BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, Utah, October 10, 2007 - Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that Russ Wicks, who holds World Speed Records of more than 200 miles per hour on both land and water, has set a new stock car world speed record of 244.9 miles per hour, which has been confirmed by Guinness World Records. Wicks successfully achieved the record on Tuesday October 9 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Northwestern Utah while driving a 2007 Dodge Charger built to NASCAR specifications. The new record shatters Wicks' previous stock car world speed record of 222 miles per hour.
"I'm totally thrilled," said Wicks. "It's an amazing feeling to push yourself to the edge and emerge victorious. I couldn't have done it without Autodesk and Dodge, who have supported me in my attempt from the very beginning."
Wicks' vehicle was developed with the backing of the Dodge Motorsports Engineering Group and Arrington Engines. Autodesk software was leveraged to make integral performance modifications.
Throughout the testing and development phases, Wicks used Autodesk Buzzsaw—an on-demand collaborative project management solution—to simplify and centralize project related documents and streamline the design review process.
"The Autodesk manufacturing solution was indispensable to the development of this record-breaking vehicle," said Wicks. "From communication and collaboration, to visualization and engineering, Autodesk provided the best possible tools for the vehicle development process."
"Wicks is a true American original, and we congratulate him on his new world speed record," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, senior vice president of Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions. "With his triumph, Wicks has helped demonstrate to the world how the innovation, performance and superior technology of Autodesk software can be harnessed to develop a truly world-class vehicle."
About Russ Wicks
Russ Wicks is the only living person to hold world speed records over 200 MPH on land and water. For his accomplishments he has been featured on ESPN, the National Geographic Channel, included in the Guinness World Records Book, and also appeared on the cover of WIRED Magazine. For more information visit: www.russwicks.com
About Dodge
With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the United States. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 16 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber. The introduction of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 marks a milestone in the Dodge brand's history with its boldest lineup of passenger cars including the all-new 2008 Avenger and Caliber, as well as the refreshed Dodge Charger and Magnum. This onslaught of product gives the brand a completely new and refreshed passenger car lineup. In 2008, Dodge will introduce the all-new modern muscle car, the Dodge Challenger. Dodge currently races the Charger, Avenger and Ram in NASCAR Nextel Cup and Craftsman Truck racing series. For more information visit: www.dodge.com
About American Challenge
American Challenge, founded in 2000, is an innovative engineering group specializing in high performance and speed record initiatives through the use of simulation and virtual engineering technology. The pursuit of a future electric world speed record both inspired and made possible the development of new technologies found in the Kepler MOTION.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are built. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit: www.autodesk.com