On Thursday, IndyCar confirmed that it has secured contract extensions with both Chevrolet and Honda, dispelling any rumors regarding Honda’s potential exit from North America’s open-wheel racing series.
For nearly two years, Honda had been noncommittal about its future in the series, with its existing contract set to expire at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The manufacturer consistently indicated that it was assessing its involvement in motorsports, which includes a potential entry into NASCAR.
The specifics of the contract extensions with Chevrolet and Honda were not disclosed, with both manufacturers stating only that the multiyear agreements will commence in 2027. IndyCar noted that the new contracts will enable each manufacturer to possess a charter starting in the 2028 season, coinciding with the introduction of a new car for the series.
“As charter entrants in 2028, Chevrolet and Honda now have a fresh and exciting opportunity to enhance their remarkable legacies within IndyCar Series racing, while maintaining their strong partnerships with our current teams and contributing to the development of an innovative and industry-leading new car in 2028,” remarked Doug Boles, president of the series.
The IndyCar charter system was first introduced in late 2024, with charters allocated to teams based on full-time entries from the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Teams are permitted to hold up to three charters each, and the agreement with Chevrolet and Honda will not allow teams that have reached the three-charter limit to add a fourth car through the manufacturers.
Chevrolet and Honda will play a significant role in the development of the engine and competition regulations that will be applied to the new Indy car.
“Chevrolet and Honda have collaborated diligently with us over the past year to reach this milestone, and both have clearly expressed their full commitment to this sport and their investment in sustaining the positive momentum the series achieved in 2025,” Boles stated.
Since rejoining the series in 2012, Chevrolet has secured nine out of 14 championships and has a total of 16 IndyCar titles in its history.
Honda entered IndyCar competition in 1994 and has served as an engine supplier for over three decades, including six seasons as the exclusive engine supplier. It claimed its 11th manufacturers’ title in a multi-manufacturer competition last season and its fifth championship in the last eight years.
Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing has captured four championships with a Honda since 2021.
“With a profound respect for the history and competitive nature of IndyCar racing, we are honored to continue our participation after more than 30 years,” stated David Salters, president of Honda Racing Corporation USA. “This enduring commitment enhances our capability to further develop our personnel and technology at the forefront of open-wheel racing in North America.”
Chevrolet had no intentions of departing from the series and had asserted that it could support the entire IndyCar field if Honda chose not to renew.
“Chevrolet has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with IndyCar as an engine manufacturer, and this extension lays the groundwork for the IndyCar Series to continue its growth and for us to further optimize technology transfer from race to road,” said GM president Mark Reuss. “The addition of a charter allows Chevrolet to collaborate with other stakeholders to strengthen the series even further.”
The 2026 IndyCar season is set to commence on March 1 in the downtown streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Source: espn.com
