12:47
NASCAR fans now have access to real-time data during races through official apps, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence. These apps provide live telemetry and driver audio feeds to premium subscribers. Historically, managing this data required extensive manual labor, with hundreds of tasks needed across three-day race weekends. Tim Clark, NASCAR's executive vice president, highlighted the complexity, noting hundreds of data points feed into the live leaderboard. AI, through NASCAR's partnership with Next League, has automated roughly 90% of these tasks, significantly streamlining operations. David Nugent, Next League's cofounder, explained that manual control was once essential but is now largely obsolete. AI's impact extends beyond data management, enhancing targeted advertising with a 2% click-through rate, 10 times higher than traditional ads. Future developments may include improved fantasy products and audio highlights, such as linking pit-stop conversations to speed bursts. The collaboration between NASCAR and Next League also supports digital projects for teams and the International Motor Sports Association. AI has accelerated engineering efforts across NASCAR's web properties and apps, improving both functionality and user experience. These innovations reflect a broader shift toward automation in sports technology, enhancing both operational efficiency and fan engagement.