|
World’s Fastest Stock
Car Record Set Using Autodesk Inventor 3D Mechanical
Design Software
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., July 18, 2006— Autodesk,
Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) 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 withAutoCAD 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. RogerGallington, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Watch a video here
-------------------------------------------------------------
About American Challenge
American Challenge is a consortium of successful
business leaders, innovative technical engineers
and motor-sport professionals focused on breaking
the current world water speed and land speed records.
The team is founded by Russ Wicks who is one of
few people to have traveled over 220 MPH on both
land and water. During 2000, Wicks broke the longest-standing
major speed record in motor sports history, and
became the fastest person ever to take a propeller-driven
boat through the measured mile. For more information,
visit http://www.americanchallengewsr.com.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., 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 manufacturing, infrastructure, building,
media and entertainment, 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, become
more productive, streamline project efficiency
and maximize profits.
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in
San Rafael, California. For additional information
about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk, AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor are registered
trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in
the USA and/or other countries. All other brand
names, product names, or trademarks belong to
their respective holders.
© 2006 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
|
