"As the original engine development company for Bruce McLaren Motor Racing, McLaren Engines has enjoyed a long heritage of racing success with General Motors' powertrains -- beginning with our multiple Chevrolet-based, Canadian American Challenge (Can-Am) championships, through the front row (pole position) performance of the stock-block Buick V6 at the Indianapolis 500," said Steven Rossi, president and chief executive officer, McLaren Performance Technologies. "Most recently, our continued involvement with GM Racing led us to Le Mans, where we continue to accelerate as the engine development partner for the Cadillac Northstar Prototype (LMP) racer."

Said Hayden Harris, chairman, McLaren Performance Technologies and co-owner of Blair Racing: "Considering what Tony George and the Indy Racing League have already contributed to the well-being of the sport, it's only natural that McLaren Engines now accelerate its return to Indy as an engine source -- particularly, with a team with such capability as Blair Racing. We very much look to McLaren Engines and Blair Racing as a winning combination."

The Chevrolet Indy V8 engine is a 3.5-liter, 32-valve V8 with dual-overhead camshafts (DOHC). The normally aspirated, fuel-injected (methanol) racing engine generates approximately 650 horsepower, with a maximum engine speed of 10,700 rpm controlled by a rev limiter.

"McLaren Performance Technologies is a strategic partner for Blair Racing, and its long-standing, winning tradition will no doubt fortify our position," said Blair Racing Co-Owner Larry Blair. "Our team is not only proud to be 'Powered by McLaren,' but sees the relationship as a true competitive advantage."

Wiley McCoy, executive vice president and chief operating officer, McLaren Performance Technologies, will serve as Indy Racing League project leader for McLaren, based in Livonia, Mich. McCoy will work with Tom Gloy and John Dick of Blair Racing, who have been named president and team engineer, respectively.

McLaren-built engines have appeared at Indianapolis since the late 1960s and powered Johnny Rutherford's Indianapolis 500 victories in 1974 and 1976. In addition, a McLaren-made Buick engine powered Pancho Carter to the pole for the 1985 Indianapolis 500.