OFFICIAL NEWS: IndyCar reaches “historic” deal with Honda and Chevrolet as new manufacturers join the 2028 era, bringing the league back to its peak in America
In a landmark announcement that has sent waves of optimism through the open-wheel racing community, IndyCar has secured a multiyear commitment from its longtime engine suppliers, Chevrolet and Honda, ensuring their continued role as official Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the NTT IndyCar Series. The agreements, revealed on February 12, 2026, mark a pivotal moment for the series, providing stability amid a period of significant evolution and positioning IndyCar for what many are calling a return to its golden era of popularity and competitiveness in the United States.
The deals, which begin in 2027 and extend for multiple years, come at a critical juncture. The previous contracts were set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, and speculation had swirled for nearly two years about Honda potentially exiting the series after more than three decades of involvement dating back to 1994. Chevrolet had affirmed its intention to stay, but Honda’s future remained uncertain, raising concerns about manufacturer diversity and the viability of the upcoming technical regulations overhaul. IndyCar President J.
Douglas Boles described the commitment as “a monumental day for IndyCar, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners.” He emphasized that both companies had worked diligently over the past 12 months to reach this point, underscoring their deep investment in the sport’s upward trajectory following a strong 2025 season.
Central to the agreements is the manufacturers’ heavy involvement in shaping the next generation of IndyCar machinery. Starting in 2028, the series will introduce an all-new Dallara chassis paired with updated power units: 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines incorporating hybrid technology. This represents an evolution from the current 2.2-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 configuration used in 2027. Both Chevrolet and Honda will play key roles in developing these engines and the associated competition rules, ensuring that the new package aligns with their engineering expertise while promoting innovation, performance, and relevance to modern automotive trends like hybridization.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking element of the deals is the inclusion of manufacturer charters. For the first time in IndyCar history, Chevrolet and Honda will each be entitled to own and activate a full-season charter entry beginning in the 2028 season. This provision grants them the ability to field a factory-backed car, operating as an official team representative. Charters guarantee starting positions and provide financial and competitive stability, similar to systems in other major U.S. racing leagues. Honda has already indicated discussions with Meyer Shank Racing to run its charter entry, while Chevrolet’s plans are expected to emerge soon.
These factory efforts are seen as a way for the manufacturers to further develop technology, nurture talent, and showcase their brands directly on the track.
The significance of this announcement extends far beyond engine supply. IndyCar has experienced renewed momentum in recent years, bolstered by a high-profile broadcast partnership with Fox and growing fan interest in events like the Indianapolis 500. The retention of two powerhouse manufacturers eliminates the risk of a single-supplier scenario, which could have stifled competition and innovation. Instead, the series maintains a balanced rivalry between Chevrolet—represented by teams like Team Penske, Arrow McLaren, and others—and Honda, which powers outfits such as Andretti Global and Chip Ganassi Racing.
This duopoly has fueled intense on-track battles and technological advancements since 2012, when Chevrolet returned to full-time competition after Honda’s period as the sole supplier.
Looking ahead to 2028, the new era promises to elevate IndyCar’s profile even further. The hybrid integration and chassis updates are designed to make the cars more exciting, safer, and technologically advanced, appealing to both traditional fans and a broader audience interested in sustainable performance. With manufacturer-backed entries adding another layer of factory involvement—reminiscent of Formula 1’s constructor teams—the series could see heightened competition, increased marketing efforts, and greater media attention.
Boles highlighted this potential, noting that Chevrolet and Honda’s charter status offers “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 deals also reflect broader confidence in IndyCar’s direction under Penske Entertainment ownership. The series has focused on expanding its footprint, enhancing the racing product, and capitalizing on America’s enduring love for high-speed oval and road course competition. By locking in these commitments, IndyCar avoids the pitfalls that have plagued other racing categories in the past, such as manufacturer pullouts that led to instability. Instead, it positions itself for sustained growth, potentially attracting additional partners or even new manufacturers in the future as the 2028 regulations prove successful.
For fans, drivers, and teams, this news brings relief and excitement. The uncertainty that hung over the sport has been replaced by assurance that the core elements of IndyCar—intense manufacturer rivalry, cutting-edge engineering, and thrilling racing—will not only continue but thrive. As the series prepares for the transition from the current formula to the 2028 machines, the historic agreements with Chevrolet and Honda stand as a testament to IndyCar’s resilience and appeal.
They signal that America’s premier open-wheel championship is not just surviving but poised to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of domestic motorsports, delivering spectacle, innovation, and competition that resonates across the nation.
