Autonomous driving arrives in IndyCar with McLaren!

By partnering with Arrow McLaren, the autonomous truck specialist Aurora confirms that motorsport has become a showcase for the technologies of tomorrow.

The Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team continues its strategy of technological partnerships by announcing the arrival of Aurora Innovation as an official partner under a multi-year agreement. The American specialist in autonomous driving for heavy trucks takes advantage of the visibility offered by IndyCar to accelerate its development and enhance its reputation.

Aurora has established itself as one of the pioneers of autonomous transport in the United States. In 2025, the company became the first to launch a commercial service for driverless trucks on open roads before recently presenting its second generation of autonomous heavy trucks. Its ambition is now to gradually expand its operations across the southern United States.

Off track… for now

The first effects of this partnership will be visible starting at the Portland Grand Prix (August 7 to 9), where the Aurora logo will appear on the Arrow McLaren team’s outfits. Starting from the 2027 season, the brand’s presence will be strengthened with display on the drivers’ suits as well as on the engine cover of the Chevrolet No. 6.

“This collaboration is natural, as our two companies share the same values of innovation, safety, and reliability,” explains Kevin Thimjon, president of Arrow McLaren. Aurora shares the same enthusiasm, seeing this alliance with one of the most prestigious teams in IndyCar as a way to associate its image with performance and cutting-edge technologies.

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• 04/08/2026 7:37

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Beyond this partnership, this announcement illustrates a fundamental trend. Motorsport is now much more than a field of expression for manufacturers: it has become a true laboratory of innovation and a powerful communication vector for new mobility. Artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, sustainable fuels, electrification, and cost control through budget caps contribute to enhancing its credibility among tech stakeholders. As a result, companies that probably would never have invested in motorsport a few years ago now choose the paddocks to promote their innovations. The partnership between Arrow McLaren and Aurora Innovation is a new demonstration of this.