Nissan Powered Indy Racers in 1997

02/16/96

The Associated Press reported that Nissan will supply 1997 Indy Racing League drivers with a suped up version of it's 32-valve V-8 engine, which, in its normal version, can be found under the hood of Infiniti Q45 sedans.

Nissan has supplied engines for IMSA and SCCA American sports car series, and they have also put engines in off-road racing trucks. The deal with the Indy Racing League will mark the company's entrance into supplying engines to the world of open-wheeled racing.

Nissan will supply existing IRL teams with the Infiniti Indy VRH40DE as an assembled powerplant or for use with aftermarket components like camshafts, crankshafts and pistons.

IRL rules require a 90 degree cylinder bank angle, a camshaft drive system, and cylinder bore spacing. The Nissan engines will be limited to a maximum rpm of 10,500 and will be normally aspirated to keep costs down.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel