Mazda, which sponsors the Road To Indy ladder series program and powers two of the three classes on the ladder, was expected to receive heavy consideration for the Lights contract with its new-for-2013 4-cylinder, bi-turbo diesel Skyactiv P2 engine.

Chris Dyson raced in the Champ Car Atlantic Series through the 2005 season. (Photo: LAT)

But with limited time to gain approval from its board, and the series looking to announce the 2014 engine package at Baltimore during the September 1-2 IndyCar weekend, it's believed Mazda was forced to withdraw its bid, leaving Honda and AER as the front runners.

Adding to the complexity for potential engine and chassis suppliers is the series' heavy interest in using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the sole form of fuel beginning in 2014.

Although the series' original proposal requests called for a conventional chassis and engine solution, the use of LNG would effectively require the interested suppliers to modify their plans and accommodate the on-board storage and consumption of LNG--a first for an open-wheel series.

If it is ratified, the use of LNG is not expected to affect the Dyson proposal.

Known mostly for their sports car exploits, the Dysons have also forged a long history in open-wheel racing dating back to 1989, fielding entries in Atlantics, Indy Lights and Indy cars over a three-decade span.

Chris Dyson, the company's Vice President and Sporting Director, is the reigning P1 drivers' co-champion with teammate Guy Smith. Dyson is also no stranger to the open-wheel ladder, having contested a number of Atlantic races in the 2000s with a best result of fourth at Long Beach in 2005.

Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, and covers the IndyCar Series. Before joining SPEED, Pruett worked in open-wheel racing for 20 years as a mechanic and engineer. He also contributes to RACER, Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett.