Chevrolet announces engine change

DETROIT (April 12, 2012)—Chevrolet will replace the engines in all 11 of its V-6-powered entries in the IZOD IndyCar Series prior to the start of on-track activities this weekend at the Streets of Long Beach. The decision was made following the tear-down and inspection of an engine that experienced an issue during an IndyCar-sanctioned test earlier this week at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

“We are still learning the limitations of the new engine controls calibration,” said Chris Berube, Chevrolet Racing IZOD IndyCar Series Program Manager. “Through our testing in Sonoma, as indicated by an engine issue, we uncovered a problem that we believe could affect all engines. So, as a result, we feel it is prudent to change all engines prior to the start of the on-track activities this weekend.”

Helio Castroneves, Team Penske Chevrolet

Photo by: Eric Schwarzkopf

Per the provisions set forth in the IndyCar rule book (rules 15.6.1.1 and 15.6.1.2) that outlines the penalty for a change-out if the engine has not reached its minimum mileage threshold of 1,850 miles, each of the 11 drivers will be levied with a 10 position penalty on the starting grid prior to the green flag for the Long Beach race.

“This is certainly a decision that was not made lightly,” Berube said. “We intently discussed the situation with our partners and our teams prior to determining that this was the best course of action to preserve the integrity of the racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series."

Through the first two races of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, the Chevrolet V-6 2.2 liter engine has scored two victories and two poles. Helio Castroneves won the season opener at St. Petersburg; Will Power won at Barber Motorsports Park.

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