Bridgestone supplies Autonomous Challenge

Bridgestone has formed a partnership with the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a global competition among university teams to programme a modified Dallara IL-15 race-car and compete in the world’s first autonomous high-speed, head-to-head race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Bridgestone will serve as the exclusive tyre supplier for the event, which is scheduled for 23 October 2021.

The company will work closely with the IAC and its participating teams on a collective vision to push the boundaries of self-driving car technology and increase public awareness of the impact that automation can have on society. This mission closely aligns with Bridgestone’s strategic shift to evolve its focus beyond tyres to provide sustainable mobility and advanced solutions that create new value for its customers and society.

“Bridgestone is committed to collaborating with innovative partners to pioneer active, intelligent and digitally-integrated technologies that improve the way people move, live, work and play,” said Paolo Ferrari, President and CEO, Bridgestone Americas. “The Indy Autonomous Challenge is a ground-breaking event bringing young engineering minds and industry leaders together to deliver the next generation of autonomous technology, and Bridgestone is proud to be part of this effort to move the world ahead.”

“The Indy Autonomous Challenge is about innovation to further technical excellence and inspiration to our university competitors, ” said Paul Mitchell, President and CEO of Energy Systems Network. “We are thrilled to welcome Bridgestone, a global company, who shares that passion for success.”

The IAC schedule will include race simulations and on-track practice sessions at IMS in 2021 leading up to the final race in October. More information can be found at www.indyautonomouschallenge.com.