AER announced as Indy Lights engine supplier beginning in 2015

[Source: Andersen Promotions press release]

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PALMETTO, Fla. (November 26, 2013) – Andersen Promotions today announced Advanced Engine Research Ltd (AER) as the new engine supplier for Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires. AER was selected following a thorough review of proposals submitted by five prospective engine suppliers.

AER is owned by Rob and Chris Dyson and company Managing Director Mike Lancaster. The partnership between Andersen Promotions and AER, which extends through 2019, will see a slightly modified, long-mileage version of the multiple sportscar championship-winning AER-P07 2.0 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine installed in the new Dallara IL-15 chassis prior to testing next August. The new car and engine combination will make its competition debut at the start of the 2015 Indy Lights season.

“I am very grateful for the tremendous amount of interest from so many manufacturers in our 2015 Indy Lights car,” said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “The AER engine we have selected for use in the new Indy Lights car is a great unit with proven reliability and performance. With its light weight and push-to-pass feature, we will have a strong package for our drivers which will make for great racing and training. Rob and Chris Dyson have been friends for years. When I learned of their involvement in AER, it made the decision so much easier. They are true professionals, and I look forward to many years together on this exciting project.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for AER,” said Rob Dyson. “In addition to our successful projects in LMP1 and LMP2 prototype sportscars, the company has extensive experience in single-engine series, including a 3.5-liter V6 for the World Series by Nissan and the current GP3 Series V6 engines. The opportunity to supply the engines for the Indy Lights series was a very attractive one for us. We look forward to powering the growth of the up and coming open-wheel drivers in North America.”

With an expected 6,000 miles between rebuilds, the AER-P07 Indy Lights engine is designed to run a full season without major maintenance. AER will provide trackside support as well as the necessary engine service and between-season rebuilds. The engines will be available for lease through Andersen Promotions.

In its Indy Lights version the AER-P07 will produce approximately 450 horsepower, with additional power available via a driver-controlled “push-to-pass” feature. The all-aluminum engine has a dry crated weight of 230 lbs. The fully stressed engine features a carbon plenum, carbon inlet runners and trumpets and a “drive-by-wire” throttle control. Advanced engine management electronics have been developed in-house by AER with full active-knock control, ignition-angle learning, advanced boost control and integrated gear-shift strategies employed for ultimate performance.

Andersen also expressed his gratitude for the work of project manager Tony Cotman, President and Founder of NZR Consulting: “Tony did an outstanding job in helping to sort through the process. I could not be more excited about the equipment package we have assembled. Our goals were to provide a car that has the appearance and technology appropriate as the final step to the IndyCar Series and reduce the costs for teams to compete. I think we have accomplished those objectives.”

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ABOUT ADVANCED ENGINE RESEARCH: Headquartered in Basildon, Essex, England, AER has been designing and building award-winning high performance engines since 1997. The company is owned by Rob and Chris Dyson and Managing Director Mike Lancaster. The Dysons also own the powerhouse Dyson Racing Team, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in professional racing. AER’s numerous projects include championship-winning engines for both LMP1 and LMP2 prototype competition, World Series by Nissan and the current GP3 Series engine which debuted in 2013. Consultancy specialty projects have included development of a bespoke engine for Formula One’s new 1.6 liter engine regulations and gasoline direct injection (GDI) systems for major OEM clients.

AER capabilities include a full in-house engine build department, fully instrumented/scheduled dyno capability (up to 18,000 RPM, 1200 HP), and in-house ECU and advanced control design, vehicle wiring capability to the latest motorsports standards and MIL electronics design, as well as three-, four- and five-axis in-house machining capability.