IndyCar President of Operations & Competition Derrick Walker yesterday said Honda has "agreed in principle" to remain as one of the series' engine manufacturers beyond this year, according to Bruce Martin of FOXSPORTS.com. Honda’s current contract "will expire at the end of this season." Walker said, "Both manufacturers -- Honda and Chevrolet -- have been very positive about coming back and we are currently working flat-out putting together a contract to give them to make that happen. As soon as we can get that done. It’s in our legal department." But he added, "Until we have a written contract, it’s not finalized. I’ve been working on this since I arrived at IndyCar in 2013." Martin noted this is the "first season that in addition to supplying engines to teams in the series both Honda and Chevrolet" have Aero Kits -- additional bodywork that is "added to the cars to improve aerodynamic performance." Honda has been "part of IndyCar racing since joining the CART series" in '94. It then "made a major move" after the '02 season when it left CART to "join what was then the rival Indy Racing League," beginning competition in '03. Chevrolet rejoined IndyCar in '12 and has "taken an edge in competition since that time," as Chevy drivers have won the last three series championships (FOXSPORTS.com, 4/29).
