Honda and Chevrolet renew commitment to IndyCar; receive charters in 2028
by Austin Lawton, Staff Writer
In a historic agreement, Chevrolet and Honda have renewed their status as manufacturers in the NTT IndyCar Series, in deals starting in 2027.
“This is a monumental day for INDYCAR, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners,” IndyCar 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.”
The new announcement comes after long-term speculation about the future of Honda in the sport, where at times they looked to have one foot out the door. Now, the future is solidified with two manufacturers amid the continued growth of Indycar.
Along with the new deals, Chevrolet and Honda will be involved in engine and competition rules when IndyCar rolls out their new car in 2028. Both manufacturers will also be allowed to own a charter starting in 2028, paving the way for Chevrolet and Honda “factory” Indycar teams.
“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,” Boles said.
The charter system was introduced in September of 2024. Teams were granted charters based on full-time entries from the 2022-2023 seasons. Teams are allowed a maximum of three charters. Teams that do not have three full-time charters can utilize a third charter backed by an OEM.
Team Penske, Andretti Global, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Arrow McLaren and Chip Ganassi Racing are not eligible to use the OEM-backed charter.
Both Chevrolet and Honda are longtime OEM supporters of the series, with Chevrolet returning to the series in 2012. Since then, the bowtie has won nine series championships. Chevrolet also boasts 16 IndyCar manufacturer titles.
Honda commits to the series beyond 2027, continuing its 30+ year commitment to IndyCar. Photo Credit- Chris Owens: Penske Entertainment
“Chevrolet has enjoyed a long, successful relationship with INDYCAR as an engine manufacturer, and this extension paves the way for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to continue to grow and for us to further maximize technology transfer from race to road,” General Motors President Mark Reuss said. “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.”
Honda entered IndyCar in 1994 and has supported the series for over 30 years. The Japanese car brand won the 2025 IndyCar manufacturers title, its fifth in the last eight years.
“To our esteemed Honda fans, customers and associates, we are thrilled to announce our ongoing participation in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Honda Racing Corporation USA President David Salters 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 long-standing commitment strengthens our ability to allow us to further develop our people and technology at the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in North America.”
Per an IndyCar press release, parameters for the power train that will pair with the 2028 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged, V6 engine with hybrid technology, will be announced at a later date.