Oldsmobile liquidation ‘won't harm IRL’

Oldsmobile's Aurora V8 has been the mainstay of the series since the IRL introduced its own rules for the 1997 season. The US motor giant's engine programme will continue through the coming season and is expected be extended beyond the end of the year.

GM's IRL boss Joe Negri said: "It was in 1998 that GM Racing extended our agreement to supply engines to the IRL through at least 2001. Oldsmobile is enthusiastically committed to the IRL through this year."

Negri refused to comment on the likelihood of GM staying involved in the IRL. But insiders at the marque believe that the Aurora will be rebadged after another brand. Possibilities are believed to include Chevrolet and GM Power.

IRL boss Tony George said: "GM has communicated its commitment to the long-term growth of open-wheel racing through its involvement in the IRL."

GM's commitment to the IRL was welcomed by teams running its ultra-successful engine. Team Xtreme general manager John Lopes said: "This is great news for all the small teams out there because of the cost of replacing motors."

Lopes pointed out that a one-car team would have more than £500,000 tied up in engine hardware.

Kelley Racing has become the first team to sign up to use Champ Car engine builder Ilmor's version of the Aurora V8 IRL engine.