Penske Racing, the most successful team in Indianapolis 500 history with 13 victories, will use Honda engines at the 2006 "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

By Paul Kelly
indy500.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

Penske Racing, the most successful team in Indianapolis 500 history, will switch to Honda engines for the 2006 edition of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," team and Honda Performance Development officials announced Oct. 31.

Two-time Indy winner Helio Castroneves and two-time IndyCar® Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. will use Honda Indy V-8 engines for Marlboro Team Penske in the 90^th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28. Penske Racing has won a record 13 Indianapolis 500's since 1972.

The team, which has used Toyota engines since 2003, also will use Honda power for the rest of the IndyCar Series schedule.

"Honda's long-term commitment to the IndyCar Series was an absolute factor in our decision," said Penske Racing team owner Roger Penske. "As it became clear that Toyota was reallocating its resources, we had to look beyond 2006 and make the best decision for our future."

Honda-powered drivers Buddy Rice and Dan Wheldon won the 2004 and 2005 Indianapolis 500, respectively. Rice won the MBNA Pole at Indy in 2004, while Tony Kanaan claimed the coveted top qualifying spot last May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a Honda engine.

This will be the first Indianapolis 500 in which Penske Racing has used Honda engines. The team used Honda power in the 2000 and 2001 CART seasons, with retired Penske driver Gil de Ferran, the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner, capturing the series title both years.

"We're thrilled to have Team Penske back in the Honda fold," said Robert Clarke, president of Honda Performance Development. "With the departure of General Motors from the IndyCar Series, we had expected to expand our lineup in 2006, and adding Team Penske is certainly an impressive way to begin."

Honda joined the Indy Racing League in 2003. Earlier this month, Honda reaffirmed its commitment to IndyCar Series racing and the IRL, agreeing to continue supplying engines to teams competing in the series through the 2009 season.

***

2006 Indy 500 tickets: Fans are encouraged to submit their ticket orders for the 90^th Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2006 to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as soon as possible. The most convenient, fastest method is online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Fans also can purchase tickets, camping or parking for the 90^th Indianapolis 500 through the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY.

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