Honda debuted IndyCar Series as engine supplier in 2003 season after a CART successful era.

[5] Honda designed a new engine to address the 2004 IRL rule change which required reduced displacement.

[7] With subsequent evolutions named HI5R and HI6R, Honda was clearly dominant engine, scoring 33 poles, 35 fastest laps, 41 wins totally in three seasons including 3 Indianapolis 500s.

This family was designed as a replacement for the HI6R but enlarged to better accommodate variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management while still generating good performance.

HI7R-HI11R was a highly successful engine as it was the only one in competition with 86 pole positions, fastest laps, and wins respectively including 2008 Nikon Indy 300 exhibition race and 5 Indianapolis 500s.