IndyCar has formed alliances with several prominent technology companies to assist in the operation of the series. On Monday, the NTT IndyCar Series declared that it has appointed Cisco as the official partner of both the series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This collaboration will allow Penske Entertainment to utilize a wide range of technological offerings from the global technology corporation, including expert consulting services in almost every aspect of the technology industry. Network infrastructure, wireless services, cloud management, and much more are also included in the planned partnership.
Despite IndyCar already having a title partnership with NTT Data since 2019 and relying on that company for its technological needs, the new announcement with Cisco does not replace that agreement. NTT Data and Cisco have been close business partners for 33 years and recently announced additional collaboration with each other less than a month ago.
“The Penske Entertainment portfolio encompasses some of the most renowned races and venues in all of motorsports, and we are thrilled to expand our relationship with the existing client to continue delivering a wide range of Cisco technological solutions to meet the demands of their exceptional properties,” said Ashley Marusak, leader of Cisco, a prominent global company with a market capitalization of $193.5 billion. The partnership with IndyCar is expected to result in process improvements in various areas.
One specific application mentioned for IndyCar is the ability to use Webex for the numerous meetings and press conferences that take place throughout the year. Currently, IndyCar uses Zoom to host and record most media sessions and relies on a third party, ASAP Sports, to provide comprehensive transcripts with a quick turnaround.
In addition, Cisco will provide hospitality services at selected races throughout the season, including the upcoming Indianapolis 500. McLaren Racing, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Real Madrid F.C., and the National Football League are already partners of Cisco, showcasing the company’s extensive experience in the world of sports and its value as an asset in the American motorsport scene.
