Schmidt is third team to align with Honda
The team joins Chip Ganassi Racing and A.J. Foyt Racing in partnering with Honda for the 2012 season that will see three manufacturers supply V-6 engines to the series. Chevrolet and Lotus also have engines under development for October testing.
“Following a decade of achievements – and four championships – in Indy Lights, Sam Schmidt Motorsports has logged additional impressive results since the team’s return to full-time IndyCar competition this year," said Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development and vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda. “Included among those accomplishments are the pole position at this year’s Indianapolis 500 and a second pole two weeks later in Texas (with Alex Tagliani).
“We believe that Sam, team manager Rob Edwards and the rest of the Sam Schmidt Motorsports team have established a solid foundation for future success. We look forward to working with them to achieve our joint goals of race wins and IndyCar Series championships."
Designed at HPD’s Santa Clarita, Calif., facility, the Honda Indy V-6 engine will be involved in initial track testing through September with the Dallara Automobili-built IndyCar Safety Cell. The first test is Aug. 8-9.
“Honda’s success both on and off the track is unmatched," Schmidt said. “I believe its total commitment to performance, reliability and integrity as a company is perfectly aligned with the goals of Sam Schmidt Motorsports and its partners. We look forward to what we hope will be a long and very productive relationship."