‘Testing’ and the Art and Science of Execution

Testing: the action or process of checking something to reveal capabilities by putting that something under strain. That describes a large part of the last three weeks. Much like any organization taking a new product to market, there are many parallels with bringing a new, technologically advanced race car to the track.

Three weeks ago, IMSA hosted 25+ teams at Sebring International Raceway, fresh from Rolex 24, for the latest IMSA-sanctioned testing. Two weeks ago, it was the turn of the next-gen NASCAR Garage 56 car to test, putting in its own 24-hour shift—the first serious endurance test for the Camaro that is officially headed to Le Mans given this past week’s entry confirmation.

For the Garage56 team, it proved immensely valuable as all involved left the session with a better understanding of the car, could validate any assumptions, and redefine approaches as necessary. Our drivers, Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, and Jordan Taylor, got plenty of miles under their belts and could relay insights to engineers. A week earlier, the assembled IMSA teams did a similar exercise putting their accumulated data and lessons from Daytona into practice.

The whole process of designing and developing new race cars requires cognitive, strategic, and practical functions. It’s certainly not a simple linear process; very much interactive, with continuous improvement.

Taking a NASCAR Cup car to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the 100th anniversary of Le Mans began in earnest just over 12 months ago. Once Jim France outlined the opportunity, we gathered some of the finest NASCAR minds to ideate on potential solutions, ultimately prototyped the solution, and, most importantly, we are now testing. Art and science are coming together in this critical execution phase.

?As seen at Sebring, this rigorous testing begins the final phase; the findings are used to optimize and solve any further problems. Throughout the testing phase, we aim to gain the deepest understanding of the car’s characteristics and ideal configuration for the race in June.

It’s a large project, tying all the moving parts together between NASCAR technical teams, IMSA, and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, with Chevrolet, Dallara, Goodyear support, Hendrick Motorsports, and all our suppliers pulling together. Going to Le Mans aims to showcase the NASCAR Cup car's potential, perform strongly, and cross the finish line.

The innovation and creativity involved are essential parts of discovery for future inventions. Our IMSA platform and Garage 56 programs enable participants to showcase technological advancements that could make their way into future offerings and products.

Innovation isn't just about ideas. It's about execution—and learning from failures.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and see you at the track soon-

John