Speedway Adds Testing for Connected Vehicles

Speedway Adds Testing for Connected Vehicles

DETROIT -- The Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) announced Monday a partnership for research and development of connected vehicle technologies.

The Brooklyn, Michigan, track, which hosts various racing events including NASCAR, will be offered to automakers, supplier and aftermarket companies and government agencies that manufacturer, develop and test technologies that allow cars to communicate with one another to prevent collisions and improve mobility and fuel efficiency. The track will allow testing in a closed and safe environment before the technologies go onto public roads.

"Research and development is critical to the growth of this technology and its value in lowering the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities, as well as the potential impact on the automotive sector and job creation," said David Cole, chairman, Center for Automotive Research, the home of the Connected Vehicle Proving Center, which will also be involved in the effort.

Photo by MIS

MIS is best known for its NASCAR races, but the off-season will be devoted to connected-vehicle testing.

Michelle Krebs:  is Editor-in-Chief of AutoObserver.com. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.