Key Takeaways
- NASCAR and USA Luge have announced a new, long-term partnership leading up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
- The partnership will provide USA Luge with financial and technical resources, including aerodynamic optimization of sleds and virtual optimization using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing.
- The partnership will also feature NASCAR-branded content on NBC Sports YouTube weekly shows, athlete appearances with NASCAR branding, and a presence at the USA Luge headquarters in Lake Placid, New York.
- The goal of the partnership is to drive competitive excellence and push the boundaries of innovation in both sports.
Introduction to the Partnership
The world of sports has just gotten a little more exciting with the announcement of a new partnership between NASCAR and USA Luge. As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics approach, the premier stock car racing series and the organization in charge of luge in the U.S. have revealed a technical and marketing partnership that promises to take both sports to new heights. With NASCAR providing financial and technical resources to USA Luge, fans can expect to see some exciting developments in the world of luge, including aerodynamic optimization of sleds and virtual optimization using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing.
The Sport of Luge
For those who may be unfamiliar with the sport of luge, it is an Olympic winter sliding sport where athletes ride feet-first on a small sled, laying on their back, and gliding down an iced-out track, steering only with subtle body movements. The sport requires a great deal of skill and precision, as athletes can reach speeds of over 90 mph. With the help of NASCAR’s technical expertise, USA Luge hopes to gain a competitive edge and bring home some medals from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
NASCAR’s Involvement
NASCAR’s vice president of vehicle performance, Dr. Eric Jacuzzi, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it is about "bringing two U.S. sports together to push boundaries and help drive competitive excellence." He also noted that innovation and performance are part of NASCAR’s DNA, and that this partnership is a powerful example of how that expertise can extend beyond the racetrack. With NASCAR’s help, USA Luge hopes to develop the fastest sleds in the world and make a strong showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
USA Luge’s Perspective
USA Luge CEO Scott Riewald is also excited about the partnership, stating that the two organizations align in many areas, including speed, adrenaline, high-tech equipment, and representing the USA. He believes that NASCAR’s experience and expertise in aerodynamics, fabrication, and materials will be a huge asset to USA Luge, and that the partnership will help the organization develop the fastest sleds in the world. Riewald also noted that the partnership has already shown benefits in the short time they have been working together, and that he is excited to see what the future holds for USA Luge and NASCAR.
Upcoming Events
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are just around the corner, with the opening ceremonies scheduled to take place on Friday, February 6. The luge event will kick off with the men’s singles training runs on Wednesday, February 4, with the first competitions taking place on Saturday, February 7. Fans will be able to catch all the action on NBC and USA Network, and stream live on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms. With the help of NASCAR, USA Luge is hoping to make a strong showing and bring home some medals from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Conclusion
The partnership between NASCAR and USA Luge is an exciting development in the world of sports, and promises to bring a new level of innovation and competition to the sport of luge. With NASCAR’s technical expertise and USA Luge’s passion for the sport, this partnership is sure to be a winning combination. As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics approach, fans can expect to see some exciting developments in the world of luge, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. One thing is for sure, with this partnership, the sport of luge is about to get a whole lot more exciting.
