Positive talks over new IndyCar engine partners continuing

Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles says positive talks continue to take place with its current NTT IndyCar Series engine partners and auto manufacturers who are curious to learn where the series is headed with its next engine formula.

Having made a midseason conversion to hybridization in July of 2024, IndyCar will continue to race with small-displacement internal combustion engines (ICE) and some form of energy recovery system (ERS) when its new formula appears – as early as 2027 – and is working to retain Chevrolet and Honda beyond the end of their supply contracts.

Adding a third manufacturer to join Chevy and Honda, which would reduce their supply responsibilities and save a considerable amount in annual budget commitments, has been among the series greatest needs since Lotus departed after the 2012 season.

“I’d just say the for both of those populations, it’s very encouraging, both the extension of our existing partners, whose arrangements go through 2026, and the possibility of adding one or more new manufacturers,” Miles told RACER.

In order to move from interests expressed by its current manufacturers and others who might join into something more formal, Penske Entertainment will need to solidify its ICE and ERS formulas. Once it has fixed and tangible plans to present, Chevy, Honda, and more car companies will have the information required to make official decisions on whether they will be part of IndyCar’s future.

“Just as there is work being done for Honda and Chevy, there's serious interest on the part of prospective newcomers that are paying close attention and doing all you'd expect them to do to understand the costs and their ability to be competitive,” Miles said. “It’s all related.”

IndyCar has used a 2.2-liter turbocharged V6 formula since 2012 and added a custom ERS package last year, done in partnership with Chevy and Honda, which uses primary energy storage and deployment componentry from Skeleton and Empel.