Tony Kanaan will have to swap that Honda mark on his helmet for a Chevrolet one next season as his KV Racing Technology squad has switched to Bowtie engines for the 2012 season. Photo: Chris Jones/IZOD IndyCar Series.
What has been rumored for some time is now reality as KV Racing Technology has confirmed that their cars will run with Chevrolet engines in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series championship.
In late August, it was reported that the Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser-led outfit would join the Bowtie Brigade for next season, and today, the team officially disclosed its new alliance with the American manufacturer. KVRT is the fourth squad to join forces with Chevrolet, joining Team Penske, Andretti Autosport and Panther Racing.
“I am very pleased to announce that KV Racing Technology has reached an agreement to compete with Chevrolet power during the 2012 IndyCar season,” Kalkhoven said in a team release. “Chevy has a proven history of innovation and success in motorsports and we look forward to continuing that legacy.”
Said Vasser, who earned his first podium finish in IndyCar racing with Chevrolet power all the way back in 1993: “I am very excited Chevrolet is returning to IndyCar racing and that we will have the opportunity to work with them…We look forward to a very successful relationship with Chevrolet for many years to come.”
KVRT had an up and down season in 2011, notching a strong fifth-place finish in the championship with veteran Tony Kanaan but seeing their other two pilots, Takuma Sato (13th) and E.J. Viso (18th), mired in the middle of the standings.
