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| Team members surround Jimmy Vasser, winner of the 1996 U.S. 500 with a Honda-powered car. |
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Because of Indy's focus on customer satisfaction, the news of Honda's entry sent shock waves through the CART industry [Note]. No doubt they feared that Honda might shake up the CART community with another string of victories, as it had in F-1. Therefore, immediately following the announcement of Honda's entry into Indy competition for the 1993 season, the industry unveiled a series of rules that were decidedly to Honda's disadvantage. In the technical area, the variable-speed mechanism, air valve and other technologies that Honda had used in F-1 were prohibited, down to the most minute detail. In addition, a new rule was established requiring a new engine manufacturer to supply three or more machines to two teams for the first year and six or more machines to three teams during the second year.
The rule was a great blow to Honda, which had planned to start with one team and one driver: Rahal Hogan Racing and its star competitor, Bobby Rahal.
Since the organizers would not bend the rules, Honda once thought of giving up Indy altogether. However, Honda signed Comtech Racing Team as its second unit, in the process securing three drivers. Honda finally saw the light of day when race organizers allowed the teams to compete in four or five races using Honda engines.
"Honda's F-1 achievement was not received well by the Indy community," says Asaka. "That's why it took us longer than expected to get onto the circuit. Technical difficulties can be solved at the research center, but political problems must be resolved through face-to-face negotiations with Indy officials."
Note: CART --- Championship Auto Racing Teams. The organizing body for what was then known as the Indy Car Racing. |
