IndyCar: Three potential manufacturers that could join in 2020

IndyCar are targeting potential manufacturers for entry in the sport as early as 2020. We will have a look at three potential candidates. Who could join IndyCar as engine manufacturers in 2020?

IndyCar’s popularity is on the rise; 2017 season television viewing figures are up, the much-hyped universal aero kit is set to make its debut in 2018, and there’s potential of more manufacturers joining Honda and Chevrolet in the sport.

Now there’s a definite timetable. IndyCar President Jay Frye told Autoweek that a manufacturer could join IndyCar as early as 2020.

Here is what he had to say.

"“We can’t say who that is going to be because there is no ‘who.’ The goal, right now, is right now we have a six- to eight-month window to lock one up for 2020. Next year would be another six- to eight-month window to get one locked up for 2021.”"

While no one will confirm who the manufacturers are, here are three candidates that could potentially join Honda and Chevrolet in the near future. All of the potential candidates have some IndyCar ties.

BMW

BMW have strong ties to two IndyCar teams in other series. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and BMW have worked with one another in sport cars since 2009. BMW are continuing their technical partnership with Andretti Autosport in Formula E through 2019 as they prepare to join the all-electric series as a works team.

With RLL and the Andretti’s urging and the hype surrounding the 2018 universal aero kits, the Munich-based manufacturer may also add IndyCar to their motorsport portfolio. If BMW were to join, it would mark the German maker’s first time in North American motorsport.

Mercedes

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Mercedes are also joining Formula E in 2019. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer have had success in Formula 1, sweeping the drivers’ and constructors’ championships since 2014. Mercedes announced that they would pull out of DTM to focus on Formula E.

However, an IndyCar project isn’t necessarily out of the question given the fact that Mercedes have an IndyCar pedigree and the universal aero kit ensures that manufacturers do not have to develop aero kits, thus cutting the cost — a key factor for the German luxury brand.

In 1994, they developed the Mercedes 500i in conjunction with Ilmor and Team Penske for the 1994 Indianapolis 500.  Al Unser Jr. purported to have used a 1,000 horsepower engine to cruise victory at the 78th Indianapolis 500 from pole position. Mercedes then stayed on as a brand partner with Penske until 1999.

Ford-Cosworth

Ford-Cosworth have a long history with IndyCar, dating back to 1992. They provided engines for CART teams until reunification with the IRL in 2008. Ford have denied a potential return, calling it ‘crazy’, since they claim IndyCar technology adds nothing they can put into their road cars.

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However, the Detroit marque should at least explore the possibility of returning to IndyCar due to the two annual IndyCar races held in Detroit, especially with performance partner Cosworth still active in the sport, providing the series with electronics. In addition, with the aero kits sporting a ‘classic’ look, a Ford badge on an IndyCar just looks right.