PoliMOVE MSU Triumphs in Historic Indy Autonomous Challenge at Laguna Seca

In a groundbreaking event held on July 24, 2025, at the renowned WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) showcased significant advancements in artificial intelligence and self-driving technology. Team PoliMOVE MSU emerged victorious, demonstrating the capabilities of their AI-driven Dallara AV-24 racecar on one of the world’s most challenging road courses. The race served as a precursor to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Grand Prix of Monterey, amplifying its significance in the motorsport community.
The IAC featured university teams from around the globe, each racing their autonomous vehicles equipped with sophisticated AI systems. Team PoliMOVE's triumph was closely followed by Purdue AI Racing, which secured second place, while the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) clinched third. This competition not only highlighted the technical prowess of the participating teams but also underscored the growing intersection between motorsport and cutting-edge technology.
Paul Mitchell, CEO of the Indy Autonomous Challenge and its parent company Aidoptation BV, emphasized the event's role in illustrating the advancements in AI and autonomy within a high-stakes environment. “Running an autonomous race as part of the Grand Prix of Monterey, on the same track and the same weekend as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES event, is a powerful testament to how far the IAC and our university teams have advanced the field of AI and autonomy,” said Mitchell in a statement following the race.
The AI-driven racecars demonstrated exceptional control and strategic decision-making, navigating the technical intricacies of Laguna Seca, including its notorious ‘Corkscrew’ turn. All teams achieved track speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour (62.1 mph), reflecting both the technological advancements in autonomous systems and the rigorous training and preparation undertaken by the teams.
Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, expressed enthusiasm for hosting this innovative event. “Laguna Seca has a long history of supporting technology and innovation, and we are thrilled to welcome the world’s fastest autonomous racecars to the Grand Prix of Monterey,” Harder stated. “We are excited to host IAC and its global network of university and industry partners to explore piloting their SMART Track technologies and how they can enhance safety and fan engagement.”
This marks the third time the IAC has utilized a road course, building on its previous successes at the Monza F1 Circuit. The event began with teams racing on oval tracks and has progressively advanced to more complex racing environments. The autonomous vehicles operated entirely on AI, with human team members only setting parameters for the AI’s decision-making processes.
Prof. Sergio Savaresi, team lead for PoliMOVE, shared insights into the challenges faced during the competition. “Driving autonomously on a road course is the ultimate challenge for the students. The team spent considerable time in simulation to perfect the AI driver’s decision-making capabilities. I am incredibly proud of this team,” Savaresi commented.
Despite the successes, the competition was not without its challenges. Several teams encountered difficulties at the Corkscrew, where their AI systems struggled with the demanding terrain, necessitating assistance from race officials.
The IAC continues to serve as a critical incubator for autonomous technology, with innovations on the racetrack poised to influence the future of commercial self-driving vehicles. The milestone event at Laguna Seca has demonstrated that autonomous machines are not only capable of high-speed races but are also becoming increasingly intelligent and reliable, even in the most demanding racing conditions. As the technology evolves, the implications for both the automotive industry and broader societal applications are profound, paving the way for a future where autonomous vehicles may become commonplace on public roads.
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