World's Fastest Stock Car Record Set Using Autodesk Inventor 3D Mechanical Design Software
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., July 18, 2006 — Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK - News) today announced that Russ Wicks and the American Challenge World Speed Record Team has been named Autodesk's Inventor of the Month for July 2006. The program recognizes the most innovative design and engineering advancements made by the extensive community of customers using Autodesk Inventor software, the world's best-selling 3D mechanical design software and best choice for 3D design.
Over the fourth of July weekend, in the Bonneville Salt Flats outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, Wicks broke the world stock car speed record, achieving a speed of 222.64 miles per hour using a Ford Taurus that had been built to NASCAR specifications. The record attempt was certified by Official Time Keeper Mike Cook, the Chairman of Bonneville Nationals, Inc.
Autodesk Inventor played a critical role in this record-breaking achievement. In just six weeks, the American Challenge engineers -- having strong experience with AutoCAD software -- were able to get up to speed on the powerful 3D capabilities in Autodesk Inventor, using it to design, test and customize performance-enhancing car modifications. One key engineering modification was to help ensure even traction on the salty desert floor through highly precise wheel alignment.
Having successfully broken the world stock car speed record, Wicks and team set out to break the speed limit again the next day -- this time, not bound by NASCAR specifications. The team fitted the car with a newly designed spoiler, aluminum belly pan, plastic driver's side window and drag-reducing wheel covers that all had been designed and optimized in Autodesk Inventor. Using this modified car, Wicks was able to achieve speeds of 237 miles per hour.
"Autodesk Inventor 11 allowed us to do advanced 3D modeling, visualization and collaboration so that we could optimize designs before production even began," said Dr. Roger Gallington, Chief Engineer, American Challenge. "For example, we used Autodesk Inventor to create a one-of-a kind custom spoiler which had a huge impact on the aerodynamics of the car and helped make our car the fastest stock car in the world."
"We applaud the success of Russ Wicks and the American Challenge Speed Team," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, vice president of Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions. "Their record-breaking achievements are a perfect example of the way Autodesk Inventor helps engineers harness the power of 3D functionality to drive innovation."
Each month, Autodesk selects an Inventor of the Month from the more than 500,000 worldwide Autodesk Inventor customers. Winners are chosen for engineering excellence and groundbreaking innovation that changes the way we live, work or play. For more information on the Autodesk Inventor of the Month program, contact us at IOM@autodesk.com
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency and maximizing profits.
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit: www.autodesk.com