MV high performance capabilities project joins motorsports, military

CHAPEL HILL,N.C.-- The Institute for Defense and Business (IDB), North Carolina Department of Commerce (Commerce), and North Carolina Military Foundation (NCMF) have worked in partnership to connect the military services to motorsports industry capabilities through the Military Vehicle High Performance Capabilities project (MVHPC) with Marine Corps Systems Command. The project is managed by the IDB and IMSolutions LLC (IMS). 

MVHPC was developed by U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) to help bring motorsports industry technologies and capabilities to address specific gaps and problems in the military's wheeled vehicle fleets.

"This project provides a valuable link between two of North Carolina's biggest industries," said Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC). "The motorsports industry is developing cutting edge technology that can significantly improve the mobility and safety of our military vehicles. The MVHPC project provides critical support for our military ­ linking military vehicles to motorsports best practices, engineering expertise and technology ­ while boosting job growth inNorth Carolina. The project is a win-win forNorth Carolinaand I was proud to work with the IDB, Department of Commerce and NCMF to develop it. I am committed to ensuring our state's motorsports industry can meet the emerging requirements of our nation's defense sector." 

Due to wartime operational requirements and an aging Department of Defense vehicle fleet, the military is devoting significant funding toward its vehicle fleet via recapitalization and modernization activities. These activities represent a significant opportunity for the motorsports industry to leverage their unique capabilities to improve the safety and performance of military vehicles. The MVHPC project serves as a link between the U.S. Military and the motorsport industry's best practices, engineering expertise, relevant equipment, and testing technologies.

MVHPC will evaluate lessons learned and technological solutions developed by the commercial motorsports industry that are potentially beneficial to the U.S. Military for possible integration into military vehicles. The project partners have developed and hosted several capability demonstrations that linked military commands with motorsports companies. These visits informed the military on cutting-edge solutions to vehicle safety and performance challenges, and facilitated motorsports industry interest in diversifying their business and expanding their customer base to include military vehicle systems and contracting opportunities.

There will be a North Carolina Motorsports Technology Tour in Mooresville,N.C., on Jan. 18-19 with government program managers. The following are participating in this event:

About the IDB: The Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) is a non-profit research and education institute formed in 1997 by UNC-Chapel Hill and the state ofNorth Carolina. The IDB offers a series of educational programs for the military, government, non-governmental agencies, and private sector, in the areas of logistics, life cycle management, organizational change, and stabilization and economic reconstruction.