IndyCar: Harding Steinbrenner Racing switch to Honda for 2019

Harding Steinbrenner Racing have confirmed that they are set to switch from Chevrolet engines to Honda engines for the 2019 IndyCar season.

Harding Steinbrenner Racing, which were formed shortly after the 2018 IndyCar season ended when IndyCar team Harding Racing partnered with Indy Lights team Steinbrenner Racing, are set to use Honda engines in the 2019 IndyCar season.

This is the case despite the fact that Harding Racing have used Chevrolet engines since they made their IndyCar debut in the 2017 season. They fielded the #88 Chevrolet for Gabby Chaves in three races, the three superspeedway races, that season.

In the 2018 season, Chaves was slated to be the full-time driver of the #88 Chevrolet. He ended up driving the car in 13 of the 16 races prior to the season finale, which will be discussed later in the article, while Conor Daly drove it in the other three.

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While it was believed by many people that Harding Steinbrenner Racing would continue to use Chevrolet engines in the 2019 season, a switch to Honda engines was also speculated by many people.

This switch makes sense as a result of the fact that Harding Steinbrenner Racing are set to rely on the technical expertise of Andretti Autosport team owner Michael Andretti. Andretti Autosport switched from Chevrolet engines to Honda engines between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, so a Honda team providing technical expertise to a Chevrolet team could have posed a conflict of interest.

Here is what Harding Steinbrenner Racing team president Brian Barnhart had to say about the team switching from Chevrolet engines to Honda engines for the 2019 season, according to IndyCar.

"“First of all, Harding Steinbrenner Racing is very appreciative of our relationship with Chevrolet in 2017 and 2018. However, our direction as a race team closely aligns with Honda for the near future. Therefore, we will be making a change to Honda and Honda Performance Development engines.“We’re excited about their emphasis on the development of young talent, and with our announcement of Colton Herta and Patricio O’Ward joining our team next year, it’s a natural fit for Harding Steinbrenner Racing and Honda to align in 2019.”"

Here is what Art St. Cyr, the president of Honda Performance Development, had to say about the matter, according to IndyCar.com.

"“We are excited to welcome a team with enthusiastic ownership that also believes developing drivers solidifies our lineup today, and into the future. With a pair of young North American drivers, Harding Steinbrenner Racing strengthens our overall racing effort and represents the future of our sport. We warmly welcome the team to the HPD family and look forward to working with them this season.”"

Here is what Harding Steinbrenner Racing team co-owner Mike Harding had to say about the matter, according to IndyCar.com.

"“Thank you to Chevrolet for being a great partner in 2017 and 2018 for Harding Racing. As we move towards the 2019 IndyCar Series season with two rookie drivers, I’m glad to know Honda is as committed as I am to develop this young talent.”"

Here is what Harding Steinbrenner Racing team co-owner George Steinbrenner IV had to say about the matter, according to IndyCar.com.

"“I’m excited to move forward as a new owner in the series and to be joining the Honda INDYCAR family. Honda has meant a lot to the IndyCar Series for as long as I can remember, and I’m excited to have such a prestigious name in INDYCAR join us for the 2019 season. Over the past few seasons, Honda Performance Development has shown its ability to win races and that’s what we’re here to do as well.”"

Patricio O’Ward and Colton Herta, the two drivers who finished in first and second place in the 2018 Indy Light championship standings, respectively, are set to drive full-time for the team in the 2018 season.

Both O’Ward and Herta made their IndyCar debuts in the 2018 season finale at Sonoma Raceway, and they both drove for Harding Racing in this race. O’Ward drove the #8 Chevrolet and finished the race in ninth place after starting in fifth while Herta drove the #88 Chevrolet and finished it in 20th after starting in 19th.

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How will Harding Steinbrenner Racing perform in their first season as an IndyCar team in 2019? The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is scheduled to get the season underway from the streets of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 10. Be sure not to miss this race or any of the other 16 races on next year’s schedule.