April 4, 2025 – In the world of NASCAR, every thousandth of a second counts. That’s why top teams like Hendrick Motorsports are turning to cutting-edge robotic measurement tools to ensure their cars are built with unparalleled precision.
During a recent visit to Hendrick Motorsports, legendary crew chief and VP of Competition Chad Knaus explained how the team is leveraging advanced technology from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence to refine their cars and find every possible performance advantage.
The Role of Robotics in NASCAR Engineering
Modern NASCAR teams don’t just rely on skilled hands and sharp eyes—they use highly sophisticated robotic measuring tools to analyze and perfect every component of their race cars. With Hexagon’s metrology solutions, engineers can scan, measure, and verify parts down to microscopic levels of accuracy.
“We’re using these tools to build our cars more precisely than ever before,” Knaus explained. “It’s all about consistency, repeatability, and making sure every single car that rolls off our floor is as close to perfect as possible.”
How It Works
Hexagon’s technology allows teams to:
• Digitally scan car components to ensure exact measurements.
• Detect imperfections that the human eye might miss.
• Optimize aerodynamics by analyzing body shapes with extreme precision.
• Ensure rule compliance by verifying that parts meet NASCAR’s strict regulations.
The Competitive Edge
For teams like Hendrick Motorsports, which has dominated the NASCAR Cup Series for decades, using robotic measuring tools isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about pushing the boundaries of speed and efficiency.
With NASCAR’s Next Gen car creating a more level playing field, teams must find every legal advantage they can. By incorporating robotic precision into their car-building process, Hendrick Motorsports ensures that their race cars hit the track with maximum performance and minimum margin for error.
As technology continues to evolve, NASCAR teams will only become more reliant on data-driven engineering. And with Chad Knaus and Hexagon leading the charge, it’s clear that the future of stock car racing is as much about robotics as it is about raw horsepower.
