It also will be working with the same two engine manufacturers, Chevrolet and
IndyCar President
“It’s been a huge challenge," Frye said, referring to keeping this season on track. “So it's great that there’s some clarity now — clarity with the schedule, clarity with this deal."
The new 2.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with hybrid technology was expected to be ready next season.
A newly designed powertrain system that gives drivers the ability to start their own cars, rather than needing the traditional handheld starters, also was part of the package. Series officials believe it will help limit the exposure of injury to safety team members.
But when businesses shut down in March, it became clear the engines wouldn't be ready to compete in 2021. So the series will use the smaller, less powerful engines in the current cars as development continues on the hybrid engines.
“I don’t know how exactly we’re going to do it but we’re going to find a way to do it,"
What exactly the future looks like isn't entirely unclear.
Frye believes more IndyCar teams could be on the track next season and one owner,
Klaus, meanwhile, insisted the new deal reflects
“Yesterday is a matter of us harvesting the investment we made in F1, and today you heard me echoing motorsports is in our blood," Klaus said. “You’re going to see
But Klaus,
“I think it’s absolutely needed and think it would be fabulous," Reuss said. “I think it would make it (the series) better and another manufacturer would help the series to keep growing. We’re in it to win, but we’re also in it to make sure the series is very sustaining for the future."
Saturday's news caps a big week for IndyCar.
On Thursday, it released the 2021 schedule, which includes a second race date on
On Friday and Saturday, thousands of fans returned to the grandstands for the Harvest GP doubleheader along with a series of sports car races. An eight-hour endurance race also is scheduled for Sunday.
The title chase also is heating up as two-time series champ
And now they have both primary engine manufacturers signed to long-term contracts.
“The fact we’re committed to reinvesting in this series for years to come should say everything about what we think about it," Reuss said. “It’s a series that features some of the best racing in the world and some of the most talented international drivers."
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