The introduction of NASCAR's Next Gen car in 2022 has intensified competition, requiring teams to exploit minute advantages. Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) recently inaugurated its Hexagon Lab in Concord, NC, integrating advanced technology to maximize performance and precision, aiming to regain supremacy in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. The team has been gradually adopting this state-of-the-art equipment, which has already shown promising results, such as their victory in the Cook Out Clash exhibition event. With an arsenal of 33 absolute arms, HMS is pushing the boundaries of measurement tolerances, significantly reducing setup times and enhancing accuracy.

The evolution of Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) technology over two decades has transformed how HMS prepares its race cars. Initially used for precision manufacturing of engine components, CMMs have become integral to daily operations, from setting up vehicles to scanning parts. This shift has streamlined processes, ensuring every component meets NASCAR’s stringent specifications. The new Hexagon Lab equips HMS with unparalleled precision, measuring within 3 microns, potentially leading to a 15th championship title. Despite a recent drought in championships, the team's confidence remains high, bolstered by top-tier drivers, engineers, and now, cutting-edge technology.

Revolutionizing Race Car Preparation with Advanced Scanning Tools

Hendrick Motorsports' adoption of Hexagon's absolute arm technology marks a significant leap in race car preparation. These tools have revolutionized how the team sets up and inspects vehicles, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency. By integrating these scanners into their workflow, HMS can ensure that each part meets NASCAR's strict standards before hitting the track. This level of accuracy not only optimizes vehicle performance but also minimizes errors, giving the team a competitive edge.

The journey of HMS with CMM technology began two decades ago when it first partnered with Hexagon. Initially, the focus was on manufacturing precision components like engine parts. Over time, as the technology evolved, so did its applications. Today, HMS uses these scanners for setting up race cars, inspecting components, and even simulating setups. What once took hours can now be accomplished in minutes, drastically reducing setup times. For instance, scanning an entire race car used to take between four to eight hours; now, it's completed in about 30 minutes. This efficiency allows the team to fine-tune vehicles more frequently, ensuring they are always in optimal condition for races. Furthermore, the ability to preload scanned parts into simulation tools means that HMS can arrive at tracks with pre-configured setups, crucial in today's limited practice environment.

Enhancing Performance Through Precision Engineering

Hendrick Motorsports' investment in Hexagon's advanced measurement tools underscores its commitment to achieving perfection on the racetrack. By pushing the limits of measurement tolerances, HMS aims to extract every possible advantage. The new absolute arms offer an accuracy of 3 microns, ensuring that every component fits perfectly and performs optimally. This precision is vital for maintaining competitiveness in NASCAR's highly regulated environment, where small differences can make or break a race.

The integration of Hexagon technology into HMS's operations has not only improved efficiency but also enhanced overall performance. Each race car that leaves the facility is meticulously prepared using these scanners, guaranteeing that all parts meet NASCAR's specifications. The team's Quality Supervisor, Roy Crump, emphasizes the importance of this precision, noting that it contributes to their goal of winning more races and ultimately securing another championship. Despite facing challenges from competitors like Penske, HMS's confidence remains unwavering. The combination of world-class drivers, skilled engineers, and cutting-edge technology positions HMS well for a potential 15th NASCAR Cup Series championship. The team's recent success in the Cook Out Clash exhibition event is a testament to the effectiveness of these advancements, signaling a promising future for HMS in the 2025 season.