Sam Schmidt Motorsports becomes third team to sign with Honda for 2012

The Indianapolis 500 pole-winning outfit becomes the third to sign with the Japanese engine manufacturer - the sole supplier to the series since 2006 - and joins Ganassi and AJ Foyt Racing in confirming its Honda tie-up for next season.

"Number one, performance; number two, integrity; and number three, reliability," were the reasons team owner Sam Schmidt cited for his decision. "Honda's success both on and off the track is unmatched.

"I've raced with Honda and I've raced against Honda, and it was pretty easy to make this decision.

"With the new car coming in, the whole engineering and the contribution of a lot of resources that we don't have internally - wind tunnel, CFD or development - that's really important and it's an honour to be associated with Honda."

Honda is one of three manufacturers to have committed to supplying engines to IndyCar's new rules package which comes in to effect in 2012 - the others being Chevrolet and Group Lotus.

It is expected to run its new motor when Dallara tests the 2012 prototype for the first time in the hands of Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon next week.

"Following a decade of achievements - and four championships - in Indy Lights, Sam Schmidt Motorsports has logged additional impressive results since the team'' return to full-time IndyCar competition this year," said Honda Performance Development president Erik Berkman. "Included among those accomplishments are the pole position at this year's Indianapolis 500 and a second pole two weeks later in Texas (with Alex Tagliani).

"We believe that Sam, team manager Rob Edwards and the rest of the Sam Schmidt Motorsports team have established a solid foundation for future success."