Honda make a commitment to IRL - Competition: desired, but not required source: irl.racing-live.com - ORS / CAPSIS International Giving the Indy Racing League a much needed vote of confidence, American Honda Motor Company and their Honda Performance Development subsidiary have announced they will continue to race in the IndyCar Series through the 2009 season. "Honda originally elected to compete in the IRL because we recognize the series as the pinnacle of open wheel racing in this country," said Robert Clarke, HPD President. "We also recognize the Indianapolis 500 for it's tradition and it's place in American motor sports. It is based on this thinking that Honda just yesterday decided to extend our commitment to the IRL beyond 2006. We are committed to supply teams and drivers of the IRL with the Honda Indy V-8 racing engine through 2009." Honda's plan to remain in IndyCar racing provides a significant measure of stability in the face of departures by Chevrolet at the end of 2005 and Toyota following the 2006 season. By far the biggest spender in IndyCar racing, Honda provides much more than just engines as they willingly spend money to support teams and market both their involvement and the IndyCar Series itself. Clarke reiterated that in the future this will not change. "We are committed to work with the league as a partner to build value into the series which in turn will attract, we believe, more competitors and sponsors. Honda views it's commitment as significant and we believe it will form a foundation upon which the IRL can build on." One of the difficulties Honda faced in making this decision was a long stated desire to have competition from other manufacturers.
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