Honda move to NASCAR could leave IRL high and dry

We are increasingly hearing rumors that Honda is indeed going to NASCAR and the ALMS. Honda's Robert Clarke has made it clear they are in racing to compete against other manufacturers, of which NASCAR and ALMS has. In 2007 the IRL may be left with no engine manufacturers as it is doubtful Honda will stick around to beat itself despite Clarke saying they could supply the entire field. Honda will also shift all its marketing dollars to ALMS and NASCAR and, if they did stay in the IRL, it is believed to be for profit reasons – lease engines to teams and make a profit.

The end result could be that Penske bought Ilmor to ensure an engine supply to the IRL while OWRS has Cosworth to ensure an engine supply for Champ Car. In essence the entire sport of IndyCar Racing could become manufacture less and cash poor. It remains to be seen whether the sport can survive, let alone prosper, with zero car manufacturer support. With NASCAR and F1 sucking up sponsors and manufacturers at an alarming rate, the end result of Tony George's decision to split the sport will be clear and he will have stamped his legacy on a sport that once ruled American motorsports.