VELO3D and ANDRETTI PERFORMANCE PARTNER FOR 2026 IMSA MICHELIN PILOT CHALLENGE

Rhea-AI Summary

Velo3D (NASDAQ: VELO) is partnering with Andretti Performance as an official sponsor and additive manufacturing technology provider for two 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge events.

The collaboration features Velo3D branding on the No. 43 Porsche at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis and the company-designed aluminum CP1 radio controls mounting bracket produced using Constellium Aheadd® CP1 alloy and generative design.

Market Context

This announcement highlights a 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge partnership where Velo3D supplies ...

Analysis

This announcement highlights a 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge partnership where Velo3D supplies metal additive manufacturing components for the No. 43 Andretti Performance Porsche. It showcases real-world use of advanced design and manufacturing in demanding racing conditions. With shares at $0.47, well below the $29.25 52-week high and the $10.86 200-day MA, investors may track how similar technology-validation deals translate into broader commercial traction and revenue-bearing programs.

Key Figures

Number of events: 2 events Race car number: No. 43 Current price: $0.47 +5 more

8 metrics

Number of events 2 events 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge partnership

Race car number No. 43 Andretti Performance Porsche entry using Velo3D components

Current price $0.47 Pre-news trading level

24h price change -2.08% Performance prior to article publication

52-week high $29.25 Comparison point for current price

52-week low $1.425 Comparison point for downside range

Price vs 52-week high -98.39% Distance from 52-week high before this news

Relative volume 26.92x Today’s volume vs 20-day average before this news

Key Terms

metal additive manufacturing, additive manufacturing, generative design

3 terms

metal additive manufacturing technical

"an industry leading metal additive manufacturing company, will partner with Andretti"

Metal additive manufacturing is a production method that builds metal parts layer by layer from a digital design using focused energy (for example a laser), like a printer stacking very thin layers to form a finished object. It matters to investors because it can shorten lead times, cut material waste, enable complex or customized parts without expensive tooling, and change cost structures or market opportunities for manufacturers—factors that can affect profitability and competitive position.

additive manufacturing technical

"how advanced additive manufacturing is transforming performance engineering through lighter"

Additive manufacturing, often called 3D printing, builds physical parts by laying down material layer by layer from a digital design, rather than cutting or molding from a solid block. It matters to investors because it can cut production time and waste, enable cheaper prototypes and customized products, and reshape supply chains—changes that can lower costs, speed new products to market, and create competitive advantages that affect a company's revenue and margins.

generative design technical

"the component was optimized using generative design tools to maximize structural efficiency"

Generative design is a computer-driven process that takes goals, limits and available materials and produces many possible product shapes and layouts, similar to telling a smart assistant the ingredients you have and getting dozens of recipe options. For investors, it matters because it can cut engineering time, lower manufacturing costs, create lighter or stronger products, and enable faster innovation — all of which can improve margins, shorten time to market and change competitive dynamics.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

Partnership Showcases Real-World Performance Advantages of Advanced Metal Additive Manufacturing

FREMONT, Calif., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Velo3D, Inc. (NASDAQ: VELO), an industry leading metal additive manufacturing company, will partner with Andretti Performance as an official sponsor and additive manufacturing technology provider for two 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge events.

The partnership will feature Velo3D branding on the No. 43 Andretti Performance Porsche at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while also showcasing Velo3D's advanced manufacturing capabilities through the deployment of performance-critical components produced using its metal additive manufacturing technology.

As part of the collaboration, Velo3D designed and manufactured an aluminum CP1 radio controls mounting bracket for the No. 43 Porsche to improve rigidity and performance of critical cockpit communication and control systems. Produced using Constellium's Aheadd® CP1 aluminum alloy, a high-performance material developed for additive manufacturing and increasingly utilized in aerospace and defense applications for its lightweight, high-strength, and elevated-temperature properties, the component was optimized using generative design tools to maximize structural efficiency while minimizing weight, reflecting the late John Andretti's philosophy: "smart, but aggressive".

The collaboration serves as a real-world demonstration of how advanced additive manufacturing is transforming performance engineering through lighter, stronger, and more intelligent component design in one of the world's most demanding operating environments.

"I'm very excited to bring Velo3D into auto racing with Andretti Performance," said Jarett Andretti, driver of the No. 43 entry. "I learned about Velo3D a few years ago and have been impressed how they have pushed boundaries on propulsion engines in aerospace and defense. I'm excited to have found an opportunity for us to partner."

"Andretti embodies the same relentless pursuit of precision, performance, and innovation that defines Velo3D," said Arun Jeldi, Chief Executive Officer of Velo3D. "This partnership is more than brand alignment. It is a real-world demonstration of how advanced additive manufacturing can solve complex engineering challenges and deliver superior performance in the most demanding environments. We believe opportunities like this expand awareness of Velo3D's differentiated technology while showcasing the broader potential of additive manufacturing beyond traditional industrial markets."

About Velo3D:

Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company that enables customers to build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire® family of printers, and the Assure quality control system—all of which are powered by Velo3D's Intelligent Fusion® manufacturing process. The company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as Honeywell, Honda, Chromalloy, and Lam Research. Velo3D has been named as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for 2024. For more information, please visit Velo3D.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn or X.

VELO, VELO3D, SAPPHIRE and INTELLIGENT FUSION, are registered trademarks of Velo3D, Inc.; and WITHOUT COMPROMISE, FLOW and ASSURE are trademarks of Velo3D, Inc. All Rights Reserved © Velo3D, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expect," "will," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, without limitation, expectations regarding Mr. Suva's anticipated appointment, his expected role and contributions, and the Company's future growth and financial strategy. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/velo3d-and-andretti-performance-partner-for-2026-imsa-michelin-pilot-challenge-302748339.html

SOURCE Velo3D, Inc.

FAQ

What is the Velo3D and Andretti Performance partnership for the 2026 IMSA events (VELO)?

It is an official sponsorship and tech partnership for two 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge races. According to the company, Velo3D will provide branding and additive-manufactured components on the No. 43 Andretti Performance Porsche at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis.

Which races will feature Velo3D branding on the No. 43 Andretti Performance Porsche (VELO)?

Velo3D branding will appear at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2026. According to the company, those are the two IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge events included in the collaboration.

What component did Velo3D design and produce for Andretti Performance (VELO)?

Velo3D designed and manufactured an aluminum CP1 radio controls mounting bracket for the No. 43 Porsche. According to the company, it uses Constellium Aheadd® CP1 alloy and generative design to improve rigidity and reduce weight.

Why did Andretti Performance choose Velo3D technology for the No. 43 Porsche (VELO)?

They chose Velo3D for its advanced metal additive manufacturing capabilities demonstrated in aerospace and defense. According to the company, the goal is improved structural efficiency, rigidity, and performance in demanding racing conditions.

How does the Velo3D CP1 bracket benefit cockpit systems on the No. 43 Porsche (VELO)?

The bracket is intended to improve rigidity and performance of cockpit communication and control systems. According to the company, generative design and Aheadd® CP1 aluminum optimize strength-to-weight and elevated-temperature performance.