Tag: NTT Data

NTT, Indycar Extend Title Agreement

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From Indycar and NTT this morning:

NTT, NTT DATA, INDYCAR Extend
Entitlement Partnership with Multiyear Agreement  
  Entitlement extension for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES officially commences in 2024 after completion of the current agreement. NTT and NTT DATA continue as the Official Technology Partner of INDYCAR, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR Brickyard weekend. Leading global technology and business solutions provider has benefited the sport through its Smart Venue application at IMS, enhanced mobile app and continued digital transformation of the sport. DETROIT (Monday, March 27, 2023) – NTT, a leading global technology and business solutions provider, and NTT DATA have extended the entitlement partnership with INDYCAR, North America’s premier open-wheel motorsports series, through a multiyear agreement that also includes official technology partner status. NTT has been the title sponsor of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2019 and will continue in that capacity with this multiyear extension that goes into effect in 2024. NTT and NTT DATA will continue as the Official Technology Partner for INDYCAR, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR Brickyard weekend. “NTT is an excellent partner across our enterprise with strong expertise and a deep commitment to our sport,” said Roger Penske, chairman, Penske Corporation. “From Smart Venue technology at the Racing Capital of the World to the reimagined series mobile application, NTT is transforming the fan experience in new and innovative ways. We look forward to a bright future together.” NTT helps organizations like INDYCAR with its digital transformations and remains committed to accelerating the future of sports. Of note, NTT’s Smart Solutions use proprietary technology to consume, analyze and transform massive amounts of data and deliver valuable insights.

“INDYCAR is a great partner for NTT DATA because of our shared commitment to driving innovation, increasing sustainability and delivering amazing experiences,” said Kaz Nishihata, chief executive officer, NTT DATA, Inc. “We also appreciate how INDYCAR is so diverse, with drivers from 15 different countries, and races that range from short ovals and superspeedways to road and street courses. It’s both an incredible sport and a wonderful example for our world.”

Some of the highlights of NTT and NTT DATA’s commitment to accelerating the sport’s future include:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a Smart Venue: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled optical detection technologies, combined with real-time entry gate flow rate data, provide the IMS operations and security teams more insight into current and possible scenarios at the historic venue. The technology allows the staff to see a broader venue picture in real time ranging from visitor and traffic flow to congestion points and security. At-gate IMS personnel also have mobile point-of-sale capabilities at their fingertips for digital ticketing and parking transactions – all to help manage the event venue more safely and efficiently. It also provides fans attending one of the world’s largest-attended, single-day events with real-time entry gate wait times through the IMS app and website.

INDYCAR App Enhancements and Growth: Powered by NTT DATA since 2019, the INDYCAR App has made dramatic gains in functionality, features and use. Over the last three years, downloads have grown by nearly 50 percent with users representing more than 200 countries and territories. A new version debuted for the start of this NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with a modernized look, upgraded navigation, and enhanced pre-race, live race and post-race experiences. It also returned fan favorite features such as driver-specific telemetry, live timing and scoring, multiple in-car cameras and driver-to-team radio communication. The INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA is free and available for download from the iOS App Store or Google Play.

INDYCAR Data Experience: NTT is providing fans with more race and driver data than ever before through multiple channels, including the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA and NBC television broadcasts. Utilizing 140 different data points from each car in the field and also the track, NTT delivers real-time, data-driven racing insights for fans to better consume and understand how a race is unfolding. AI and predictive data analytics allow NTT to provide fans real-time access to key in race aspects such as head-to-head driver battles for position, pit stop performance impact, fuel strategies and tire wear, leaderboard predictions, weather impact and much more.

“The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will continue to be a hub for progress and discovery with the extension of this world-class partnership,” said Mark Miles, president & chief executive officer, Penske Entertainment.

“NTT is fully invested in the development and growth of our sport and has already established a terrific track record in our industry with problem-solving capabilities and access to top talent and tools.”

INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES have also been important partners to NTT. The sanctioning body and series have provided NTT with valuable opportunities for brand awareness, client engagement and a range of business-to-business (B2B) initiatives while spearheading a digital transformation within the industry. NTT also values its Penske Corporation business partnership as an important B2B platform. Participation in INDYCAR’s ongoing sustainability initiatives remains important as the relationships extend.

“As INDYCAR’s Technology Partner, we’re thrilled to continue our collaborations that enhance and expand the fan experience for motorsports and serve as proof points for data analytics, AI and other innovative digital technologies,” said Bob Pryor, chief executive officer, NTT DATA Services. “For more than a century, this racing series has pioneered innovations making driving safer for everyone, and by continuing this relationship, we will accelerate the pace of innovations and new technologies, particularly related to sustainability that ultimately can benefit organizations, communities and individuals around the world.”

To learn more about the NTT INDYCAR SERIES visit: https://us.nttdata.com/en/about-us/content/ntt-indycar-series.

About INDYCAR INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – including two-time and reigning series champion Will Power, six-time series champion Scott Dixon, two-time series champion Josef Newgarden, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves and reigning 500 winner Marcus Ericsson – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The 2023 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com. For more information on INDY NXT by Firestone, please visit www.indynxt.com.

About NTT NTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and business as a mobile operator, technology infrastructure, consulting, and network provider.  Our services include digital business consulting and managed services for applications, workplace, cloud, data center and networks, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. As a top 5 global technology and business solutions provider, our diverse teams operate in 80+ countries and regions and deliver services to over 190 of them. We serve over 80% of Fortune Global 100 companies and thousands of other clients and communities around the world.

About NTT DATA NTT DATA is a $30 billion trusted global innovator of IT and business services. We help clients transform through business and technology consulting, industry and digital solutions, applications development and management, managed edge-to-cloud infrastructure services, BPO, systems integration and global data centers. We are committed to our clients’ long-term success and combine global reach with local client service in over 80 countries. Visit nttdata.com or LinkedIn to learn more.  

New-Look INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA Available Now

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I just installed the new app and I like what I’ve seen so far.

From Indycar:

Many Innovative Features Bring Action, Excitement to Fans Everywhere

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, March 2, 2023) – INDYCAR and NTT DATA have joined forces to reimagine and redesign the popular INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA, with the new-look app available now internationally for all Android and iOS devices.

The INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA gives fans the insider’s edge on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, North America’s premier open-wheel championship and one of the most competitive racing series globally. With the power of NTT DATA’s best-in-class mobile technology, the INDYCAR App in 2023 provides a better experience for fans by fully capitalizing on the capabilities of modern iOS and Android devices and platforms.

“While downloads and use of the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA grew to unprecedented levels in 2022, we wanted to continue to work with our innovative partner NTT DATA to make this an even more essential way for fans to follow the world’s most exciting racing series,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp. “Mobile continues to be one of the most popular ways to engage our new and existing fans, and we want to bring the action, excitement and personalities of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to our fans wherever they are, whenever they want.”

Among the highlights and features of the new INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA:

  • Live timing and scoring leaderboard data in near-real time, with an enhanced 2D track map and driver-specific telemetry information
  • Single sign-on feature for fans to seamlessly enjoy the race across multiple Android and/or iOS devices, connect through social channels and access premium features
  • Exclusive livestream videos, along with highlight clips, race recaps and video features
  • Integration with INDYCAR Fantasy Challenge driven by Firestone, the official fantasy racing game of INDYCAR
  • New for 2023: Users can select multiple favorite drivers and teams, allowing fans to stay up to date on what matters most to them
  • A minimum of 11 in-car cameras during the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and up to 15 in-car cameras for select races
  • Detailed schedule with a list of races, locations, session times and broadcast channels for the entire season
  • Race-specific content, including INDYCAR’s interactive spotter guide, pit assignments and the full weekend schedule
  • Custom push notifications for race start times, news updates, special announcements and more

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Penske Entertainment to bring new digital technologies to help expand and enhance the racing experience, especially on race day. That’s what the redesigned NTT INDYCAR Series mobile app accomplishes,” NTT DATA Services CEO Bob Pryor said. “We expect INDYCAR’s passionate fan base will appreciate the new app to debut now, so they can have it on hand for the 2023 season opener, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.”

The robust new app debuts just before the 2023 season opener, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on March 3-5 at St. Petersburg, Florida. Fans can download it at Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. The app automatically will update for existing users who have automatic updates turned on their devices. This new app launch comes after the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA reached more fans than ever in the 2022 season. Growth increased to 68,000+ users on race weekends, and over 110,000+ users during the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, both all-time records. There were more than 188,000 new app downloads in 2022, the most in a single racing season

AMSP Adds NTT Data to Car 6; Kanaan Joins for 500

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Tony Kanaan at IMS testing

Last night I learned that NTT Data had parted ways with Chip Ganassi Racing. Today AMSP announces the company as their new multi year sponsor.

The news release from Arrow McLaren SP:

“NTT DATA joining our great group of partners is a huge boost for Arrow McLaren SP”

November 1, 2022

McLaren Racing and NTT DATA today announced a multiyear partnership with Arrow McLaren SP beginning with the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season on the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, driven by Felix Rosenqvist.  In addition, NTT DATA will partner with Arrow McLaren SP on a fourth car entry in the 2023 Indianapolis 500 with Tony Kanaan, who will be racing in his 22nd Indy 500.

NTT DATA will be the Lead Partner on Felix’s No. 6 Chevrolet for 10 races in the 2023 season, highlighted by the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, NTT DATA’s home race at Texas Motor Speedway, the Indy 500, Music City Grand Prix on the Streets of Nashville and the season finale at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. In addition to Felix’s Indy 500 entry, NTT DATA will be a major sponsor on Tony’s Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet for the world-renowned race.

The NTT DATA brand will be represented on Felix’s fire suit and team kit throughout the 2023 season. The global technology and business solutions provider will also serve as the Official IT Services Partner for the team’s operations and have associate branding on the cars of Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi.

NTT DATA’s parent company NTT has been the title sponsor of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2019 and is committed to delivering innovation and advancing technology through its partnerships.

Looking ahead to the 107th Running of the Indy 500, Tony joins a lineup of Arrow McLaren SP drivers who have experience at the front of the grid in the iconic race. Alexander, newcomer to the team in 2023, won the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016 and will race in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. Pato, who drives the No. 5 car, finished second in the 2022 race, followed by Felix in fourth last season. Tony secured third place in the race last year.

Tony’s resume includes an Indy 500 win in 2013, runner-up finish in 2004 and three third-place finishes over 21 appearances in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” He also has won 17 INDYCAR races and a series championship in 2004. 

This will be the first year the Arrow McLaren SP team, led by Racing Director Gavin Ward, has a four-car lineup for the Indianapolis 500.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: 

“NTT DATA joining our great group of partners is a huge boost for Arrow McLaren SP. I’m thrilled they will be representing our No. 6 car as a Lead Partner and a major sponsor for our fourth entry in the Indy 500, piloted by Tony Kanaan. Tony proved last year he can compete with the best of them, and I’m excited to see him put on a show with our team next May.”

Bob Pryor, CEO, NTT DATA Services, said: 

“We welcome the opportunity to partner with McLaren, a long-term and valued client, and to demonstrate how sponsorships simultaneously build awareness and enhance business-to-business relationships. NTT DATA is also proud of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ growth with a strong international stable of drivers, great leadership from Penske Entertainment, and a passionate fan base attracted to the highly competitive product – where any driver can win in any weekend.”

Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP driver, said:

“I look forward to representing NTT DATA once again. They’re a great partner and are committed to the series. I welcome them to the McLaren Racing family and am ready to start the season off in St. Petersburg, racing the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. It will also be great to race alongside Tony and learn from him as we prepare for the Indy 500.”

Tony Kanaan, Arrow McLaren SP Indianapolis 500 driver, said:

“I feel extremely lucky to get another shot racing in the Indianapolis 500. I’m excited to work with Pato, Felix and Alexander and race with the Arrow McLaren SP team. My biggest battle in last year’s race was against these three drivers so working with them and driving with them will be exciting for all of us.” Previous

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Survey Questions – Cause for Concern?

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The Global Fan Survey regarding Indycar released Monday by Motorsport Network had some interesting questions. Many fans have commented on some of the more controversial items on the survey. I wonder if Indycar is actually considering some of theses moves or if the ideas were just put out there to take the pulse of the fans. The best news is that playoffs weren’t asked about. That puts this survey a step ahead of the Boston Consulting Group.

My thoughts on some of the questions:

If you have read this column at all, you know my feelings on this. If the yellow is out when the race distance is reached, it’s over, too bad. Things happen. Race Director Kyle Novak seems very quick on the trigger to throw a red flag to get a green flag finish- Detroit Race 1 last year is Exhibit A. Let the race continue unless there is an obvious safety issue with a barrier or the track is completely blocked. Green flag finishes are not an entitlement.

Who says the races aren’t exciting? There will be the occasional snoozer, and some tracks lend themselves to a dull race, but heats (stages) or breaks won’t change that. it’s not worth it for two exciting laps on a restart. I have watched ARCA and Truck races where they have a break. It’s like recess at school. After the break, the race loses a couple more green flag laps for the restart. Can you imagine the Indianapolis 500 with a break after 85 laps?

Who defines dangerous driving? Is blocking dangerous? What about pit violations? I thought Indycar drivers are pretty free to race. I don’t want to see the over regulation that F1 has, where every touch is investigated.

Oval qualifying at non Indy races is pretty lackluster. I don’t know what can be done about it, but heat races and 4 lap qualifying are not solutions. Heat races were tried at Iowa a few years ago, and they weren’t very exciting. No one wanted to risk damaging their car before the race. Let’s leave four lap averages to the Indianapolis 500 to keep it unique.

One modification I would like to see to the non-Indy ovals is qualifying order. Instead of setting the order by point standings, I would like to see the order determined by the order of the final practice session at that track.

I am glad that Indycar is asking for fan input. The results will be announced at the opening round at St. Pete the weekend of February 25-27. If you haven’t taken the survey yet, please do so.

The link:

 2022 Global INDYCAR Survey

Kanaan To Drive Ovals for Ganassi

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Photo from CGR Teams Twitter page

2013 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2004 Indycar series champion Tony Kanaan signed a two year deal with Chip Ganassi Racing to drive the oval portion of the schedule for car 48. Former NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson will drive the road and street portion of the schedule in the 48.

Kanaan drove the ovals for A. J. Foyt Racing in 2020 in what was supposed to be his farewell tour. There are are just four oval races at three venues on the 2021 schedule.

CGR also announced that they have renewed their sponsorship with NTT Data.

The official announcement from Chip Ganassi Racing:

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today an agreement with Indianapolis 500 Winner, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and 17-time race winner Tony Kanaan to a multi-year deal to pilot the No. 48 Honda entry for the four ovals on the calendar, complementing the 13 road and street course events being contested by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson.

Kanaan will re-join CGR (2014-2017) alongside Johnson, former teammate, six-time and reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and Indianapolis 500 Winner Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson and CGR newcomer Alex Palou.

Longtime CGR and Kanaan partner NTT DATA along with Bryant, also a longtime sponsor of Kanaan and former sponsor of CGR, return to CGR, and will both have primary paint schemes as well as associate-level relationships on the No. 48 Honda and other CGR entries that will soon be announced.

NOTES OF INTEREST:

  • • NTT DATA, TK and CGR: NTT DATA began its relationship with CGR in 2013 at the Indianapolis 500 partnering on the No. 8 NTT DATA entry. Kanaan first competed with CGR in 2013 in an NTT DATA-backed Daytona Prototype fielded in the Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he drove to a second-place finish. NTT DATA maintained an associate partnership with CGR on the No. 83 Indy car, became a primary partner on the No. 8 entry for the 2014 season, and then on the No. 10 entry, driven by Kanaan, in 2015 and has been on that car ever since. NTT DATA is also the official IT services partner to CGR. 
  • • About Bryant: Bryant has a rich tradition in auto racing and is the longest-standing non-automotive sponsor at the Indianapolis 500. Legends like Eddie Sachs, Roger Ward, Cale Yarborough, Scott Brayton, Chip Ganassi, Stan Fox and Janet Guthrie have all driven under the Bryant Racing banner, earning a total of 16 previous race victories on other tracks. The 2021 season will mark the 14th of 15 NTT INDYCAR SERIES seasons during which Bryant has worked with Kanaan.
  • • By the Numbers: In 23 seasons of Indy car racing, Brazilian Tony Kanaan has 383 starts, 17 wins, 15 poles, 78 podiums and over 4,000 laps led. He began his career in 1998 and was the 2004 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and 2013 Indianapolis 500 Winner. He remains the all-time leader in consecutive starts with 318 consecutive Indy car starts, having started every race since Portland in 2001 through the first race of the 2020 season in Texas. Kanaan has been a fan favorite for decades in the series and always maintains one of the largest followings on social media in the series.

An Evolution: Thoughts on the NTT Sponsorship

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We’ve come a long way from Northern Lights and Pep Boys. Izod got off to a decent start as a title sponsor, but slowed down quickly and left early. Verizon was a great partner although their track activation slowed after three years. Indycar’s new title sponsor, NTT, is a great match for the series. I’m sure there was some financial consideration, but the technological advances NTT can provide for the paddock, the series, and the fans will take all of Indycar to another level.  NTT will continue the technological evolutionary path the series has chosen to take.

It was amazing how quickly this deal came together. This would not have happened in the old days of Indycar. Naming a sponsor before the season begins keeps Indycar’s credibility as a serious major racing series intact.

NTT spends $4 billion annually on research and development. I’m excited to see what the new mobile app  will look like given that level of investment.

The new sponsor and the new television deal with NBC has Indycar set for an incredible 2019.

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Felix Rosenqvist in the NTT Data car at Sebring Tuesday afternoon. NTT Data will continue to sponsor the Chip Ganassi Racing Team entry.  Photo: Vincent Anderson

Logo Blues

Indycar fans can always find a cloud in every silver lining. I saw a lot of complaints about the logo on social media yesterday.  I don’t have a problem with it. I think it is less clunky than the Verizon logo. It has a hint of the old USAC badge. The curves help as well.

Indycar just landed what looks to be a terrific sponsor that can help grow the series and some fans just want to bash the logo. No professional sports league has a logo that blows me away and I wasn’t expecting one here. Let’s enjoy this terrific get for the series.

Notes

Miles mentioned that this sponsorship continues pursuit of Indycar as a global brand. Is this a hint at more international races? Pretty sure Australia will happen in 2020. Is a race in Japan also in line for a return?

Robin Miller of Racer Magazine wrote an interesting piece on how the deal came together. Here is the link:

MILLER: How IndyCar found its new sponsor

Gateway Still Gets It

On Twitter yesterday,  Gateway president Chris Blair is doing what Indycar isn’t. He has offered fans who have a Chili Bowl Nationals Monday-Friday ticket stub free general admission to Coors Light Pole Night the night before Indycar’s Bommarito 500k.

Indycar has long needed a presence at the Chili Bowl. This is a great move by the best promoter in the series.

 

 

 

 

 

Indycar, NTT Data in Sponsor Talks

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Per Adam Stern on Twitter

NTT fills most of the things I have heard about the potential sponsor:

Asian based company

Business to business company, not a consumer direct product.

NTT Data entry sponsorss Chip Ganassi Raving car 10, which will be driven by Felix Rosenqvist in 2019. Vetizon sponsored Penske cars before becoming the series sponsor.  Is history repeating itself? Stay  tuned.

If you haven’t seen the NBC promo for the Indianapolis 500, click the link below.