The PMW Awards 2024 saw a strong field of entries from across the gamut of motorsport suppliers. Held annually at PMW Expo in Cologne, Germany, the awards are judged live at the show and recognize excellence in the motorsport supply chain. With nominations ranging from innovative data and electronics solutions to cutting edge safety equipment and advanced powertrain technologies, the judging panel had its work cut out deciding on winners.
With a panel comprising experts in motorsport and automotive engineering, from former Le Mans winning race car designers to Formula 1 and rallying engineers, the judging process is rigorously impartial.
Category winners:
Data and Electronics Solution of the Year
Winner: Marelli Motorsport
Marelli Motorsport launched its VEC_480 at the expo. Combining vehicle and engine control units with an ‘AI Accelerator’ (NPU) with a computing capacity of up to 26 TOPS, Marelli has brought the power of artificial intelligence to an onboard control unit. In effect an edge computing system incorporated into a VCU, one judge said of the AI-based ECU, “They have created a tool for engineers that they didn’t know they needed, but now it exists, the possibilities it opens up for vehicle control are almost endless.”
Powertrain Technology of the Year
Winner: Cosworth
Cosworth’s entry, the Antares 4/6 series ECUs impressed the judges with their comprehensive capabilities at a more accessible price level than the preceding Antares 8 unit. The Antares 4 and 6 ECUs retain all the control capabilities of the Antares family. Both ECUs can support a range of powertrain technologies – including IC engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and BEVs. Along with these control capabilities, Antares 4 and 6 also offer high rate synchronized datalogging for precision and reliability. Both new ECU units also come equipped with control features such as multi-pulse and stratified GDI control, active torque management and FIA-compliant real-time PPU and BOP control.
Chassis Technology of the Year – Mechanical
Winner: NS85
NS85’s Oblivion Brake Systems impressed with its integration of top-level motorsport braking technology into a package intended for high-performance automotive use. Drawing on its extensive experience in motorsport, NS85 has deployed techniques and technologies that were previously the preserve of F1 braking systems.
Chassis Technology of the Year – Bodywork and Aerodynamics
Winner: Bcomp
Bcomp’s entry, the bio-composite-based bodywork it produced for NASCAR’s BEV prototype, was lauded for its contribution to pushing truly sustainable technology in motorsport. According to the company, which picked up this award for the second year in a row, its flax-based composite design reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared to carbon fiber and enhances crash safety without sharp splintering.
Safety Innovation of the Year
Winner: Shiftec
Shiftec’s Stand Alone Emergency Clutch Release system provides a means for marshals or competitors to automatically disengage the clutch of a competition vehicle. The judges flagged the benefits of the standalone nature of the device – it requires no external power source, neither electrical or pneumatic, to operate. As a result, it greatly eases the recovery or immobilization of a crashed or stranded vehicle trackside, regardless of the state of the powertrain. –
Pit and Support Equipment of the Year
Winner: CP Tech
The final category award went to CP Tech for its SetupWizzard Pro. This system integrates all of the functionality needed for setting wheel and suspension alignment within a compact and integrated package, enabling easy transportation from track to track and quick vehicle setup. The system incorporates wheel load scales, laser measurement of track angle, camber sensors and ride height measurement.
Overall Engineering Innovation of the Year
Winner: Marelli Motorsport
Judged from the individual category winners, the Overall Engineering Innovation award is presented to the highest scoring product. Marelli Motorsport secured the award this year by some margin, highlighting the impressive levels of innovation in its VEC_480 ECU.
