GM Returns To Indy Car Racing
General Motors is returning to Indy Car racing.
Chevrolet joins the circuit in 2012, providing new engines for Roger Penske's team.
"I don't know of a better venue to learn quickly than Indy Car Racing," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. Stevens telling WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert that the Indy Car goal of getting more power out of a smaller engine, is in line with the auto industry's efforts to improve fuel economy.
"Going after the major challenges we have in the auto industry, this is a good way to go after that and move the state of the art up" Stevens said.
Chevrolet worked with Team Penske before dropping out of Indy Car racing in 2005. But, their engines won 104 races between 1986-93 and 2002-05. GM says specific details for their new engine will be released at a later date. It will run on E-85 fuel.
"It's going to be special for the fans,'' said three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, one of several current and former drivers on hand for the announcement.
"They're going to see competition and they're going to cheer for whatever manufacturer you're looking for, and the teams are going to gain with that. It's a win-win situation that we are facing today."
Chevy also is looking into creating an aero package for the new IndyCar chassis.
"There is one reason that drives us more than any others, our competitors. We are returning to IndyCar to win,'' said Chris Perry, vice president of marketing for Chevrolet. ``This is a natural fit for Chevrolet; this is where it all began for our company and we are all proud to be back."
Chevy's return to IndyCar was helped along by Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske and a partner with Ilmor.
Penske won 31 open-wheel races and four Indianapolis 500s in Chevy cars and hopes the addition of one major American automaker will spark interest from the other two.
"Chevrolet looked at this and their strategy with their brand going forward and felt that it would be time to go so hopefully this will bring other Big Three manufacturers in,'' Penske said. ``Also, to me, we need to see that this be a worldwide series with competition from the rest of the world so this is the first step."
Chevrolet has been a big part of NASCAR, and does not plan to change that involvement. But, Stevens says returning to Indy Car racing will put Chevy before a whole new audience, with a different perspective.
"The customers we have in Indy car racing are very new and distinct customers, he said. "These particular customers are very much interested I believe in not only making sure that we win the races, but also the technology that we apply to win the races."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
