Northern Light IRL: Chevrolet to return to Indy Racing competition in 2002
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
June 6, 2001
DETROIT - The red Bowtie is back in Indy Racing.
Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter announced June 5 that Chevrolet will compete in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series in 2002.
"Beginning next year, Chevrolet will return to open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500," Ritter said. "We are very proud of Chevrolet's record in Indy-car racing, which includes six straight Indianapolis 500 victories from 1988-93. We are looking forward to continuing that winning heritage when we return."
Said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indy Racing League: "The return of Chevrolet to Indy Racing competition is another sign of growth for the Indy Racing League. There is no brand more identified with American racing than Chevrolet, and as we continue to grow the Indy Racing League, Chevrolet will be an important partner to us."
George also noted the strong contribution of General Motors to the Indy Racing League.
"General Motors was there when we began the Indy Racing League, and Oldsmobile has been very important in getting us to where we are today. We look forward to this continuing relationship with the GM family."
Chevrolet will return to the arena of open-wheel racing after an eight-year absence. Chevrolet competed in Indy-style racing from 1986-93, winning 86 races, 80 poles and five series championships.
The red Bowtie has long been a symbol of success in American motorsports. No other car or truck manufacturer can match the number of NASCAR, NHRA, road racing and off-road championships that Chevrolet has won.
"Chevrolet's return to open-wheel racing is great news for racing fans who have missed Chevy's presence in this very prestigious race circuit," said Ritter. "We're proud to be back ... and we look forward to powering future winners of races like the Indy 500 for many years to come."
There will be a new Chevrolet engine specification in 2002 and an all-new engine in 2003.
"GM Racing is developing a new Chevrolet Indy Racing engine for 2002 based on GM Powertrain's Premium V engine platform and on the series' current technical requirements," said Joe Negri, GM Racing IRL/Road Racing Group manager. "The Chevrolet Indy Racing engine we will introduce next year will be significantly different from the current Oldsmobile IRL engine, with improved efficiency and higher output. This project will also accelerate our development program as we make the transition to the new IRL engine rules that will take effect in 2003."
General Motors has been an engine supplier in the Indy Racing League since the series introduced its naturally aspirated engine formula in January 1997. Oldsmobile IRL Aurora V8 engines have won 41 of 42 races (including five straight Indianapolis 500 victories) and have swept the series championships for the last four years.
Oldsmobile will continue to race in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series through the end of the 2001 season. GM is committed to the Indy Racing League as an engine supplier through at least 2005.
"Oldsmobile will continue its full participation in the Indy Racing League's 2001 season," said Debra Kelly-Ennis, Oldsmobile general manager. "Oldsmobile intends to continue as the dominant force in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series for the remainder of this season, and we plan to finish in winning style with a fifth consecutive Engine Manufacturer championship."
Text provided by Paul Kelly
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