In a bold move to modernize the sport and revamp its controversial playoff format, NASCAR is relying heavily on artificial intelligence (AI). From optimizing race strategy to improving pit stop efficiency, the role of AI in the stock car world is rapidly expanding. But this technological change has caused division among fans, raising questions about whether NASCAR has retained its essence or lost its way in its quest for relevance.
Playoff conundrum: Can AI solve the “win-win” dilemma?
NASCAR’s elimination playoff format, introduced in 2014, was designed to bring excitement to the sport, but it has often come under fire. The controversy reached a boiling point in 2024 when Joey Logano won his third championship despite an unremarkable regular season. Fans argued that the “win and enter” system prioritized luck over consistent performance, especially since Kyle Larson, who had six wins, failed to make it to the Championship Four.
Enter AI. NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell has revealed the sport’s plans to use AI to analyze its playoff format and consider adjustments to improve competitiveness. According to O’Donnell,
“When we created the stages and even the playoff format[years ago]you did it with the best data you had and the best brains you had, and now you’re saying, ‘OK, Now we can plug in and work with AI from the perspective of, “If it’s you.” What should you look out for when adjusting the playoffs like this?
The goal is to ensure fairness, balance excitement, and better align fan expectations with the reality of competitive sports.
Fan backlash: Is NASCAR ignoring its base?
For many fans, NASCAR is a tradition-rich sport that thrives on its connection to grassroots racing. The idea of relying on AI rather than asking the NASCAR community for feedback has drawn criticism. Fans argue that being decided by algorithms could alienate the sport’s faithful, who value the unpredictability of races based on human intuition and coldly calculated data.
One fan commented on social media:
“AI is great for pit stops, but why can’t NASCAR listen to its fans instead of letting computers decide the future of the sport?”
AI in action: Richard Childress Racing’s pitstop revolution
While the playoff debate rages on, AI is already proving its value in other aspects of sports. Richard Childress Racing (RCR) collaborated with Lenovo to use AI to monitor refueling and revolutionize pit stop accuracy. By analyzing the video at 30 frames per second, the AI measures the time a fuel can is plugged into a car with accuracy down to 0.03 seconds. This takes the guesswork out of your journey, ensuring your car doesn’t run out of fuel or carry excess weight.
Sachin Wani, AI data scientist at Lenovo, explained:
“The AI engine examines each frame and classifies whether the fuel can is plugged in or not plugged in. The accuracy of the information is within about 0.03 seconds.”
RCR technical director Eric Kominek praised the technology, saying it gave teams greater confidence in their strategy and could shave off precious seconds that could decide a race.
Balance between tradition and progress
NASCAR’s adoption of AI is emblematic of the broader challenge facing modern sports: balancing tradition and innovation. While AI can increase efficiency and competitiveness, critics worry it will strip away some of the human element that makes sports more approachable. However, as O’Donnell pointed out, the sport needs to evolve to remain relevant.
“AI can play a huge role in evolving sports while preserving the essence of what makes them great.”
The way forward: AI as a game changer?
AI has already established itself in the pits and planning rooms of NASCAR, and its potential is only just beginning to unfold. From improving the controversial playoff format to redefining pit stop strategy, artificial intelligence could be the key to NASCAR’s next evolution. But the sport must tread carefully to avoid alienating the fans who have long fueled its growth.
So, is AI the future of NASCAR, or is it a step too far from its roots? For now, one thing is certain: NASCAR’s appetite for innovation, while controversial, is changing rapidly. It reflects the company’s commitment to remain competitive in the sports environment. Whether fans embrace or resist this change, the role AI has played in shaping the future of NASCAR is undeniable.
