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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) today selected 20 universities to participate in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge. This is the 15th episode of DOE’s Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) series, which challenges university students to design and build “intelligent mobility solutions and innovative products” using emerging technologies, now including artificial intelligence for engineering tools, machine learning, and exascale computing. [Exascale computing involves supercomputers capable of performing at least one quintillion calculations per second. AutoCrat]*
“The Innovation Challenge is an investment in the next era of the American workforce,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson. “This unprecedented collaboration between GM and Stellantis underscores the importance of building a skilled US workforce and promoting innovation. We hope to fast-track technological breakthroughs, improve the competitiveness of the American auto industry, and expand the range of options available to American consumers.” Continue reading
IndyCar Makes Single Car Qualifying Permanent with Tweaks
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IndyCar announced today an expansion of controversial Firestone Fast Six single-car qualifying, including an updated format, for the remaining four street circuit events of the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. This starts with the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach to be held on Friday-Sunday, April 17-19 on the Streets of Long Beach.
“The debut of single-car Firestone Fast Six qualifying in Arlington was extremely popular and well received,” claimed IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles. [Not with some driver’s and teams at the Good Ranchers 250-AutoCrat.]* “Following the event, we reached out to stakeholders to help evaluate the format and look into ways to improve an already exciting session. This slight update will provide the fastest from the Top 12 an earned advantage of choosing when they would like their run in the Fast Six, while tire selection before lining up at pit out will save time and more closely equalize the session.” [Precisely – changing track conditions and allowed tire changes for late qualifiers made a mockery of the pole position -AutoCrat.] Continue reading →