IndyCar’s Chip Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren SP continue to aid COVID-19 heroes

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Across the biggest names in American racing is a secret weapon.

Its future is endless with opportunities, but during these times, the main mission is a miracle.

Kenny Krajnik is Arrow McLaren Schmidt Peterson’s Research and Design Engineer. His expertise includes working with a 3D printing machine that normally produces sleek race car parts, but now that machine is saving lives.

“The larger machine is over $100,000,” Krajnik said during a recent tour of the Arrow McLaren SP shop via FaceTime. “The biggest thing we use them for are test kit parts that we want to try on the race car. So, typically very low volume work.”

Teams across IndyCar are helping Stratasys, the world’s 3D printing leader. Their goal is to manufacture 350,000 face shields at no cost for medical personnel across the country. 

“I actually had someone out at IU Health come and pick some up at my house,” said Chris Simmons, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Head Engineer. “We are taking any route we can get to get this stuff out as quickly as possible. We are just so thankful for everything the people in the medical community and first responders are doing to keep our communities safe. We just trying to do what little we can to help.”

Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren SP alone have combined to produce over 800 face shields for heroes across the country since the pandemic began to reach crisis levels in March. 

IndyCar is set to begin its season the first weekend in June at Texas. 

Regardless of who picks up the first victory of 2020, IndyCar already picked up its biggest win of the season — a win that no trophy can contend with.