IndyCar hits brakes on Lotus contract

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — IndyCar has released Lotus from its contract, leaving Chevrolet and Honda as the only two engine suppliers for the upcoming season.

Lotus struggled tremendously in its debut season, and was down to only one team after the Indianapolis 500.

Lotus chief operating officer Aslam Farikullah said Friday the decision to ask to be released from its IndyCar contract was not easy, and the manufacturer has not ruled out someday returning to the series. He said Lotus will focus for now on core businesses, including its sports cars.

Lotus entered IndyCar late and was never on the same pace as Chevy or Honda. It opened the season with five cars, but was not competitive and all but one team defected before the 500.