Racing Legend Boards AI Bandwagon, Days After NASCAR’s Got Trashed Over Controversial Statements

Artificial intelligence is taking over industries worldwide, but its potential impact on NASCAR has sparked major controversy. NASCAR’s leadership recently expressed interest in using AI to tweak the playoff system, a move that left fans fuming. Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, defended the decision, saying AI could help predict the effects of changes to the sport’s format.

“When we created the playoff format, we used the best data and minds we had. But now, we can plug in AI and see what happens when we tweak the playoffs,” O’Donnell said. While NASCAR viewed this as a step toward innovation, many fans saw it as another example of executives ignoring their concerns. As NASCAR battled criticism over its AI plans, another motorsports giant took a different approach. Just days after NASCAR’s controversy, an IndyCar powerhouse makes headlines by embracing AI in a groundbreaking partnership.

Notably, IndyCar has long been seen as a place where innovation meets tradition. Now, Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has taken that philosophy to a new level by teaming up with OpenAI. The partnership makes CGR the first motorsports team to collaborate with OpenAI, a company leading the charge in artificial intelligence. Ganassi’s decision isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It is about staying ahead.

The team, which had won back-to-back IndyCar championships, believes that AI could be a game-changer. Their partnership with OpenAI focuses on improving performance, both on and off the track. From race strategies to front-office operations, AI could help optimize every aspect of the team. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was just as excited. “Racing has always been a proving ground for innovation. We’re eager to see how AI technology can contribute,” he said in a statement.

Ganassi’s move shows that AI wasn’t just about reconfiguring rules—it could be used to enhance performance without changing the core of the sport. However, despite the backlash, NASCAR didn’t back down. The organization had already been exploring AI in various ways. For years, it had used AI-driven technology for automated highlights through WSC Sports. NASCAR has also partnered with Satisfi Labs to create an AI-powered chat function on its website.

O’Donnell remained firm in NASCAR’s AI direction. “We’ve got a dedicated group solely focused on AI,” he said. He emphasized that NASCAR wanted to take things one step at a time and do it right. But he also made it clear—AI wasn’t going anywhere. Notably, in 2024, NASCAR constituted a committee to identify the uses and the ways they can integrate AI into the sport. The potential uses for AI extend beyond just rule changes.

NASCAR is also considering how AI could enhance the fan experience. Sponsors and track operators are already looking at ways to integrate AI into sports marketing strategies. As NASCAR navigates its AI controversy, IndyCar has its own drama unfolding. Chip Ganassi Racing, fresh off its OpenAI partnership, is now facing backlash over a controversial driver decision.

Chip Ganassi Racing’s controversial driver shake-up

While Chip Ganassi Racing is making headlines for its AI deal, it is also under fire for a shocking decision that left fans frustrated. The team unexpectedly terminated Linus Lundqvist’s contract, leaving the 2024 IndyCar Rookie of the Year without a ride for the 2025 season. Lundqvist, the 2022 Indy NXT champion, had shown promise in his first full IndyCar season. He secured his first career podium at Barber Motorsports Park and later earned pole position at Road America.

Despite a rocky start, he finished the season with two podiums and multiple top-10 finishes. Yet, despite outperforming some of his teammates, the team cut him just weeks before the new season. The move blindsided Lundqvist, who claimed Ganassi informed him of his release in January—months after finalizing its 2025 driver lineup. “I was under the impression that I had a multi-year deal. To find out this late that I wouldn’t be part of the team anymore is disappointing,” Lundqvist said.

The situation has fueled speculation about the reasoning behind Ganassi’s decision. Some believe sponsorship and funding played a role in keeping Simpson, while others argue it was simply a tough business decision. Regardless, Lundqvist’s departure leaves a promising young talent without a seat in 2025.