IndyCar Is Spec Series No More - Chevy Is Back

Just the Facts:

• Chevrolet confirmed on Friday its return to IndyCar competition in 2012.
• CEO Randy Bernard has succeeded in reshaping the IndyCar Series formula.
• Ilmor Engineering will help Chevy develop its twin-turbocharged V6 racing engine.

INDIANAPOLIS — Chevrolet's return to IndyCar competition is a full season away, but has stirred plenty of excitement about U.S. open-wheel racing.

Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor Speedway, called the Chevy-Indy Racing League announcement Friday "a watershed moment" and added, "Clearly the wind is in the sails for the sport."

Indy Racing League CEO Randy Bernard was obviously pleased with this result of his efforts to direct the IndyCar series toward a new engine and chassis formula in 2012.

"Chevrolet brings a strong passion for racing, technology, relevance and innovation, which is a great fit for our new car platform," Bernard said.

Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development, welcomed Chevy back to the series.

"We have repeatedly and unequivocally expressed our desire for engine competition within the series, dating even from our first days of sole supply, in 2006," Berkman said. "We look forward to renewing our relationship with Chevrolet as competitors on the race track and giving the fans of open-wheel racing a spirited and challenging rivalry."

Ilmor Engineering, which helped Honda develop its present Indy V8 engine, will work with Chevrolet to produce the Chevy Indy twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 racing engine. Honda, according to Ilmor shareholder and IndyCar team owner Roger Penske, will develop its new engine independently.

Honda has been the sole supplier of engines for the IndyCar Series since 2006, after Chevrolet and Toyota both ended their participation. Honda had previously embraced the new rules and, along with its commitment, challenged other automakers to join in IndyCar competition.

New engine rules will permit four- or six-cylinder engines with displacement as large as 2.4 liters, with turbochargers allowed. The rules were intended to attract a variety of engine suppliers.

Inside Line says: It is probably deadline time for any other manufacturers to participate as early as 2012, but Chevrolet's announcement ends the single-engine era and may very well lead to even greater diversity in 2013. — David Green, Correspondent