NASCAR’s Fuel Strategy Revolutionized by AI
As the NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway approached its end, a key question loomed: which drivers would have enough fuel to reach the finish line? Traditionally, viewers had no way of knowing if drivers were effectively conserving gas or to what extent.
Introducing the Burn Bar
A groundbreaking innovation featured on Prime Video’s NASCAR broadcasts is the “Burn Bar,” an AI tool that evaluates fuel consumption across all cars. During the race in Michigan, fans could observe how drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson managed their fuel to complete the race. Prime not only displayed the fuel usage but also provided an estimated miles per gallon through its graphics.
The Insight Behind the Tool
Steve Letarte, a former crew chief and now a TV analyst, played a pivotal role in developing the Burn Bar. He explained, “I look at fuel as the score.” Understanding fuel consumption is crucial, as it can significantly influence race outcomes, making it essential to convey this information to fans.
How the Burn Bar Works
NASCAR teams typically use data to calculate fuel mileage, but each manufacturer applies a slightly different formula, factoring in throttle position, engine performance, RPM, and gear rate. According to Letarte, Prime’s tool is a simplified version because television doesn’t require the same precision as the teams. The focus is on effectively communicating the race’s narrative to viewers.
The Evolution of the Idea
The concept of the Burn Bar emerged about 18 months prior during a discussion at JR Motorsports when Prime Video’s team explored ways to enhance NASCAR broadcasts. They realized tracking fuel usage was a missing element and began collaborating with Letarte to develop the tool.
Building on Previous Innovations
The Burn Bar is inspired by innovations from Prime’s “Thursday Night Football” broadcasts, where they created “Defensive Alerts” to predict football plays. This experience with AI paved the way for the development of the Burn Bar, which took roughly a year to finalize. Letarte noted a positive reception from teams, showcasing the tool’s ability to simplify complex data in their specialized field.
Future Enhancements
Looking ahead, the Burn Bar might just be the beginning. Prime is also developing another AI tool that analyzes team radio communications during races, allowing producers to highlight engaging conversations for their post-race coverage. Letarte emphasized that effective storytelling in sports broadcasting is vital, ensuring fans grasp the event’s essence even without commentary.
