The global supply chain crisis has hit the IndyCar series.
IndyCar announced Thursday that it will move the debut of its hybrid powertrains back by one year. Instead of the planned debut in 2023, the engines will make their way onto the track in 2024. The outgoing V6 twin-turbo will remain for another year.
The delay isn’t due to any development issues but instead because of the global supply chain crisis that’s limiting access to key hybrid parts, including the Energy Recovery System and other critical components.
“We are very encouraged by the progress our team and our partners have made, but an immediate decision needed to be made to ensure we are prepared for the 2023 season utilizing our current 2.2-liter engine package,” IndyCar President Jay Frye said.
Dyno testing and development has been completed and the first test of the engine slated for the end of this month at Sebring, is still on schedule.
“Thanks to our great partners at Honda and Chevrolet for working through this challenging supply chain situation,” Frye said. “We are going full speed ahead with the 2.4-liter hybrid engine and cannot wait to have it on track in 2024.”
The 2.4-liter engine produces 800 horsepower; an additional 100 from the hybrid unit pushes total output to 900 horsepower.
“We have finished development and dyno testing of our new internal combustion engine,”David Salters, president and technical director, Honda Performance Development said. “Once the hybrid system component supply chain issues are sorted, we’ll begin track testing of the new hybrid power unit.”
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