Honda loves IndyCar but remains noncommittal on future

Will Honda sign an extension to stay in the IndyCar Series beyond its contract which expires at the end of 2026?

Asked during the Manufacturers’ championship press conference on Sunday at the Milwaukee Mile, Honda Racing Corporation US president David Salters laughed and declined to answer to the question.

“So seriously, we love IndyCar,” Salters said. “We've been here for 30 years, I believe, doing pretty well – very well this year, thanks to all our men and women. We love IndyCar. We love the racing.

“We don't talk about our private businesses. We look at where we're going for the future. That's a Honda thing. That's who we deal with. We don't really discuss our private business in public, to be honest with you.”

IndyCar intends to introduce a new chassis and engine formula in 2028. With a gap year in the supply set for 2027, the series needs commitments from at least one of its manufacturers – Chevrolet or Honda – to maintain an engine supply for the field while the new 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 motors are readied for the following season.

Like Honda, which is known to be considering a move to NASCAR, a public commitment from Chevy is also needed.