Cambridge Uni applies its tech savvy to Formula One racing with Penske
Penske Racing Shocks, a world leader in racing damper technology, has signed a multi-year licence agreement with Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation office of the University of Cambridge, to incorporate its patented inerter technology in suspension components for primary use in Formula One racing.
The deal allows Penske to design, develop and make generic and team specific inerter designs as well as future embodiments and enhancements. Penske has been developing inerter technology with Cambridge since 2003.
The inerter technology was invented and developed by Professor Malcolm Smith at the University's Department of Engineering. A patent was filed by Cambridge Enterprise in 2001, with the first publication on the subject by Prof Smith in October 2002.
Penske Technical Director said "Inerter technology, although not a new area of development in F1, is something we feel as a leading damper manufacturer adds to our portfolio of pioneered applied technologies in professional racing. The benefit of the inerter to the handling characteristics of all racing vehicles is undeNIABle in both theory and practice.
"We are confident that the ingenuity of Cambridge now combined with Penske product quality, performance, and customer service, will promote greater exposure of the inerter in Motorsport."
Penske Racing Shocks has been providing custom-built, high-performance shock absorbers to all forms of racing for over 20 years. Penske's products have won many races and national and international championships in multiple racing series, including Formula One, BTCC, ALMS, NASCAR, ICS, GARRS, DIRT, NHRA, and AMA. Penske Racing Shocks currently supplies multiple Formula One racing teams with dampers and hydraulic suspension components.
