"I don't get too involved in it": Larry Foyt on his role in the discussions about adding a third manufacturer in IndyCar

Larry Foyt spoke about IndyCar potentially adding a third engine manufacturer to the series to join Honda and Chevrolet. Over the last few years, the American racing series has reportedly been in talks with several manufacturers, including Toyota, Hyundai, Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche.

Foyt, Team Principal of AJ Foyt Racing, recently appeared on EPARTRADE's YouTube channel during their 5th Annual Race Industry Week. When host David Malsher-Lopez questioned him about the role team owners can play in helping IndyCar lock in a third manufacturer, he replied:

"I don't get too involved in it. It obviously comes up at the owner's meetings and we discuss those things, but I don't if anybody can do it. Roger (Penske, IndyCar owner) and his group will make it happen. I think it is a priority for them and they're working on it. I don't get too involved in it but it would be great for the sport." [23:27 onwards]

"I'm sure it's very hard when you've had Honda and Chevrolet getting everything out of this package for so many years. To come in, it's got to be a daunting task for somebody."

In recent years, Toyota emerged as the biggest prospect to join IndyCar as Roger Penske revealed in 2022. He aimed to bring another manufacturer on board when the series introduced the new hybrid power units in 2024. However, no deal was made by the time drivers began testing and racing in the new hybrid tech cars in 2024.

Adding a third manufacturer has become a pressing concern for IndyCar. In December 2023, Honda questioned their future involvement with the series beyond 2026, citing issues around increasing costs and the low return on investment.

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Larry Foyt reveals AJ Foyt Racing's crucial development for the 2025 IndyCar season

AUTO: JUN 22 NTT IndyCar Series Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey - Source: Getty

2025 promises to be an exciting season for AJ Foyt Racing. In Santino Ferrucci and newly signed David Malukas, the team has a driver lineup with tremendous potential.

In 2024, Ferrucci recorded a career-best 9th-place finish in the standings, including two P4 finishes at the two races at the Milwaukee mile. Malukas, who was dropped by Arrow McLaren after an injury, recovered well with Meyer Shank Racing to secure two Top 10 finishes.

With the team's driver front seemingly sorted, Larry Foyt is focusing on making their pit stops more efficient to gain that edge during races. In the EPARTRADE interview, he explained:

"We're putting a big emphasis on pit stops because that half a second, you can't lose that in the pits. It's just too competitive. So we've started a new training program and new stuff on that side to really try to get that next half second there on the pit stops." [9:41 onwards]

AJ Foyt Racing is long overdue for an Indy 500 victory since their 1999 win at the Brickyard with Kenny Brack. Larry Foyt is aiming to reverse fortunes and win the race for his father.