Motorsport’s Legacy in the Age of AI & Autonomy
EPARTRADE’s weekly webinar series Race Industry Now turned its spotlight to one of the most transformative topics shaping the future of racing: artificial intelligence and autonomy. In Episode #556, titled “Motorsport’s Legacy in the Age of AI & Autonomy,” Eddie Bernardon, Chief Racing Officer (CRO) at AIPEX Racing and Consultant in Vehicle and Motorsport Technology, joined host Brad Gillie from SiriusXM’s Late Shift (Ch. 90) for an in-depth discussion on how motorsport innovation continues to drive global transportation into the future
Motorsports as the Proving Ground for Innovation
Bernardon began by emphasizing motorsport’s century-old role as a testbed for technologies that shape everyday transportation:
“From Ray Harroun’s rearview mirror in 1911, to seat belts, disc brakes, and radial tires — motorsports has always been the proving ground for innovations we now take for granted,” he explained
Today, with the rise of AI and autonomous systems, that tradition is accelerating into new territory. AI now impacts design, manufacturing, diagnostics, in-car experiences, and especially electric vehicle battery management — areas where lessons from racing can transform commercial mobility.
Inside Autonomous Racing
Discussing his team’s work at AIPEX, Bernardon detailed participation in global initiatives such as the Indy Autonomous Challenge and the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). These competitions, often featuring university teams, push the boundaries of sensor fusion, machine learning, and race craft:
“Instead of a human making split-second decisions, sensors and AI process the environment, learn racecraft, and make strategy calls lap by lap,” Bernardon noted
He highlighted how AI-driven cars can embody “personalities,” programmed by engineers, offering a new layer of drama and storytelling that resonates with fans — much like Drive to Survive does for Formula 1.
Supporting, Not Replacing, Human Racing
Bernardon was quick to clarify that autonomous racing is not intended to replace traditional motorsport:
“Formula One and IndyCar will always be about human drivers. But autonomous cars can complement and enhance events — delivering excitement in ways humans can’t replicate, while serving as a powerful technology showcase,” he said
From simulated personalities to AI-driven strategy, autonomous race cars have the potential to add fresh dimensions to race weekends, providing entertainment value and deep technology demonstrations.
AI Agents and the Future of Fan Engagement
Looking ahead, AIPEX is developing AI racing agents — interactive systems that analyze telemetry and race data in real time, acting like a digital commentator:
“It’s like having Martin Brundle in your pocket,” Bernardon described, “an AI you can ask questions about racing data, car performance, or strategy in real time”
Such technology promises not only to advance engineering but also to redefine the way fans engage with motorsport.
The Bigger Picture: From Sim to Track and Back
AIPEX Racing’s philosophy — “sim to track and back” — underscores the feedback loop between simulation, real-world racing, and commercial application. Bernardon stressed that while motorsport is entertainment, its greatest contribution remains innovation:
“What we’re proving on the track will ultimately make the cars we drive smarter, safer, and more efficient,” he concluded
For more information, watch the full webinar here.
