TOLLAND, CT, Dec 23, 2009 - CNC Software Inc., manufacturer of Mastercam CAD/CAM software, announces the 2009-2010 Mastercam Innovator of the Future (IOF) national competition. This competition entices students with a real-world manufacturing challenge, celebrity judge, and a chance to win a scholarship as well as a trip to the celebrity judge’s headquarters. This competition provides instructors with a powerful motivational tool to get students excited about learning CAD/CAM and the manufacturing process.

The Celebrity Judge

The 2009-2010 IOF competition will be judged by a team of celebrities from Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart-Haas Racing is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team co-owned by two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart and Haas Automation. The judging team consists of Tony Stewart, owner and driver of car #14; Ryan Newman, driver of car #39; and CNC Shop Manager, Brad Harris.

The Challenge

For the 2009-2010 competition, students are challenged to design and machine a NASCAR style gear shift lever and knob. Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, and Brad Harris will select the winner based on several criteria including innovation and creativity, accuracy, quality of machining finish, and aesthetics.

The Awards

The student who creates the winning entry will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the school of their choice. In addition, the winner and their Mastercam instructor will receive an expense-paid trip to tour the Stewart-Haas Racing headquarters and machine shop in Kannapolis, North Carolina. A Mastercam IOF recognition plaque will go to both the winner and their school, and the winner’s instructor will receive a limited edition Mastercam IOF polo shirt. Everyone who enters the competition receives an exclusive Mastercam IOF shirt.

Competition Rules

All entries to the Mastercam 2010 IOF competition are subject to the following requirements:

• The part must be programmed with a licensed copy of Mastercam software.
• The part must have a professional look and remain consistent with the theme industry standards.
• The part must adhere to the specifications.
• Tell us the story behind the part; the inspiration for the design, materials used, etc.
• Include photos of you holding the part, your instructor, the school lab, and the CNC machine. Electronic files are preferred.
• The entry must consist of one finished, unpainted part.
• All entries become the property of CNC Software, Inc. Parts cannot be returned. All designs become the property of Stewart-Haas Racing.
• All entries and completed entry forms must be received by March 31, 2010.
• Send entries to CNC Software, Inc., Educational Division, 5717 Wollochet Drive NW, Ste 2A, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. (Please e-mail iof@mastercam.com to let us know to expect your entry).
• While we welcome past winners to submit entries, past winners are not eligible to win the grand prize.

For more information on the 2009-2010 Mastercam Innovator of the Future competition including the entry form and part specifications, please visit www.mastercam.com/iof.

About Mastercam

Developed by CNC Software, Inc., Mastercam is Windows®-based CAD/CAM software for 2- through 5-axis routing, milling and turning; 2- and 4-axis wire EDM; 2D and 3D design, surface, and solid modeling; and artistic relief cutting. CNC Software is a privately owned corporation founded in 1984. The U.S.-based company provides Mastercam CAD/CAM solutions to more than 124,000 installations in 75 countries in industries including mold-making, prototyping, automotive, medical, aerospace, and consumer products. Mastercam runs under Windows 2000, Windows XP, VISTA, and Windows 7, and is compatible with all other CAD/CAM systems.

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