Case Study: NASCAR achieves faster, lower‑cost aerodynamic strake prototyping with Stratasys Neo800 SLA 3D printing

How NASCAR Used SLA 3D Printing to Accelerate Aero Testing and Cut Prototype Costs by 50%

NASCAR, the sanctioning body for top-level U.S. stock car racing, needed to rapidly develop and validate new engine-panel strakes to increase front downforce. Traditional prototyping with CNC machining or metal stamping was slow, costly, and inflexible for the multiple design iterations required, so NASCAR turned to Stratasys, using the Neo800 SLA 3D printer and Somos EvoLVe 128 material to meet its aerodynamic testing needs.

Stratasys printed full‑length (30") prototype strakes on the Neo800, delivering the smooth surface finish and size needed for wind‑tunnel and low‑clearance testing and enabling quick fit checks and on‑track validation. The Stratasys solution cut prototyping cost by 50%, reduced average lead time by one week, accelerated concept iteration to reach the best design before tooling, and helped improve race performance by optimizing aerodynamics.

NASCAR