INDYCAR announced today that Honda will be the presenting sponsor of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights season-ending event Oct. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights champions will be crowned at the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented by Honda. "We couldn't think of a better way to cap off our season than to have Honda join as presenting sponsor of the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships ," said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. "Honda has been a valued partner over the years. Whether it's producing a flawless race product or creating unique promotions, they help define the speed and excitement that is the IZOD IndyCar Series."The addition of Honda will complement the growing promotional support around the event weekend that already includes IZOD, Verizon Wireless and Go Daddy. Our partners continue to be a key factor in creating a memorable championship weekend that will have something to offer to everyone."The IZOD IndyCar Series championship chase will be decided in the season finale for the sixth consecutive year. Entering the penultimate race, the Kentucky Indy 300 on Oct. 2, Will Power of Verizon Team Penske holds an 11-point advantage over Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver and reigning champion Dario Franchitti.Additionally, the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented by Honda will feature the Go Daddy INDYCAR Challenge, in which reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Dan Wheldon will start from the rear of the 30-plus car field in a Bryan Herta Autosport car. If Wheldon wins, he and one sweepstakes entrant will split $5 million."Honda has been a proud supporter of INDYCAR since joining the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2003," said Michael Accavitti, chief marketing officer of American Honda Motor Company, Inc. "As we bring a flawless conclusion to our six seasons as single engine supplier to the Series, our presenting sponsorship of the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships will allow us to celebrate our successes in a big way."The IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented by Honda race week kicks off on Wednesday, October 12, with an IZOD IndyCar Series full-field autograph session at Macy's at Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip. Parties, a charity blackjack tournament and race car parade on the Strip also are scheduled. A complete list of the week's activities can be found at indycarworldchampionships.com.Tickets to the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented by Honda can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-INDYCAR. Fans purchasing a ticket to any IZOD IndyCar Series race during the 2011 season are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket to the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented by Honda. Tickets can be redeemed in the INDYCAR Fan Village at Mandalay Bay. Tickets for children 12 and under are free with an adult general admission  ticket purchase.