HPD and HRC Join Forces: Honda Performance Development (HPD), situated in sunny Santa Clarita, California, will unite with Japan’s highly respected Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to establish HRC US. This was announced on Thursday.
The purpose of this merger is to form HRC, a gigantic firm. Honda is preparing to return to Formula 1 in 2026 alongside Aston Martin. Formula 1 has grown three prominent American Grand Prix locations: Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, making this strategy move ideal. HRC US will go from observer to partner in F1 power unit and racing support development in 2026 with this ambitious rebranding.
HPD began ambitiously making engines for the fast-paced IndyCar Series in 1993. Its legacy in motorsport is indelible. Its 280 wins in 510 races and 15 Indianapolis 500 victories are impressive.
HPD has grown impressively by entering the competitive IMSA SportsCar Championship. Starting in 2018, it won the manufacturer’s, driver’s, and team’s titles in three years. It has won every Daytona 24 Hours since its debut, which is astounding.
This international alliance with Japan’s HRC bodes well for HPD’s IMSA GTP-class Acura ARX-06 project. This strategic alliance helps Honda or Acura projects for the WEC and Le Mans.
This strategic re-alignment, reinforced by Wayne Taylor Racing and Andretti Global, might lead to international conquests by 2025. Geographic boundaries in North America had recently prevented HPD from achieving this goal.
Koji Watanabe, the recognized president of HRC Japan, says, “Our mission is to raise the status of the HRC brand and keep the history of our racing going.” One worldwide racing organization for Honda’s race activities is the best way to achieve this goal.
HPD head and HRC US CEO David Salters agrees. He claims, “Honda’s 30-year racing history is a tapestry of unparalleled excellence. The successful men and women of HPD have led America’s success. We are happy to combine our strengths with HRC Japan to promote Honda Racing worldwide.
Salters discusses the changing scene: “We remain committed to the crucible of U.S. motorsport despite the changing global motorsport landscape. We will always push the limits, increase our ability, and enhance our technology to succeed in motorsport’s ever-changing world.
The 2024 Daytona 24 Hours, held January 27 and 28, will be the first race for the new HRC US. Beautiful HRC gear will be on this new era’s first Acura ARX-06 LMDhs race cars.
For a long time, the idea of allowing these excellent cars to race worldwide and leave an indelible stamp on the WEC and Le Mans has been hotly debated at the highest levels of motorsport.
Salters wisely explains, “We knew we wanted to join WEC. The ARX-06 is a testament to our team’s creativity, ORECA’s integrity, and our motivated race teams. Many want it to fight internationally.
He clarifies, “Our decisions are based on pragmatism, which includes business viability, brand synergy, and, most of all, the need to be competitive.” We race to win, not just participate.
Salters doesn’t say when they’ll compete in the WEC, but they won’t in 2024. The wise man warns, “The shape of our plans is still unclear now.” We carefully plan, examine details, and ensure that our decisions align with our company’s strategic goals. We take this seriously.”
The merger of HPD and HRC under HRC US changed racing. Every automotive enthusiast is yearning to discover what happens next in this high-octane drama as they begin their journey.
Our Reader’s Queries
Does Honda have a performance division?
HRC US, previously known as HPD, is a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. that was founded in 1993. The company is headquartered in Santa Clarita, California.
What is Honda’s racing team?
As the official factory team of the Honda Racing Corporation in the Superbike class of WorldSBK, Team HRC is a force to be reckoned with. They dominate the World Championship road racing scene with their exceptional skills and top-of-the-line equipment. With a focus on excellence and a commitment to success, Team HRC is a true powerhouse in the world of motorsports.
