As IndyCar moves towards implementing a universal aero kit for teams in 2018, IndyCar director of technical development Tino Belli has told Autoweek the goal is to also attract more manufacturers to the sport to compete with current manufacturers, Chevrolet and Honda.
“They (Honda and Chevrolet) both want a third and a fourth engine manufacturer to come in, as well. Our hopes are high that we will attract a third manufacturer, and it could be a fourth if things go well,” said Belli.
IndyCar hopes that the universal aero kits introduction will also bring new teams, the aim according to IndyCar president of competition Jay Frye, is to bring the field back up 28 cars per race and exceeding 33 cars for the Indianapolis 500.
“You would hope a new OEM would come in and create new opportunity for ownership.
“The new engine manufacturer may have an existing team or two, and a new owner comes in. This would be part in parcel with expanding the field by having a third, and even a fourth, engine manufacturer join the Verizon IndyCar Series,” said Frye.
While it is unclear who IndyCar wants to target as the new manufacturers, established brands such as Ford and Toyota are most likely on IndyCar’s shortlist, due to the former’s Champ Car-IndyCar heritage and the latter’s continual title sponsorship of the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Regardless of who IndyCar attracts, IndyCar admits entry probably will not be until 2019. However they seem bullish about the possibility of a third manufacturer.
“What we are trying to do with our rules package is make it as attractive as we can to new engine manufacturers. We are taking input we have had with them already to listening to the concerns of our current customers and their expertise designing these platforms and where they want to go,” added Marvin Riley, IndyCar director of engine development.
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