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View Full Version : Honda weighing IndyCar exit after 2026 unless costs are reduced


SteveH
12-09-23, 12:51 AM
https://racer.com/2023/12/08/honda-weighing-indycar-exit-after-2026-unless-costs-are-slashed/

It happens
pfc_m_drake
12-10-23, 09:25 AM
I know they (Honda) were also not happy that the hybrids were delayed until after the 500, so I suspect this article reflects some of that as well.
JoeBob
12-12-23, 11:09 AM
The "good news" is that Penske owns Illmor. Isn't the tire contract up soon?

The Over/Under on the announcement of the "Firestone presents the IndyCar World Series Powered by Chevrolet" is officially set at January 1, 2026.
RTKar
12-12-23, 09:40 PM
The "good news" is that Penske owns Illmor. Isn't the tire contract up soon?

The Over/Under on the announcement of the "Firestone presents the IndyCar World Series Powered by Chevrolet" is officially set at January 1, 2026.

....and it'll continue to wallow as an underpowered spec series.
pfc_m_drake
12-13-23, 12:09 PM
The "good news" is that Penske owns Illmor. Isn't the tire contract up soon?

The Over/Under on the announcement of the "Firestone presents the IndyCar World Series Powered by Chevrolet" is officially set at January 1, 2026.I'm disappointed at how little has changed since Penske bought the series, but maybe I shouldn't be surprised.

Also, nice to see you again :thumbup:
SteveH
12-13-23, 02:33 PM
I'm disappointed at how little has changed since Penske bought the series, but maybe I shouldn't be surprised.


I think there's a couple of reasons why there hasn't been any change. First and foremost, the series can't afford change. For years, change has not been central to IRL/IndyCar's DNA. Financially, it was more of the same year after year. That's a hard habit to break, budget-wise. Mediocre rating have to hurt sponsorship. I don't think the teams can afford the extent of change that would move the needle. It wouldn't surprise me to find out that the series was definitely a money loser at the time he acquired it. And probably still is. Penske is too smart to squander family money on propping it up. Unlike those before him.

And there's no other owner that has won as much at Indy as Penske. Why would he want to shake up the formula at this stage? Stage, meaning he only has a few years left. Since 2015 Penske has won four times. Why change the formula? Leave the series alone and he'll win a few more before he's done (literally).

He did paint the bathrooms at IMS a few years ago, so he's got that going for him.
SteveH
12-13-23, 02:40 PM
https://i.redd.it/fw8mcn5nhw5c1.jpg
SteveH
12-13-23, 02:41 PM
https://i.redd.it/cafovjgbov5c1.jpeg
SteveH
12-13-23, 08:04 PM
Honda's proposal to help contain IndyCar engine supply costs
https://racer.com/2023/12/13/hondas-proposal-to-help-contain-indycar-engine-supply-costs/


Honda’s suggestion for Ilmor Engineering to become the series’ sole ICE supplier, which is co-owned by IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske, which also builds Chevy’s IndyCar engines, is nothing less than remarkable. :rofl: :rolleyes: :tony:
stroker
12-14-23, 09:00 AM
I think there's a couple of reasons why there hasn't been any change. First and foremost, the series can't afford change. For years, change has not been central to IRL/IndyCar's DNA. Financially, it was more of the same year after year. That's a hard habit to break, budget-wise. Mediocre rating have to hurt sponsorship. I don't think the teams can afford the extent of change that would move the needle. It wouldn't surprise me to find out that the series was definitely a money loser at the time he acquired it. And probably still is. Penske is too smart to squander family money on propping it up. Unlike those before him.

And there's no other owner that has won as much at Indy as Penske. Why would he want to shake up the formula at this stage? Stage, meaning he only has a few years left. Since 2015 Penske has won four times. Why change the formula? Leave the series alone and he'll win a few more before he's done (literally).

He did paint the bathrooms at IMS a few years ago, so he's got that going for him.

So what resource could a fan access that would outline (reasonably accurate) the annual budget for a midpack Indycar team? Where can those costs be trimmed? I'm guessing the cars may not be in the top three expenses but are probably the easiest to change...

EDIT Man, I posted this then had a flashback remembering having posted almost the same thing on 7th Gear sumpthin' like 25 years ago or so....
pfc_m_drake
12-16-23, 08:58 AM
I don't know how you all feel about David Land. In general I'm an admirer just because, in a different time and a different place, I could have seen myself doing what he does. In any event, he has an excellent video on the current state of Indycar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV9W6HpCY38

Long, but worth the watch.
stroker
12-16-23, 04:07 PM
I don't know how you all feel about David Land. In general I'm an admirer just because, in a different time and a different place, I could have seen myself doing what he does. In any event, he has an excellent video on the current state of Indycar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV9W6HpCY38

Long, but worth the watch.

I don't know anything about David Land. Up until this I'd never heard of him. This is all rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. IMHO we need a new boat. I'd normally offer a list of suggestions but it's just not worth the effort any more.
RTKar
12-19-23, 10:54 AM
I don't know anything about David Land. Up until this I'd never heard of him. This is all rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. IMHO we need a new boat. I'd normally offer a list of suggestions but it's just not worth the effort any more.

I was about to write a response.....but then..."it's just not worth the effort anymore."

I've never heard of the guy, he's young, 35(?), likely from somewhere around Indy (?), so that speaks to his perspective. He's too concerned about video games...Then in typical Indy centric fashion he states his opinion that the 500 is fine but the series is in trouble.:rolleyes:
SteveH
12-27-23, 11:10 PM
https://racer.com/2023/12/27/the-racer-mailbag-december-27/


Q: Do you think Honda is going to quit?
Guillermo Calvillo

MP: Depends on the day, and who’s calling or who I’m ringing. Since I wrote the first piece on Honda firing a warning shot across IndyCar’s bow, where I opened by saying Honda is expected to complete its current contract that ends after 2026, I’ve had suggestions that this might not be the case. So who knows? I hope they don’t leave. That would be terrible for IndyCar in every way.
Honda’s public (and private) comments are akin to a spouse saying they want the marriage to work, but for that to happen, counseling and some huge changes will be needed, and ASAP. We’ll see if IndyCar is taking those concerns in a serious manner by how it does or doesn’t engage in trying to keep its marriage with Honda intact.
TravelGal
01-02-24, 06:24 PM
https://racer.com/2023/12/27/the-racer-mailbag-december-27/

I've about given up on F1 due to lack of competition and other things. Looks like my beloved "Indycar" might not be too far behind. :(