INDIANAPOLIS — With a unified IndyCar Series, Honda Performance Development has agreed to a five-year extension to supply engines to the series.
Honda joined the IndyCar Series at the start of the 2003 season and became single supplier of racing engines to the series in 2006.
“In the six years that Honda has been a part of the Indy Racing League, we’ve had a great deal of success, both against strong competition from other auto manufacturers and as single engine supplier,” said Erik Berkman, president of HPD, located in Santa Clarita, Calif. “Honda is pleased to be part of the IndyCar Series, as it provides both a technical challenge for our engineers and a showcase for Honda products worldwide.
“We are delighted by the League’s decision to welcome automotive manufacturers to Indianapolis next month. We look forward to the continued growth of IndyCar racing, and potential participation by additional engine manufacturers.”
The news extends an already fruitful relationship between the manufacturer and the IndyCar Series.
“I am very excited about Honda’s decision, as it brings stability and continuity to a very competitive racing package,” said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and operations for the IRL. “We’re encouraged by Honda’s commitment to the IndyCar Series, and their willingness to assist us in growing the series, both on and off the race track.”
The Indy Racing League also announced plans to define its next generation of technical competition rules package with the ultimate goal of encouraging new manufacturer participation within the series.
An ‘IndyCar Automotive Manufacturers Round Table’ targeting senior-level automotive executives will be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in late June to openly discuss future IndyCar Series concepts.
The series has targeted introduction of new specifications for the 2011 season, the 100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500-Mile Race with a desire for multiple automobile-manufacturer participation.
The IndyCar Series has retained RWB of Torrance, Calif., to work in concert with the series to develop the round table. RWB’s Neil Ressler will facilitate the round table discussions. Ressler spent 34 years with Ford Motor Company, most recently as vice president and chief technical officer, research and vehicle technology, before announcing his retirement in 2001.