Honda to join Indy Racing League from 2003
( 2002-05-24 10:02 ) (7 )

Honda is to compete in the Indy Racing League (IRL) from next season after ending a nine-year run in the rival CART series, officials of American Honda said on Thursday.

The Japanese carmakers will enter the IRL, whose showpiece Indy 500 takes place on Sunday, through its subsidiary Honda performance development (HPD).

"Competing in the IRL series will give the Honda the opportunity to ... compete in the Indianapolis 500, while at the same time expand HPD's abilities as a true racing engine development company," said Robert Clarke, general manager of HPD.

Last year Honda announced that it would not continue in CART due to a disagreement to adopt a 3.5 litre normally aspirated formula, which is the regulation in the IRL.

HPD has contracted with Ilmor Engineering, of Michigan to provide engines. HPD had previously assembled engines designed by Honda in Japan.

"Honda's decision to produce an IRL engine further validates the growth, stability, and strength of the league, and the addition of another engine manufacturer positions the series for even more growth," said IRL chief Tony George.

The announcement means that the seven-year old IRL series now has four engine manufacturers committed to the series, while the rival CART series only one.

In a related development the IRL and Twin Ring Motegi, a racing complex about 100 km north of Tokyo, announced a three-year agreement to run a race on the 1.548 oval located there.

The Japanese racing facility was financed by a company affiliated with Honda. This would be the first overseas venture in the history of IRL.

CART previously ran five races there, most recently in April when Indy 500 pole winner, Bruno Junqueira won driving a Toyota powered Lola.

Honda also provides engines for Jordan and British American Racing (BAR) in Formula One.