FIRST Full Season In The Hybrid Technology Era Of The NTT INDYCAR SERIES

Chip Ganassi Racing's then two-time champion Alex Palou leads the field out in his Green & White No. 10 Dallara Honda on the first lap of the second and final Heat of the made for TV The Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge non-points paying race in Coachella Valley near Indio. He went on to win the race, money, and eventually his third series season championship. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2024)

FIRST Full Season In The Hybrid Technology Era Of The NTT INDYCAR SERIES

The 2025 season will feature 27 full time competitors from 11 different teams with the usual mash-up of drivers changing teams and past drivers with INDYCAR experience being able to rejoin the field.

One of the early notable races for points will be the addition of The THERMAL Club. the two previous years had the special private road track be a pre-season test bed followed with the next year having a non-points paying contest designed for TV "Heats" format race, including a large purse for the drivers to compete for. 

The race scheduled for the weekend starting Friday, March 21 through March 23, 2025, is the second race of the season after the tradition of Saint Petersburg, Florida. One has to assume that this too, will be a "Heats" format race - not the best look for an open wheel series on a dedicated road track.

Sometimes, what's best, it is good to preview official communications portals in order to get a gage on this upcoming season and the challenges that will confront the 27 driver field this season. As usual, the two lead dogs in terms of teams will again be Chip Ganassi Racing with Scott Dixon, Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson versus Team Penske with Will Power, Josef Newgarden, and Scott McLaughlin.

NTT INDYCAR Preview - Inside Line: What’s Under the Radar at St. Pete?

Today’s question NTT INDYCAR Preview: What is something under the radar to keep an eye on this weekend in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding (noon ET Sunday, FOX, FOX Deportes, INDYCAR Radio Network)?

Curt Cavin: I keep asking myself, who is the next big thing in this series? In a season-opening race with loads of faces in new places, I keep coming back to Christian Lundgaard joining Arrow McLaren. I’m not ready to say the 23-year Dane can win Sunday’s race, but he has a street circuit victory in this series – in Toronto in 2023 – and has raced well in St. Petersburg (two top-11 finishes with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing). In this season opener, Lundgaard will drive for an organization that has excelled in St. Petersburg the past two years. Pato O’Ward finished second in 2023 and won last year’s race; Alexander Rossi finished fourth and sixth, respectively.

Eric Smith: I feel like I’ve been on the Scott Dixon storyline all offseason, and I’d be remiss if I stopped entering the 2025 season opener. Remarkably, Dixon has reached victory lane 58 times at 28 different tracks but is 0-for-20 on the streets of St. Petersburg. However, the six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion has four podium finishes in his last eight starts on this track, and his seventh-place finish last season continued his streak of finishing eighth or better every year since 2016. Also, among the last seven victories for Dixon, four have come on city streets (Toronto 2022, Nashville 2023, Long Beach 2024, Detroit 2024). The Chip Ganassi Racing driver boasted a series-leading 3.0 average finish on street tracks last season. Add it up, and I think he’s primed to earn his fourth season-opening victory, joining 2003 and again in 2008 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to go along with 2020 at Texas Motor Speedway. He won three of his six championships in those seasons.

Paul Kelly: There are two “under the radar” stories I’m watching this weekend, mainly due to competition tweaks and how they will affect team’s strategies. One is the switch in Firestone’s weekend tire allotment at each event, as each team will get an additional set of Firestone Firehawk alternate-compound tires and one less set of Firestone Firehawk primary-compound tires, with five sets each. This may force teams to manage their tires more carefully over the weekend, especially at circuits where the primaries show an advantage. But the main “down low” story I’m watching is the ability for cars to restart on track – and now in the pits – without the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team due to the new hybrid units. There was only one street course race last season after the hybrid debuted in July at Mid-Ohio, at Toronto, so we really haven’t seen how fewer yellows at fraught, bumpy street circuits like St. Pete will change team’s fuel and tire strategies. But there is almost one certainty: The onboard starters will create more green flag action, something everyone wants.

ENDS

On a full season basis, here are the thoughts of two longtime paddock cruisers with their view upon what to expect - IndyStar's Nathan Brown and Joey Barnes, Founder - Motorsports Tribune. 

The Inside Line - Nathan Brown and Joey Barnes

In this episode of The Inside Line, Nathan Brown and Joey Barnes roll through each of the 11 full-time IndyCar teams on the grid in 2025 and ask their biggest questions facing them this season.

We at Motorsports Journal have a tremendous level of hope for a few mixes that have presented themselves with regards to teams and drivers combining to maybe shake things up.

Alexander Rossi - moving from Andretti Global to Arrow McLaren and now with his first year driving for long term owner/driver Ed Carpenter for Chevrolet. This mix can prove to be one of the biggest sleepers, especially at the INDY500.

Christian Lundgaard - stepping into the seat left vacant when Rossi decided to move on from Arrow McLaren. It was a shame that his promise didn't fully show itself when he was a Rookie Of The Year with RLL, but there were serious flashes of top-flight light.

Rinus Veekay - while losing a seat at Ed Carpenter Racing, Rinus lands as the primary driver at Dale Coyne Racing. More flashes of INDYCAR Rookie Of The Year verve left unrealized may get a magic vision for this Dutch talent.

Callum Ilott - a driver who left the series after 38 races yet managed 5 top 10s is returning with a first time NTT INDYCAR SERIES team with PREMA Racing. He has experience with teams efforts that are new to a series. His first exposure was driving a second car for then new Juncos Hollinger Racing. PREMA is new to INDYCAR, but not new as a racing organization. This F1 

David Malukas - this INDY NXT standout blew his grand chance last year to be with a top team when he landed a seat with Arrow McLaren, but broke his wrist in a bicycle accident and could not race until it healed. Arrow McLaren released him just after he was cleared and for 2025, he will be a teammate on AJ Foyt - Santino Ferrucci. Will he pop-up and deliver his hidden promise?

These drivers are all the hidden promises within a field of excellent standout drivers of accomplishment - will they break on through? The first race of a 17 event season begins this weekend with the new broadcast partner FOX Sports.

Christian Lundgaard's Arrow McLaren as it flashes by while testing at Sebring, Florida.
Image Credit: Chris Owens via NICS (2025)

As commented when someone on FB/META asked "Who is your pick to win St. Pete this weekend?" Motorsports Journal responded "Just throwin' a dart here - Arrow McLaren driver Christian Lundgaard."

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: 2025, NTT, INDYCAR SERIES, Championship, IndyStar, Joey Barnes, Nathan Brown, Will Buxton, Christian Lundgaard, Alexander Rossi, David Malukas, Callum Ilott, Rinus Veekay, The EDJE

ALEF - Flying Car: Pioneering The Future Of Urban Mobility

ALEF flying car in full motion flight after vertical lift-off from a driving surface. No airports required with an electric-powered platform that drives like a car and flies like an Osprey aircraft. Image Credit: Alef Aeronautics (2024)

ALEF - Flying Car: Pioneering The Future Of Urban Mobility

Designed for seamless street driving, vertical takeoff when needed, and flight above congested roadways, Alef is developing an innovative solution to modern traffic challenges.

With industry-leading software and built-in redundancies, Alef aims to deliver a safe and affordable vehicle that redefines everyday commutes. Utilizing proprietary technology, the company enables faster and more efficient travel without the need for traditional runways.

Why drive a busy, traffic signal controlled urban grid when one could simply launch straight up from the street bed and angle the platform to fly above it all until the destination is reached. Image Credit: ALEF Aeronautics (2025)

The vision for Alef began in 2015 when four technical innovators - Dr. Constantine Kisly, Pavel Markin, Oleg Petrov, and Jim Dukhovny - gathered at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto. What started as a simple sketch on a napkin quickly evolved into an ambitious endeavor to create the world’s first true flying car. However, the initial estimate of six months to build the prototype proved to be a significant understatement.

An interesting platform whose biggest tell that this "car" is designed to be doing something else completely different than just drive is the top surface of the car. A cris-cross grid of vanes allow for air to be sucked in and forced to the ground, lifting the platform as if it were a drone. Once elevated above the street and buildings, the driver/pilot can rotate both the passenger capsule and the body platform so that this car/platform can move quickly in a more horizontal fashion for quick destination arrival. Image Credit: ALEF Aeronautics (2025)

To bring the design to life, Alef enlisted renowned Swedish automotive designer Hirash Razaghi, known for his work on Bugatti and Jaguar vehicles. His expertise helped shape a modern, sporty aesthetic that blended both form and function.

In 2022, the company officially rebranded as “Alef” and launched its public-facing website, unveiling a clear mission and vision for the future of consumer transportation. The name "Alef" - derived from the first letter of the Phoenician, Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, and Syrian alphabets - symbolizes the company’s aspiration to lead the industry and redefine personal mobility.

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Alef’s innovation is guided by three core principles: the vehicle must function as a real car, capable of driving on standard roads and parking in regular spaces; it must have vertical takeoff capabilities, distinguishing it as a true flying car; and it must remain affordable, ensuring accessibility beyond just the wealthiest consumers.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with a revolutionary design, Alef is setting the stage for the next era of transportation - where the sky is no longer the limit.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: ALEF Aeronautics, ALEF, Flying Car, EV, VTOL, Osprey, horizontal flight, The EDJE

FOX TV Reveals Shiny New Toy Of INDYCAR During Super Bowl LIX

 

Super Bowl LIX Fox Sports ad campaign is artistic, informative and just a little bit edgy and most everyone likes it. Image Composite: Edmund Jenks via NICS (2025)

FOX TV Reveals Shiny New Toy Of INDYCAR During Super Bowl LIX

In front of the largest crowd of viewers ever recorded by the venerable ratings organization, Nielsen - rated at 126 million viewers, FOX TV revealed, as if they were running the auctions in Arizona by removing a car cover with flair, their biggest commitment to motor culture in 2025 - the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

In an evening that could have been marked through its disappointments of lopsided score - niche market music performer missing the ability to seize the audience - lack of buzz-worthy $8 Million per 30 second commercials & etc., FOX TV promotions department previewed and made a star out of its recent season long broadcast rights agreement with Penske Entertainment and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES emerged as one of the biggest winners of this weekend's FOX Sports Super Bowl broadcast, thanks to a series of high-impact, well written, and tightly produced three-spot ad campaign. The campaign, which introduced the open-wheel racing series to a much broader sports & culture focused audience, was widely praised by fans and industry insiders alike.

What was one of the most noticeable aspects of the campaign theme was that there was a heavy focus on capturing the unique personalities of the racers, highlighting their extraordinary skill, courage, and commitment, wrapped in the tagline, "The Fastest Racing on Earth," reinforcing IndyCar’s identity as a premier professional motorsports spectacle. The commercials were truly engaging even if one was not originally a motor culture maven.

The campaign's success coincides with a major shift in IndyCar’s broadcast landscape, as Roger Penske and Mark Miles secured a landmark all-network deal with FOX beginning this year here in 2025. This agreement is expected to significantly elevate the sport’s visibility and accessibility, positioning it for a new era of growth.

The campaign also stands out for its strategic execution across multiple platforms, including broadcast, web, and social media. It marks a significant step forward in IndyCar’s marketing efforts, reminiscent of past high-profile campaigns. Industry veterans who have been involved in IndyCar advertising and marketing since the early 1990s noted the effectiveness of the new approach, comparing it to earlier efforts that celebrated the emotional projection of the sport.

Now that this marker has been set, it would be immensely enjoyable to have this approach and assets applied to not only the drivers in the series, but to have it applied to the other two stars of this most dynamic set of trials over the course of a championship season - racing platform technology & racing venues and the styles of team effort it takes to compete at this level on temporary street circuits, dedicated road courses, small and high-speed endurance oval tracks.

If a little bit is good, more is better ... as we look forward with anticipation to seeing more content, revealed with flair, from this group of very talented communications artists at FOX Sports and their collaborators Special Group.

... notes from The EDJE

P.S.

One suspects that since FOX TV owned the rights to broadcasting the Super Bowl, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES ads, produced by the creative team at FOX Sports and Special Group, were aired for free.

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TAGS: FOX TV, FOX Sports, Special Group Agency, NTT, INDYCAR SERIES, Championship, Pato O'Ward, Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, Super Bowl LIX, The EDJE

Liquid Hydrogen Is The Racetrack Energy Source Objective Of Mission H24

At Hyvolution Paris, in Hall 4 of the Parc des Expos, the MissionH24 stand attracted a large number of visitors shortly after midday on January 28th. Around the H24EVO, a hydrogen prototype, specialists in this energy carrier, motorsport players, media, institutional representatives, researchers… Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and Co-Chairman of MissionH24, Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and Co-Chairman of MissionH24, Bassel Aslan, Technical Director of MissionH24, and Nicolas Aubourg, Head of Performance and Chassis Research and Development for the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, shared their experience and objectives in terms of energy transition via hydrogen with the assembled audience. Image Credit: MissionH24 (2025)

Liquid Hydrogen Is The Racetrack Energy Source Objective Of Mission H24

Since 2018 and the launch of the program in collaboration between Automobile Club de l'Ouest and H24Project, the deployment of competitive hydrogen has been evident. 

After introducing gas hydrogen on the track, participating in Endurance races, refueled with a dedicated H2 mobile system, sharing its research with numerous institutions, MissionH24 explores a new track: liquid hydrogen.

January 2025 marks the beginning of the new era of developmental efforts at Mission H24.

TRANSLATION FB/META Exhibit:

During the screening of the @24heuresdumans film, Bassel Aslan, technical director of #MissionH24 and @armeedelair pilot of the program in collaboration between the ACO and H24Project, were accompanied by Commander Julien, who in April during an exchange between @adrientambay and Space and the ACO on the energy transition, had presented his PC21 to @stefrichelmi before riding on board the H24.

On stage, Commander Julien and Adrien Tambay explained the role of the Air and Space Force and the 24 Hours of Mans in the energy transition.

ENDS

Safe, reliable, efficient, controlled, decarbonized, the hydrogen electric solution applied to mobility is one of the keys to the ecological transition of transport. It is particularly suitable for use in Endurance that requires high power and high autonomy.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: 24 Heures du Mans, Pierre Fillon, ACO, FIA, WEC, FIA, TotalEnergies x Racing, Michelin Motorsport, Dietsmann. Richard Mille, Multimatic Motorsports, Bosch Motorsport. MOMO, Hyvolution Paris, The EDJE

New Company Gove Sets Effort On Flying Cars Mobility Reality

 

Govy AirJet concept from GAC Group seeks to make flying cars a reality by 2027. Image Credit: GAC Group (2025)

New Company Gove Sets Effort On Flying Cars Mobility Reality

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer and the fifth largest automobile manufacturer in China, announces the launch of a new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) brand called Gove, focused on investing in sustainable air transportation.

Flying cars may be even closer than we expect, the company will focus on the design and production of flying cars, with the new AirJet currently being its flagship model. This electrically powered air taxi is said to be able to fly for up to 200 kilometers (124 miles), making it suitable for long journeys.

The AirCar, GAC Group's first ongoing development, is designed for zero-emission trips up to 20 km (12.4 miles). Image Credit: GAC Group (2024)

BACKGROUND:

In 2023, GAC unveiled a groundbreaking EV/eVTOL combo vehicle called “Gove,” a name derived from the words “GAC, On the Go, Vertical, and EV.” The Gove made its debut during GAC’s Tech Day Event in June 2023, where it was showcased to an eager audience. The company expressed its vision for the Gove to become a cornerstone of its future mobility lineup.

Since then, updates have been sparse, although we do know that GAC has rebranded the Gove as “AirCar.”

This name change is unsurprising, given the challenges faced by companies developing standalone eVTOLs. Achieving the necessary certifications and building infrastructure for commercial air taxi services is already a significant hurdle. Combining a road-capable EV with an eVTOL component adds even more complexity to the equation.

Among its peers, Chinese automaker XPeng seems closest to overcoming these challenges. Through its eVTOL venture AeroHT, XPeng is developing the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” an EV/eVTOL hybrid projected to enter scaled production by 2026.

XPENG AEROHT’s ‘modular flying car’ (carrier transport with eVTOL aircraft) will enter mass production, pre-orders begin in Q4. The aircraft module (as seen at CES2025) features a small two-person cockpit made from lightweight carbon fiber and has a six-rotor design with foldable propellers and arms. It can be driven manually or autonomously, and more than 200 units are currently being tested.Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Meanwhile, GAC appears to still be refining the AirCar. In addition, the company is expanding its portfolio with a second model, the AirJet, which debuted under its newly established eVTOL-focused business arm, Gove.

The AirJet comprises over 90% carbon fiber, weighing just one-third of a car body of the same size while being efficient and suitable for longer flights. The vertical lift-offs and transitional rotors of eVTOLs allow for efficient and clean cruising through the air, per Interesting Engineering.

Being made of composite materials also makes it easy to produce on a large scale. It can reach a speed of up to 155 mph and is designed for users' diverse travel needs, from ground to low altitude.

Current projections for the eVTOL industry show estimates of growth reaching over $23.4 billion by the year 2030 per Markets and Markets. Generally touted by its enthusiasts as a sustainable industry and friendly for the environment, models like the AirJet focus on advancing efficiency and lessening environmental concerns. 

GAC plans to secure certification for its flying cars, set up production lines, and begin pre-orders for the AirJet and AirCar sometime in 2025. The company also plans to demonstrate operations for its future products in Greater Bay Area cities by 2027.

(ht: TheCoolDown & electrek)

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: CES, China, Electric Vehicles, Xpeng AeroHT, GAC Group, AirCar, AirJet Gove, eVTOL, The EDJE

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix: Penske Entertainment Set To Manage 2025 Season-Ending Race Weekend

Colton Herta wins the 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Speedway oval track season finale. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2024)

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix: Penske Entertainment Set To Manage 2025 Season-Ending Race Weekend

As Penske Entertainment takes over event promoter of the season-ending event race weekend, Big Machine will continue as the event's entitlement partner, enhancing its connection to the entertainment industry and downtown Nashville. Anne Fischgrund, an executive at Penske Entertainment, has been appointed president of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.

Big Machine, which served as the original entitlement partner during the event's first three editions, also played a key role in its promotion when the race transitioned to Nashville Superspeedway last year. Moving forward, the company's continued involvement will bring exciting musical programming and a platform to showcase its artists, products, and community initiatives. Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine, will act as a liaison to Nashville's entertainment community and civic leaders, ensuring the event remains strongly tied to the Music City.

After a successful debut at the iconic Nashville Superspeedway last season, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix will continue as the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES finale. The race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31, with a national broadcast on FOX. The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone finale will precede the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship race on the same day.

Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles praised the partnership with Big Machine, stating, “Year one at Nashville Superspeedway was a tremendous success, thanks in great part to the terrific partnership and strong leadership exhibited by Scott Borchetta and his team at Big Machine. As we grow our event portfolio at Penske Entertainment, it’s strategically important to take the reins of our season finale at such an exciting and renowned racetrack. And to see the relationship with Big Machine carry forward through this continued partnership only underscores the growth opportunities before us in the Music City.”

In 2024, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix championship finale set records at Nashville Superspeedway, delivering the highest on-track passing numbers in the series' history. Colton Herta secured his first win on an oval, while Alex Palou celebrated his third NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. The event also featured a vibrant street festival in Nashville, including the Battle on Broadway Pit Stop Challenge, which kicked off the championship weekend.

Scott Borchetta expressed his enthusiasm for the event's future, stating, “We are very proud to continue our relationship with INDYCAR and build from our record-breaking 2024 season finale as the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix becomes a true crown jewel for Nashville, Middle Tennessee, and global motorsports fans. We will also continue to produce the incredibly successful downtown street party, which will serve as the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix kickoff event, on Friday, Aug. 29, so make plans to be with us!”

Anne Fischgrund, a veteran motorsports executive, has assumed the role of president of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. She brings extensive experience, having served as the general manager of the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway. Fischgrund is relocating from Indianapolis to Nashville for this position.

Penske Entertainment remains committed to enhancing the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar through strategic investments and partnerships. Recent developments include the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, a joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, and the acquisition of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in April.

The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will feature all 17 races broadcast on FOX, starting with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES remains the only premier motorsport series in North America with all races televised on network television.

... notes from The EDJE





TAGS: Penske Entertainment, Big Machine, Scott Borchetta, Nashville Speedway, Anne Fischgrund, Music City, 2025, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, The EDJE

INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

Here is an image of the first car - Autonomous Tiger Racing (ATR) No. 34 - we encountered on the track during our visit to the INDY Autonomous Challenge held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during CES2025. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a global leader in high-speed autonomy, returned to CES 2025 with groundbreaking developments, including the introduction of multicar racing and the future of physical AI. Held on January 9, 2025, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from 2-4 PM PST, the Autonomous Challenge at CES 2025 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous technologies, offering attendees an unparalleled view of AI's progress in high-speed motorsport.

Anxious and ready to attempt a first-time multiple car autonomous trial in a 20 lap match. UNIMORE Racing No. 6 became the first winner of the Tier 3 structure challenge where multiple cars not only attempt to pass, but win against the four teams that threw their hats into the ring. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Imagine making this annual pilgrimage to the Consumer Electronics Show and be inundated with AI (Artificial Intelligence) messages being communicated and attached to virtually every item on the floor. Heck, there were folks in stands trying to attach their products, however analog, to having a role in an AI world. 

Then, after a couple of days watching AI solutions show themselves on displays and screens, to have the opportunity to watch teams field their work in an extreme three-dimensional environment such as a race track featuring open wheel racecars? These techies seemed to have died and gone to AI heaven.

The trek to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway proved to be worthwhile even if the weather for this desert destination was a bit chillier than expected. Camaraderie and expectation were the notes of the day echoed between attendees and teams set up in the Hot Pits. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

A New Era of AI Racing: Multicar Showdown and Tiered Competitions

Building on its historic introduction of head-to-head autonomous racing at CES three years prior, the IAC achieved another milestone during CES 2025 with a multicar exhibition race. Teams ran 3-4 autonomous racecars simultaneously in a thrilling 20-lap format, demonstrating not only individual car performance but also the capability of AI systems to manage complex multi-agent interactions at high speed.

Team lead for Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer - California Institute of Technology Autonomous Driver No. 8, Matt Anderson. As team lead, Matt, who hails from Sydney Australia, was responsible for controlling the E-Stop (emergency stop) button which brings the autonomous racing platform to a complete stop much quicker than any human driver would be able to do given that, once the button is pushed full force, the control is applied 100 times a second with race grade ABS braking systems. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer Autonomous Driver No. 8 was able to set a platform best Tier 1 speed of 145mph, about 20 mph faster than previous IAC trial sessions. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The event featured a progressive three-tiered structure that allowed teams at all experience levels to compete and push the boundaries of their AI Driver development:

 
Tier 1: Single-car time trials, where teams showcased the stability of their AI Drivers at extreme high speeds.

 
Tier 2: A two-car passing competition, designed to test strategic racing and AI adaptability in head-to-head scenarios.

 
Tier 3: The multicar racing event, where 3-4 racecars competed in an open racing format, challenging the limits of AI Driver multi-agent interaction and high-speed decision-making.

AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 - a collaboration between University of California Berkeley, with University of Hawai’i (UH), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), & Carnegie Mellon University in a group photo celebrating their Tier 2 accomplishment of an on-track pass timed just before the Start Finish line (image below). Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Tier 2 trials pass of Purdue AI Racing - Purdue University No. 2 by AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 just before the LVMS Start Finish line. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

End of a very successful CES 2025 trial at LVMS for AI Racing Tech (ART) Autonomous Driver No. 7 in the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

This structure provided a platform for progressive competition, ensuring all teams had the opportunity to demonstrate their advancements in autonomous racing.
New Teams and Exciting Partnerships

The IAC welcomed two new university teams, Indiana University and the California Institute of Technology, bringing the total number of participating teams to ten. These additions enriched the competition, expanding the global pool of talent and expertise working to advance high-speed autonomy on a shared AI and robotics platform.

In collaboration with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the IAC served as an official test and evaluation platform to enhance AI training for autonomous systems. This initiative is part of DARPA’s Transfer Learning from Imprecise and Abstract Models to Autonomous Technologies (TIAMAT) program, which aims to bridge the “simulation to real” gap in AI development.

Starlink communications from Elon Musk's SpaceX allows instantaneous 2-way inputs in this mobile AI world of the IU Luddy No. 10 when the car is on track. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Pioneering the Future of Physical AI

“The Indy Autonomous Challenge is truly leading the charge in the physical AI revolution,” said Paul Mitchell, President of the Indy Autonomous Challenge. “By pushing the limits of autonomous technology on the racetrack, we’re not just developing AI that can drive racecars - we’re creating systems with applications ranging from aviation to autonomous vehicles and robotics. The race at CES showcased cutting-edge innovation and highlighted what can be achieved when government, academia, and industry unite to tackle some of the biggest tech challenges of our time.” 

The 2025 IAC race at CES solidified its role as a premier event in autonomous racing, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI and its future applications across industries.

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) made history at CES 2025 with the world’s first successful completion of a multi-car autonomous race. This groundbreaking event held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked a major milestone in the evolution of physical AI and autonomous racing, with four IAC AV-24 fully autonomous racecars piloted by AI Drivers from top global university teams competing head-to-head in a 20-lap exhibition race. The race ended in a thrilling side-by-side photo finish, with UNIMORE Racing crossing the finish line less than three-tenths of a second faster than Cavalier Autonomous Racing. Watch livestream video starting at the end of Lap 17 of 20 Laps.

The multi-car exhibition race not only showcased impressive advancements in AI Driver capabilities but also highlighted how the IAC is advancing technology to improve the safety of high-speed autonomy. For the first time in the history of motorsports racing, four autonomous racecars completed a full race with multiple overtakes and no accidents. This demonstrated how autonomous systems can navigate extreme speeds while also safely managing complex multi-agent interactions in real-time.

“Since our first race in 2021, the IAC and our university teams have been making history with the world’s fastest autonomous racecars, from setting speed records to introducing the world to head-to-head autonomous racing,” said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO, Indy Autonomous Challenge. “But our goal has always been multi-agent racing, so being the first to have all our AI Drivers complete a race and do so with five overtakes, no accidents, and a nose-to-nose finish is a testament to the progress of the IAC’s global ecosystem of highly talented university researchers, industry partners, and government supporters.”  

We fully understand that AI autonomous racing will never really deeply connect with a Human fan-base as actual racing in vehicles controlled by analog decision-making of a Human driver. There is no "skin" in the game. However, we further understand that autonomous vehicle travel will never become a reality if this type of movement and mobility control isn't pushed to its extremes as race testing on a track against development teams in numbered cars - everything an AI Driver needs.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Indy Autonomous Challenge, IAC, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, CES 2025, Paul Mitchell, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Mobility, Racing, The EDJE

Fiat Topolino EV: A Microcar Designed For Our Expanding Defined Community Times

Tucked off to the side in the Stellantis stand at AutoMobility LA (Press Day at the LA Auto Show) was a first time preview of this EV microcar defined community run-a-bout. The Fiat Topolino quadricycle - first introduced in Italy side-by-side with the 600E on July 4th, 2023 - was designed for a broad audience living in defined spaces, including younger customers, families, and city enthusiasts The Topolino is produced in two models - pictured is the *Dolce Vita* open cockpit configuration. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2024)

Fiat Topolino EV: A Microcar Designed For Our Expanding Defined Community Times

Ahhhhh, the microcar - an answer to bringing fun and a spirit of celebration of motor culture to a new age in mobility.

As much of our population is aging and moving into planned communities, or younger generations are looking for easy solutions in EV mobility that are much more civil and useful than a scooter or electric bicycle, or holiday destinations with tight and charming footprints as found in Southern California's Catalina Island, the microcar seems to be a perfect solution. So says Hoofddorp, Netherlands based automobile manufacturing aggregator Stellantis with its introduction of the Fiat Topolino.

The good life becomes an exposé with the EV Fiat Topolino microcar. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023) 

This edited and posted from a press release produced for Mexico City with the introduction of the Topolino outside of Italy ...

**Stellantis Mexico: New Fiat Topolino - The Most Beautiful Way to Electrify Cities**  

The Fiat Topolino, a name that once pioneered urban mobility, is now set to lead sustainable urban mobility.  

**Designed for the City**  

The Topolino expands mobility and freedom, even for younger users.  

100% electric, it represents another step in the brand's journey toward electrification.  

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FIAT has unveiled the name and the first image of its new sustainable urban mobility solution: the Topolino.  

This fully electric quadricycle/microcar is ready to contribute to the growth of urban electric mobility, offering an accessible and entirely electric version that encapsulates the charm of the Fiat 500.  

On the webpage dedicated to Fiat accessories or optional accessories are available at Fiat Topolino dealers: one bag storage, fan USB, speaker Bluetooth, water bottle thermal and two seat covers which, if necessary, are transformed into beach towels. All in Green Life color. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023)

This renowned and evocative name, which originally paved the way for urban mobility, instantly recalls the first Fiat 500. Produced by FIAT from 1936 to 1955, the Fiat 500, commonly known as "Topolino," essentially invented the concept of personal mobility.  

The new Topolino perfectly embodies the *Dolce Vita* and FIAT's Italian spirit. Designed to bring a smile to your face, the Topolino brings a new vision of *Dolce Vita* to the streets—joy, optimism, and fun. It is a new electric mobility device designed for a broad audience, including younger customers, families, and city enthusiasts.

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**More Than Mobility**  

The Topolino is more than a mobility device. Thanks to its charming design, suitable for all generations, it will make younger generations fall in love with cars again.  

ENDS

Fiat Topolino with doors and sunroof for greater security and protection from the elements while driving around high-density environments. Image Credit: MotoriQuotidiano (July 2023) 

The Topolino is also a fully enclosed vehicle for a higher level of protection while rolling along in tight urban community cityscapes.

This microcar stands out for extremely small dimensions - dimensioni ridotte - compared to a car with its roughly 8.5 feet in length. It focuses on handling, without stress with the maximum speed to roughly 28 mph.

Both versions can be purchased at a price estimate at  starting from around $12,000, to which, if available, the federal and/or state incentives dedicated to electric quadricycles may be applied.

Top Speed - 28 mph (45 Kilometers per Hour ≈ 27.961704 Miles per Hour)

0-28 mph - 10 seconds

Range - 45 Miles (75 Kilometers ≈ 46.602839 Miles)

Charge From Zero - 4 Hours

These highlights are interesting and help to narrow the focus and target market for its application & use.

Microcars are reshaping urban mobility, providing a compact and eco-conscious response to the pressing challenges of modern cities. Their diminutive size, impressive fuel efficiency, and affordability directly combat issues like traffic congestion and environmental degradation. More than just a mode of transportation, microcars represent a forward-thinking commitment to smarter and cleaner urban living.

Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including electric powertrains, smart connectivity, and the potential for autonomous driving, these vehicles are key drivers in the ongoing evolution of urban transportation. By adopting microcars, cities can enhance connectivity, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability. Their versatility makes them ideal for age-focused and holiday communities, as well as high-density urban areas, offering a transformative step toward an inclusive, eco-friendly urban future.

Love the motor culture statement this car makes - who needs an E-scooter when one can sit & ride in a Topolino (closed) or Topolino Dolcevita (open) models.

The point of modern "mobility" isn't to just get from point "A" to point "B", but to celebrate life with enhanced technology tools and solutions that have this experience to become special. Motor Culture and living the good life - as the Italians say Dolce Vita - is the key found through this quadricycle/microcar design and power option format. 

... notes from The EDJE 

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TAGS: AutoMobility LA 2024, Fiat, Topolino, Dolcevita, Stellantis, Microcar, quadricycle, holiday, planned communities, urban cityscapes, EVHN, The EDJE