McLaren have confirmed that Fernando Alonso’s 2019 Indy 500 car will use a Chevrolet engine after entering in 2017 with Honda power. Chevrolet will provide McLaren with its 2.2-litre twin turbocharged direct injected V6 IndyCar engines for the team’s 2019 Indy 500 entry when Alonso will attempt to secure the Triple Crown of world motorsport. The Chevy power plant is the defending winner of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and has won the 500 three times since its 2012 IndyCar Series introduction.
Using Chevy power is not a new experience for the Woking based team as McLaren entered the Can-Am series in the 1960s & 70s using the American engines, taking over 40 wins in the series by the time they pulled out after the 1972 season. With the M8D (as seen above) winning the title for Denny Hulme in 1970 as one of a streak of 5 consecutive championships for the team from 1967 – 1971.
Chevrolet has proved to be a strong competitor in IndyCar, having taken 73 victories in the 118 races since they returned to the series 7 years ago, along with 6 Manufacturers Championships (to Honda’s 1) and 5 Driver and Owner Championships
Zak Brown, Chief Executive, McLaren Racing, said:
“McLaren and Chevrolet have a shared pedigree in North American motorsport and the opportunity to reunite the two brands for this special event was just too good to pass up. Like McLaren, Chevrolet has racing in its heart. The company’s reputation in IndyCar and at this special race is first-class and they will be a powerful partner.”
Fernando Alonso, McLaren Driver, said:
“It will be a privilege to wear the Bowtie Brand at the 2019 Indy 500. Having Chevrolet power behind me means we’re putting ourselves in the best possible position to compete at the front. I had a bit of a taste of Chevy power earlier this week in Jimmie’s NASCAR and I liked it! The opportunity to contest any Indy 500 is an honour, so I’m proud to have Chevrolet as part of the team.”
Bob Fernley, President, McLaren IndyCar, said:
“Our partnership with Chevrolet is a key piece of our plan for the 2019 Indy 500. As the reigning winning engine, the Chevrolet motor puts us in a strong position to contest this incredibly challenging event. We’ve quickly established a strong working relationship with the Chevrolet team, who are absolute professionals, committed to the challenge, and true racers.”
Keep checking back to 3Legs4Wheels for the buildup to the Indy 500 at the end of May