Car manufacturers Honda and Chevrolet will continue supplying engines for US motor racing’s IndyCar after signing multi-year contract extensions with series owner Penske Entertainment.
The new agreement, which will start in 2027, sees Honda and Chevrolet remain IndyCar’s official original equipment manufacturers and comes as both manufacturers head into the final season of their existing contracts, with the 2026 IndyCar campaign due to start on March 1 in Florida.
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As part of the new deal, both manufacturers will also be involved in the development of the engine and competition rules that are set to be implemented, with the new car expected from the 2028 season.
While the announcement did not detail the length of the contracts, the deals include a clause giving Honda and Chevrolet the option to become members of IndyCar’s charter program from 2028, with the right to enter a single factory car.
Charter status will give Honda and Chevrolet the right to enter a single factory car into the series and access team-owner meetings that help shape the strategic direction of the series.
The IndyCar charter system was announced in 2024, with current charter agreements running through 2031.
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By GlobalDataIndyCar president J. Douglas Boles said: “Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point, and both have made it very clear that they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.
“As charter entrants in 2028, Chevrolet and Honda now have a new and exciting opportunity to build on their incredible legacies across IndyCar Series racing, while continuing their strong relationships with our current roster of teams and helping deliver an innovative and industry-leading new car in 2028.”
The deal ends speculation that Honda was considering exiting the competition due to rapidly rising costs of competing in the championship.
Honda began IndyCar competition in 1994 and has served as an engine supplier for the series for over 30 years, including six seasons as the sole engine supplier.
Chevrolet’s deal, meanwhile, extends its involvement in IndyCar to 14 seasons since returning to the series in 2012. During that time, the brand has won nine manufacturer championships.
David Salters, president of Honda Racing Corporation USA, said: “With a deep respect for the history and competitive spirit of IndyCar racing, we are proud to continue our involvement after more than 30 years.
“This longstanding commitment strengthens our ability to allow us to further develop our people and technology at the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in North America."
General Motors President Mark Reuss added: “The addition of a charter allows Chevrolet to join with other stakeholders to continue to make the series even stronger. IndyCar produces consistently exciting racing on road and street courses as well as ovals, and we look forward to building on our IndyCar legacy and put on a great show for our loyal Chevrolet fans.”
Last year, US media giant Fox purchased a third of Penske, inclusive of IndyCar and the IMS, in exchange for a reported fee of between $125 million and $135 million. As part of the deal, the broadcaster also renewed its rights contract for the series on a multi-year basis.
At the time, Fox said the driving aim behind the investment is to aid IndyCar in promoting its series and drivers, engage in a new digital and content strategy, and drive attendance and viewership.
