Cheever and Chevy get together for 2003.

Red Bull Cheever Racing announced yesterday that they will be using Chevrolet power in the Indy Racing League competition from next year onwards.

Team owner-driver Eddie Cheever also announced a technical partnership with Team Menard, one of GM's affiliated engine builders, including the formation of a research-and-development company.

"We are delighted that Red Bull Cheever Racing will use the new 2003 Chevy Indy V8," said GM Racing Program Manager Joe Negri. "Eddie scored GM's historic first IRL victory in January 1997, and he won the Indianapolis 500 with GM power.

"When Cheever Racing switched to our rival's engine, the team became our most formidable competition. We are pleased to welcome Eddie Cheever Jr. and Red Bull Cheever Racing back to the GM camp."

Cheever won races in three consecutive years with GM engines. He captured the season-opening rounds in 1997 and 1999 in Orlando, and he won the Indianapolis 500 in May 1998.

"This team has had some great battles with General Motors these past few years," Cheever said. "Next season we are starting a new battle in the IRL, and this time I am pleased to be with American automaker Chevrolet.

"When we sat down to analyze the best fit for our team, everything pointed to Chevrolet. The way they have structured their racing program allows teams to actively participate in the research and development. This is one of the founding principles of the IRL and one I believe will be vital to winning races and championships in the upcoming years."

Buddy Rice, 26, from Phoenix, recently signed a multiyear contract with Red Bull Cheever Racing. Rice competed in five IRL races in 2002, finishing as runner-up in his first start for the team at Michigan. He posted four top-five finishes and completed every lap of every race in which he drove.

"Chevrolet is also pleased to begin a long-term relationship with Cheever Racing driver Buddy Rice," Negri said. "We have watched his progress keenly as he advanced through the open-wheel ranks, and we were impressed by his performances in the IRL last season. Buddy is a talented young American racer, and the fact that he owns a customized Chevy pickup and a hot rod Chevy Nova makes him an ideal driver for an American icon like Chevrolet."

Said Rice: "I am excited about the team's choice to use the Chevrolet engine. I have always been a huge Chevy fan. I grew up with the brand, first with my dad's Chevys and now with my own. I already believe in their product and am proud to be representing Chevrolet in the IRL."

The team will use Chevrolet engines prepared by Menard Engine Group in Indianapolis. Menard-built GM engines have won 10 IRL events and two championships since 1997. Menard Engine Group is one of GM Racing's affiliated engine builders that is developing the all-new 2003 Chevy Indy V8 engine.

This GM-designed powerplant is the successor to the 2002 Chevy engine that won 14 of 15 races and swept the manufacturer, driver and team championships. It is 3 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower and 35 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Dyno tests of the 2003 Chevy Indy V8 engine began in July 2002, and track testing started in October.

Team Menard owner John Menard and Cheever have formed MCT, a research-and-development company, to develop the new generation of IRL engines and chassis.

"Compared to years past, everything is stepping up in the Indy Racing League," Menard said. "We need to step it up, too. MCT will bring more resources and input to our team to improve our technical abilities for the 2003 championship. It will also allow us to make better use of the technology available from GM Racing."

Negri said: "GM Racing believes that the addition of Red Bull Cheever Racing to Chevrolet's roster of teams and the technical capabilities of MCT will strengthen our competitive position in the IRL. When combined with GM's own technical and human resources, Chevrolet will be well positioned to continue its winning tradition in open-wheel racing.

"This announcement underscores Chevrolet's commitment to the IRL and represents another key element in our strategy for success."

Red Bull Cheever Racing will make its competition debut with the new Chevy Indy V8 in the season-opening IRL race March 2, 2003, at Homestead-Miami Speedway.