Kelley first to commit to Toyota for 2003

The team has signed a three-year deal that will see Toyota build and service the engines for the two-car squad in 2003.

"We're thrilled to partner with a corporation as successful as Toyota," said team owner, Tom Kelley. "The combination of our IRL experience, with their successful history in open-wheel racing, will create a partnership in which we can achieve our goals of winning the Indianapolis 500 and the IRL championship."

Kelley has signed former IRL champion Greg Ray to partner Scott Sharp in the team and both drivers will test the new engine later in the season - it is due to be run on a dynometer within a matter of weeks.

"Tom and Jim Kelley run a top-notch team, but they also feature two of the top drivers in the sport," said Jim Aust, Toyota vice president of motorsports. "We're looking forward to beginning a long-lasting and winning relationship."

For this season Kelley Racing will use Illmor-prepared Chevrolet engines.

The IRL series kicks off at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 2.