Porsche is one of a couple of auto manufacturers showing interest in joining IndyCar, according to sources, and the German brand would be a major score for the series should a deal come to fruition. IndyCar has been out searching for a third OEM to join it for years, with the current entrants being Chevrolet and Honda. IndyCar President Jay Frye has said that the series is feeling good about the talks it has had with automakers, but that the series “would feel better if we had one wrapped up; we don’t (yet).” However, sources say that Porsche, which is owned by Volkswagen Group, has had discussions with IndyCar that have advanced beyond the preliminary stage. Still, there are no indications yet that a deal has been signed. IndyCar had been indicating in recent months that an OEM could join by ’21 at the earliest, but Frye recently indicated that IndyCar may push back the introduction of a new engine for Chevy and Honda until ’22 if that helps entice a new OEM into the series.
SHIFTING GEARS: Chip Ganassi Racing COO Doug Duchardt said on Tuesday that talks have yet to begin on a possible extension between CGR driver Kurt Busch and sponsor Monster Energy. Duchardt told THE DAILY: “Obviously he’s come in and done a great job; Monster’s been a great partner so far. When the time’s right, I’m sure we’ll be talking to both of them. But right now, we haven’t started any of those discussions." Busch is currently on a one-year deal with Monster.
