Newly formed Harding Steinbrenner Racing has announced it will compete the 2019 IndyCar season with Honda power.
The new team formed with Mike Harding and George Michael Steinbrenner IV which competed previously as Harding Racing, it its former guise the team ran with Chevrolet engines at the 2017 Indianapolis 500 and throughout entire 2018 IndyCar season.
HSR will field two cars next season with two rookies in the shape of 2018 Indy Lights Champion Patricio O'Ward in the #8 car and season runner-up Colton Herta in the #88 entry.
Both drivers competed for Harding at the 2018 season finale in Sonoma with O'Ward securing the team's best result of ninth which included qualifying inside the fast-six.
"First of all, Harding Steinbrenner Racing is very appreciative of our relationship with Chevrolet in 2017 and 2018," said team president Brian Barnhart.
"However, our direction as a race team closely aligns with Honda for the near future. Therefore, we will be making a change to Honda and Honda Performance Development engines.
"We’re excited about their emphasis on the development of young talent and with our announcement of Colton Herta and Patricio O’Ward joining our team next year, it’s a natural fit for Harding Steinbrenner Racing and Honda to align in 2019.
"As we move towards the 2019 IndyCar Series season with two rookie drivers, I’m glad to know Honda is as committed as I am to develop this young talent."
Team owner George Michael Steinbrenner IV added, "I’m excited to move forward as a new owner in the series and to be joining the Honda INDYCAR family.
"Honda has meant a lot to the IndyCar Series for as long as I can remember, and I’m excited to have such a prestigious name in INDYCAR join us for the 2019 season.
"Over the past few seasons, Honda Performance Development has shown its ability to win races and that’s what we’re here to do as well."
IndyCar's only official test will take place at the Circuit of the Americas on February 12-13.
The 2019 IndyCar season opener begins in St.Petersburg, Florida on March 10.
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