Honda Racing Corporation US has confirmed it is in active discussions with Meyer Shank Racing over the prospect of launching a single-car factory entry when IndyCar’s new technical era begins in 2028.
The announcement follows a fresh multi-year agreement between IndyCar and its two engine suppliers, Honda and Chevrolet, which ensures both manufacturers remain in the championship beyond the current cycle. Crucially, the deal contains a distinctive provision: from 2028, each marque will be granted a charter to field a factory-backed entry alongside their existing customer programmes.
Speaking during a media call, HRC US President David Salters acknowledged that early talks are under way with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) regarding how such an operation might be structured.
“We’re in discussions with Meyer Shank on how we would run a car with them,” Salters explained, outlining a collaborative model rather than a wholly independent works outfit.
The prospective partnership would not represent uncharted territory. Under the Acura banner, Honda already supports MSR in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where the Ohio-based team campaigns the Acura ARX-06 prototype in the premier GTP category. MSR operates the No. 60 entry, while a sister No. 93 car benefits from significant HRC involvement, providing a blueprint for how a factory IndyCar programme might function.
“We do it already,” Salters noted. “We know what to do. We run car No. 93 and we would think of a similar model for IndyCar. We’re there to build on what we’ve invested in and to further develop our people. It works very well with MSR.”
Charter Landscape for 2028
Current IndyCar regulations limit organisations to a maximum of three chartered cars. With the new factory provision restricted to a single entry per manufacturer, Honda and Chevrolet must either establish a standalone effort or align with a team operating fewer than three full-time cars.
Below is a simplified overview of Honda-affiliated teams and their present charter positions:
| Team | Current Honda Alignment | Chartered Entries | Eligible for Factory Partnership? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andretti Global | Honda | 3 | No |
| Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 3 | No |
| Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 3 | No |
| Meyer Shank Racing | Honda | 2 | Yes |
| Dale Coyne Racing | Honda | 2 | Yes |
With three leading Honda squads already at the regulatory ceiling, MSR and Dale Coyne Racing emerge as the most practical candidates for integration of a works-supported entry.
On the Chevrolet side, Jim Campbell, Vice President of General Motors Performance and Motorsports, was similarly asked about potential alignments. He declined to name a preferred team at this stage, indicating that discussions remain preliminary.
The 2028 season will usher in a new chassis and engine package, offering manufacturers a rare opportunity to shape the competitive landscape from the outset. For Honda, leveraging an existing, proven relationship with Meyer Shank Racing appears both strategically sound and operationally efficient.
While formal confirmation remains some way off, the direction of travel is increasingly clear: the groundwork for IndyCar’s next factory chapter is already being laid.
