VICI and Hughes Telematics have inked an agreement
HUGHES Telematics, a pioneer in end-to-end telematics solutions, and development partner Hughes Network Systems, LLC, the world's leading provider of broadband satellite networks and services, announced they will be the primary sponsors of the VICI Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR car in the American Le Mans Series. The #18 Porsche, driven by VICI Racing’s Nicky Pastorelli, Francesco Pastorelli and Ruben Carrapatoso, ran its first HUGHES-sponsored race in this past weekend’s Utah Grand Prix in Tooele, UT.
The marriage of HUGHES and VICI reaches far beyond the typical corporate logo on the car. “Working with VICI Racing in the American Le Mans Series, we will have the opportunity to test our equipment in extreme driving conditions,” said Erik Goldman, president of HUGHES Telematics. “VICI’s drivers will push our telematics control unit to the limit, giving us data we can use to further develop our product before we launch it in the mass market.”
The HUGHES Telematics TCU (telematics control unit), developed by Hughes Network Systems, will monitor the Porsche’s systems, giving the crew the ability to analyze every detail of the vehicle’s diagnostic systems in real-time. This remote diagnostic technology, along with a host of infotainment, navigation, connectivity and convenience features, will be made available on Chrysler and Mercedes Benz vehicles beginning in 2009.
“This partnership with HUGHES represents a major step forward for VICI Racing. Their dedication to the pursuit of technical excellence speaks volumes for them,” said VICI Racing president Ron Meixner. “The advanced HUGHES technology gives our team an edge, which is key to our racing success.”
The HUGHES VICI Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR will compete in all seven remaining American Le Mans Series races through October 2008.