The Simulation Edge
General Motors has turned simulation into a core competitive advantage as it prepares for the unique demands of new NASCAR venues such as the street‑circuit in San Diego and the 1.5‑mile oval at Chicagoland. The automaker uses driver‑in‑the‑loop simulators to build digital twins of each track, layering data from laser scans, tire tests and real‑world runs to create a living model that can be refined up to the green flag.
NASCAR supplies manufacturers with baseline maps months before a debut event, and partners such as Goodyear conduct extensive tire tests and surface scans. Those measurements feed into tools like rFactor, which simulate tire behavior through Wheelforce transducers that capture the forces acting on each wheel. The result is a tire model that reflects how rubber will grip, slide and wear on a given surface.
Feedback Loops
Drivers are the final arbiter of a simulation’s fidelity. Connor Zilisch, who has spent time in the cockpit of the Chevrolet‑powered entry, compares virtual laps to the real thing and feeds that insight back to engineers. Keith Rodden, a veteran strategist, notes that the surface at Chicagoland has grown rougher over the years, requiring the team to adjust shock settings and aerodynamic balance based on the latest data.
The iterative process does not stop at the start of the race. After each session GM runs post‑race debriefs, comparing the simulated predictions with telemetry and driver reports. This feedback loop allows the organization to fine‑tune everything from suspension geometry to tire pressure, ensuring that the car behaves as expected when it matters most.
Beyond the immediate competition, the same digital platform supports broader brand initiatives. Chevrolet leverages the same simulation pipeline to showcase performance capabilities to partners such as Amazon Prime, while also using the data to develop road‑going technologies that trickle down to consumer vehicles.
Looking ahead, the company plans to extend its preparation to other tracks on the schedule, including Pocono and Darlington, where subtle changes in elevation and surface texture can dramatically alter handling. By continuously updating its digital models, GM aims to stay ahead of the curve, delivering safer, faster and more predictable performances for its drivers and fans.