Honda power for IndyCar in 2007 and beyond

Although car counts remain low and attendance and TV numbers are stagnant, the IndyCar Series received a minor vote of confidence today from Honda Performance Development President, Robert Clarke.

“Our commitment to the IndyCar Series extends thru 2009 and hopefully for many years beyond,” said Clarke who also detailed some changes they have made to the engines for the 2007 season, while addressing the Japanese media in Tokyo.

He noted the cost of an engine lease has dropped from $1.3million for the 2006 season to $950,000 for 2007. According to Clarke, one way this was accomplished was by reducing the number of injectors from two per cylinder to just one.

2007 engines also picked up extra mileage in the conversion to 3.5 liters, as they now go 1400 miles between rebuilds instead of 1200 mile rebuild schedule used in 2006.

Clarke noted the change to 100% ethanol fuel has added mileage but caused the manufacturer no significant issues with the exception of adding some cooling capacity to the chassis.

ORS / CAPSIS International