For the time being, the IndyCar machineries use Dallara chassis and normally-aspirated Honda engines, as well as Firestone tires. While Dallara and Firestone will not use their position as sole suppliers to the series, Honda is likely to be joined in by a series of manufacturers who will be granted the permission to build turbocharged, more economical power plants.
According to IndyCar commercial boss Terry Angstadt, there are no less than 5 car makers – Porsche, Volkswagen, Fiat, Audi and also Honda – willing to be part of series' future engine programme. However, the series' president Brian Barnhart believes that such a transition could not be possible in difficult economic times such as these.
“As much as we'd like 2011, to be honest with you, if I had to say while I mentioned we're waiting on a manufacturer in the next 60 days, and that is perhaps for 2011, my gut tells me in this economic environment and situation, we're probably looking more toward 2012 now. I wouldn't rule out 2011. But it most certainly and likely could be pushed back to 2012,” revealed Barnhart.
He also pointed out that, given the economic downturn, the fact that 5 manufacturers are even considering pouring money into an engine programme such as this is proof enough that the future of the series is well assured.
“The fact that we've got five of them involved in this global economy, I think it speaks volumes. And I think it's a really good indicator about the interest in the future of the IndyCar Series in this economy that we have five this engaged this far down the path,” added the IndyCar boss.
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