VELO3D and ANDRETTI PERFORMANCE PARTNER FOR 2026 IMSA MICHELIN PILOT CHALLENGE

Why It Matters

The collaboration validates metal additive manufacturing as a competitive advantage in motorsports, opening a high‑visibility pathway to broader automotive and performance‑engineer markets.

Key Takeaways

• Velo3D sponsors Andretti Performance at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis
• Provides aluminum CP1 bracket made via metal 3D printing
• Bracket uses Constellium Aheadd® CP1 alloy for lightweight strength
• Generative design optimized rigidity while reducing weight
• Partnership highlights additive manufacturing’s move into motorsports

Pulse Analysis

Velo3D’s entry into the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge marks a strategic push beyond its traditional aerospace and defense clientele. By aligning with Andretti Performance, the company taps into the motorsport ecosystem, where every gram saved translates directly into lap‑time gains. This visibility not only reinforces Velo3D’s brand among performance engineers but also illustrates the scalability of its Intelligent Fusion® process for high‑volume, high‑precision automotive parts.

The aluminum CP1 bracket exemplifies the technical edge of modern metal 3D printing. Using Constellium’s Aheadd® CP1 alloy—renowned for its high strength‑to‑weight ratio and temperature resilience—the part was generated through Velo3D’s generative design tools, which iteratively balance stiffness and mass. The resulting component delivers superior rigidity for cockpit communications while shaving weight, a critical factor in endurance racing where component fatigue and thermal loads are extreme.

Beyond the immediate race weekend, the partnership signals a broader industry trend: motorsports as a proving ground for additive‑manufacturing innovations. Success on the track can accelerate adoption in road‑car development, where manufacturers seek lightweight, complex geometries without costly tooling. As Velo3D continues to showcase real‑world performance gains, investors and OEMs alike will watch closely for the ripple effects on supply chains, part‑on‑demand strategies, and the next generation of high‑performance vehicles.