Autodesk Announces Sponsorship of American Challenge Speed Record Team

Autodesk Inventor and AliasStudio Software to Enable Man and Machine to Break New World Record

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June 28, 2006

Autodesk (ADSK) today announced that it is the exclusive software sponsor of the record-breaking American Challenge speed record team in their attempt to break a land speed record this July in the Bonneville Salt Flats outside Salt Lake City, Utah.

Russ Wicks, American Challenge Founder and Driver, said, "We believe in constantly pushing the boundaries of physical limitations through advanced engineering. We chose Autodesk to partner with us in this adventure because our engineers identified their tools as the best choice for 3D design and the easiest to use for developing our enhancements within a short timeframe. With conceptual design tools as well as world class 3D engineering and virtual prototyping we couldn't find a better partner in the technology industry and ultimately, Autodesk is helping us realize our ideas in capturing the speed record."
To enhance the design, speed and stability of its vehicle for the race across the Salt Flats, the American Challenge team uses Autodesk Inventor 11 software, the world's best selling 3D mechanical design application and best choice for 3D design, along with Autodesk AliasStudio, a complete solution for the creative design process. Autodesk Inventor provides seamless integration of data between different disciplines, such as aerodynamic shape and structural integrity, which creates a fully digital collaborative environment where all the data collected is always accurate, current and accessible.
"Autodesk Inventor 11 allows us to do advanced 3D modeling, visualization and collaboration so that we can optimize designs before production even begins," said Dr. Roger Gallington, Chief Engineer, American Challenge. "We're using Autodesk Inventor to design and enhance key components of the vehicle -- all of which are critical for shaving milliseconds off the race time. For example, we are using Inventor to create a one-of-a kind custom spoiler just for this record attempt. The spoiler design and engineering has a huge impact on the aerodynamics and ultimately how successful we'll be in our attempt."
"We are proud to sponsor Russ Wicks and the American Challenge team in their record breaking pursuit," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, vice president of Autodesk's Manufacturing Solutions Division. "Their spirit of innovation and desire to explore new frontiers is truly worthy of our support and helps restore the cool factor to engineering."
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 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.
Autodesk, AliasStudio 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.

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For more information go to American Challenge WSR