Detroit, Michigan: May 1, 2009.
Over 200 business leaders from the international motorsports, automotive and aerospace communities gathered in Long Beach, recently, for the Motorsport Industry Association’s conference on energy efficiency.
Themed “The Race Goes Green!” - the conference brought together a wide variety of industry influencers to discuss how the business of racing can help develop and promote the use of new, energy efficient technologies.
Mike Jackson, Chairman and CEO of AutoNation, America's largest automotive retailer, gave a powerful keynote address. He said that motorsport has an important role in helping dealers sell cars and trucks, and that “going forward, those racing series that do not embrace technology to enhance performance are going to get left behind” and added “You don’t need, necessarily, to move specific racing technology to the car. As an automotive manufacturer, you can demonstrate (to consumers) your understanding of technology and what it can do to improve the performance of your particular vehicle.”
Supported by the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), and UK Trade and Investment, the conference featured other industry experts who discussed a wide range of issues from KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems) to virtual design and advanced tire technology.
Speakers and panelists included representatives from Michelin, Toyota, the Indy Racing League, the American LeMans Series, Xtrac, Wirth Research, Flybrid Systems, Braille Batteries, TTxGP and SEMA.
“As the voice of the global motor racing industry, the MIA promotes the wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies in motorsports to shorten test and development cycles for these new technologies” said Chris Aylett, MIA CEO, “success in motorsports already creates a positive image for green technologies amongst consumers.”
Motorsport is a well proven, intensive and high profile proving ground for the world’s leading mass-market car manufacturers, and will play a crucial role in developing, and promoting, green technologies.
“The Race Goes Green” conference took place April 16 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Please click here for the press release.
