devilmaster
01-10-05, 04:07 AM
http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_Story.asp?ID=110390
Indy Racing League officials will sit down with its three engine manufacturers today to discuss engine regulations for the 2007 season and beyond.
Series officials are also going to use the meeting to try and persuade Chevrolet to reverse its decision to leave the sport at the end of this year.
"I told them that keeping Chevy should be their top priority," Honda Performance Development general manager Robert Clarke told the Indianapolis Star. "Bringing in someone new will be more difficult than keeping Chevy, and both are going to be very difficult, it seems."
But Chevy IRL manager Joe Negri says there's no chance the manufacturer will be back in 2006. Depending on the regulations adopted for 2007, its possible Chevrolet could make return.
However, if the IRL elects to switch back to a production-based power plant, then Honda and Toyota are expected to re-evaluate their commitment to the series.
General Motors announced its decision to leave the IRL in November, saying the series no longer met its business objectives. GM Racing director Doug Duchardt also blamed declining television ratings and attendance for the decision to leave.
Engine costs have tripled since 2002 as a result of Honda and Toyota joining the series. Only 19 cars are expected to turn up for the IRL test later this month and the 33 car field for the Indianapolis 500 is not looking good at this point.
Honda will supply engines for 10 cars and may add one more for the 500 while Toyota has commitments to supply seven cars. Chevrolet will supply two cars but could add to that total for the May race.
The IRL hopes to have a decision on the new engine formula by May.
Indy Racing League officials will sit down with its three engine manufacturers today to discuss engine regulations for the 2007 season and beyond.
Series officials are also going to use the meeting to try and persuade Chevrolet to reverse its decision to leave the sport at the end of this year.
"I told them that keeping Chevy should be their top priority," Honda Performance Development general manager Robert Clarke told the Indianapolis Star. "Bringing in someone new will be more difficult than keeping Chevy, and both are going to be very difficult, it seems."
But Chevy IRL manager Joe Negri says there's no chance the manufacturer will be back in 2006. Depending on the regulations adopted for 2007, its possible Chevrolet could make return.
However, if the IRL elects to switch back to a production-based power plant, then Honda and Toyota are expected to re-evaluate their commitment to the series.
General Motors announced its decision to leave the IRL in November, saying the series no longer met its business objectives. GM Racing director Doug Duchardt also blamed declining television ratings and attendance for the decision to leave.
Engine costs have tripled since 2002 as a result of Honda and Toyota joining the series. Only 19 cars are expected to turn up for the IRL test later this month and the 33 car field for the Indianapolis 500 is not looking good at this point.
Honda will supply engines for 10 cars and may add one more for the 500 while Toyota has commitments to supply seven cars. Chevrolet will supply two cars but could add to that total for the May race.
The IRL hopes to have a decision on the new engine formula by May.