IndyCar Series Extends, Expands With NTT: ‘AI and Data Intelligence Collaboration’
Friday, May 22, 2026 at 03:55PM By Barry Janoff
May 22, 2026: On the eve of the 110th running of the Indy 500, NTT, Inc., together with NTT Data Group Corp., have signed a renewal of its sponsorship of the NTT IndyCar Series.
NTT, a Japanese telecommunications company, has been the series’ title sponsor since 2019.
Financial terms were not shared.
“Our partnership has evolved from series‑level analytics into an enterprise‑wide AI and data intelligence collaboration,” Akira Shimada, NTT president and CEO, said via the company.
“In addition to powering race‑day analytics and enabling AI‑driven intelligence that supports safety, sustainability and decision‑making, NTT is applying data and AI at scale with our clients and partners to create a more connected, resilient and responsible future.”
Under the renewed agreement, NTT has expanded its role beyond race analytics and fan engagement to “provide advanced AI and data capabilities for Penske Entertainment and IndyCar. This includes AI-driven operations, real‑time decision intelligence and emissions visibility across IndyCar, the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and marquee events within the Penske Entertainment portfolio.”
According to IndyCar Series, “During a typical race weekend, including the Indianapolis 500, the NTT IndyCar Series generates billions of real‑time data points from cars, teams and track operations. NTT Data provides actionable insights to inform race control, operations teams, broadcast partners and event planners to support faster, more precise decisions.”
Penske Entertainment and NTT Data said they are “deploying AI to transform how fans experience IndyCar, starting with “Up To Speed.” This new AI‑powered feature will “delive smarter, more dynamic race insights to fans, alongside expanded real‑time data, content and digital experiences coming online throughout this season.
The new “Up To Speed” feature is available on the IndyCar App powered by NTT Data.
IndyCar said more than 700,000 new users have downloaded the reimagined IIndyCar App powered by NTT Data since its 2023 re-launch, “driving an overall usage increase of more than 30% with fans in more than 100 countries reflecting expanded international interest in motorsports.”
Photo: IndyCar Series“Leading into another iconic edition of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, we are thrilled to continue our world-class partnership with NTT,” Roger Penske, founder and chairman, said via Penske Corp..
“Their significant expertise as a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services is integral to how we build engagement across IndyCar’s fanbase and provide a top-notch customer experience at the Racing Capital of the World.”
According to Penske, “This is a partnership based on trust and a shared commitment to innovation and excellence, providing all the foundational attributes necessary for a long-term and highly successful relationship.”
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