SPEEDtv.com has learned that Honda and IndyCar came an agreement last week for the sole supplier of Indy cars since 2006 to remain in that capacity for the next two years.
Robin Miller
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Posted September 24, 2009
Indianapolis, IN
A piece of the IndyCar engine puzzle has apparently been solved in the short-term. (LAT)
Brian Barnhart claims there are four engine manufacturers that have "expressed interest" in joining IndyCar in 2012 but that remains to be seen.
What is solid, however, is Honda's continued participation through 2011.
SPEEDtv.com has learned that Honda and IndyCar came an agreement last week for the sole supplier of Indy cars since 2006 to remain in that capacity for the next two years.
Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development, could not be reached for comment and Terry Angstadt, president of IndyCar's commercial division, is traveling out of the country.
But Honda, which joined the Indy Racing League in 2003 after dominating Championship Auto Racing Teams from 1996-2001, has been the IRL's largest and most loyal partner this decade along with Firestone.
Besides leasing engines that have remarkable reliability, Honda has been the title sponsor for races at St. Petersburg and Mid-Ohio in addition to spending big bucks in marketing and advertising of the series.
It was feared that without anybody to race by 2011, Honda might pull the plug on its open wheel program but this contract renewal indicates HPD will stick around to see if any competition materializes.
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