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Honda Racing Corporation USA
Honda Racing Corporation USA
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Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), formerly Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD),[1][2] is a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co.[3][4][5][6] which was established in 1993 and is based in Santa Clarita, California. It is the technical operations center for Honda's American motorsports programs and is involved in the design and development of race engines and chassis for auto racing series such as the IndyCar Series, American Le Mans Series (ALMS), European Le Mans Series (ELMS), FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA SportsCar Championship.[7]

Key Information

The company's rename was announced in September 2023, as Honda Racing Corporation and then HPD looked to strengthen their capabilities in motorsport through joined collaboration.[8]

IndyCar racing

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HPD debuted in the CART IndyCar World Series as a works engine manufacturer in 1994. During their first season in 1994, they scored a podium at Toronto, while in 1995 they scored their first victory at New Hampshire. In 1996, HPD won its first manufacturers' and drivers' championships after taking 11 wins from 16 races. HPD took six consecutive drivers championships' as it won the drivers' title again in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, while it won the manufacturers' title again in 1998, 1999 and 2001.

In 2003, HPD moved to the IRL IndyCar Series. In 2004, HPD overwhelmingly dominated the IndyCar Series by winning 14 of 16 races, including the Indianapolis 500, and claiming the manufacturers' and drivers' championship titles. The 2005 season was similarly successful as the company took its second Indy 500 victory and won 12 races to win the manufacturers' and drivers' crowns.[9] From 2006 to 2011, HPD was the sole engine manufacturer of the IndyCar Series, including the Indianapolis 500. During this period, the Indianapolis 500s were run without any engine failures for the first six times in Indy 500 history, while no race failures occurred in the entire 2008, 2010 and 2011 seasons.[10]

Manufacturer competition returned to the series in 2012, and HPD has constructed turbocharged V6 engines for its effort. Since then, HPD has won the Indianapolis 500 in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025, the drivers' championship in 2013, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and the manufacturers' championship in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025.

Sports car racing

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In 2006, Honda through its Acura brand, announced its plans to develop a Le Mans Prototype program for the ALMS, competing in the LMP2 class for the initial year of competition in 2007. The new car, called Acura ARX-01a, was a homologated development of chassis from Courage with a new 3.4 liter V8, the maximum size allowed by the rules being developed by HPD. This was the first V8 ever branded as an Acura and the first racing Honda engine built entirely outside Japan. Elements of the Acura V8 dubbed the AL7R, share similar architecture with the Honda engine used in the Indy Racing League although none of the parts are interchangeable. In 2010 Honda dropped the Acura name in favor of HPD and the car is now known as the HPD ARX-01.

In 2007, HPD supplied Vemac RD320R and Vemac RD408R for GT300 cars in Super GT Series with designation C32B.

For the 2012 racing season, HPD decided to forgo having a works team and instead focus on being a chassis and engine provider. 2012 also saw HPD return to the premier class of racing, LMP1, in the Le Mans and FIA World Endurance Championship series.

FIA World Endurance Championship [11]
Class Team Chassis Engine
LMP1 Strakka Racing ARX-03a HPD LM-V8
LMP1 JRM Racing ARX-03a HPD LM-V8
LMP2 Starworks Motorsport ARX-03b HPD HR28TT V6
American Le Mans Series [11]
Class Team Chassis Engine
LMP1 Muscle Milk Racing ARX-03a HPD LM-V8
LMP2 Level 5 Motorsports ARX-03b HPD HR28TT V6
LMP2 Black Swan Racing Lola B11/80 coupe HPD HR28TT V6
IMSA SportsCar Championship [11]
Class Team Chassis Engine
LMP2 Extreme Speed Motorsports ARX-03b HPD HR28TT V6
LMP2 Extreme Speed Motorsports ARX-04b HPD HR28TT V6
LMP2 Meyer Shank Racing Ligier JS P2 HPD HR35TT V6
DPi Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 HPD AR35TT V6
GTP Meyer Shank Racing/Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-06 Acura AR24e V6

For 2017, HPD left the Daytona Prototypes class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship, as the Acura NSX competed at the IMSA SportsCar Championship and Pirelli World Challenge with technical support from HPD.[12]

For 2018, HPD returned to the Prototype class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship, as the ARX-05 competed at the IMSA SportsCar Championship with technical support from HPD.[13]

References

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from Grokipedia
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) is the North American racing division of Honda Motor Company, dedicated to the design, development, and production of racing engines, chassis, and high-performance parts for motorsport applications, while providing factory support to Honda and Acura racing teams across various series. Established in 1993 as Honda Performance Development (HPD) in Santa Clarita, California, it evolved through a 2024 merger with Honda's global racing entity to form a unified international motorsports organization under the HRC US name, enhancing coordination for programs in the United States and beyond. Headquartered in Santa Clarita, HRC US serves as the technical hub for Honda's American racing efforts, driving innovations that often transition from track to street vehicles. Since its inception, HRC US has been instrumental in Honda's dominance in American motorsports, particularly in open-wheel and . Key milestones include powering six consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 1996 to 2001, securing the first of multiple victories in 2004 with driver , and becoming the sole engine supplier in 2006, where its engines reliably powered all 33 entries at the without failure. In endurance racing, HRC US-supported teams achieved LMP1 and LMP2 Manufacturers’ Championships in the in 2009, a class win at the in 2010, and the Pirelli World Challenge GTS Manufacturers’ title with the in 2012. The division also marked historic triumphs in 2014 with Ryan Hunter-Reay and in 2016 with Alexander Rossi, the latter at the race's 100th running, alongside Takuma Sato's victory in 2017 as the first Japanese winner. In recent years, HRC US has expanded its role in prototype and GT racing under the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, debuting the Acura NSX GT3 in 2017 and achieving a second-place finish in the 2025 manufacturers’ standings with two wins and four pole positions. Beyond competition, HRC US fosters enthusiast engagement through the Honda Racing Line loyalty program, launched in 2009, and a new performance parts business introduced in 2024, offering genuine racing-derived components and limited-edition memorabilia to bridge racing heritage with consumer access. This commitment underscores HRC US's broader mission, as competition fuels the challenging spirit that powers imaginative ideas brought to life on the track and applied to every Honda on the road, while celebrating a legacy that began with Soichiro Honda's early speed record in 1924.

History

Establishment as Honda Performance Development

Honda Performance Development (HPD) was established on April 1, 1993, by American Motor Co., Inc., to centralize the design, development, and production of racing engines, chassis, and performance parts tailored for North American motorsports applications. Initially based in a small warehouse north of before relocating to , HPD was created as a dedicated racing arm to support Honda's entry into open-wheel racing, drawing on expertise from Honda R&D Americas for engineering talent. Robert Clarke, who became the organization's first employee and badge number one, played a pivotal role in its founding and later served as president, overseeing early operations and strategic growth. HPD's initial focus centered on the (CART) series, marking Honda's re-entry into American open-wheel racing after a hiatus; the organization debuted Honda-powered cars in 1994, achieving its first victory on August 20, 1995, with driver Andre Ribeiro at . A significant early milestone came in 1996, when HPD secured its first "Triple Crown" in CART, encompassing the engine manufacturer's championship, drivers' championship (with ), and teams' championship (with ). Between 1994 and 2002, Honda engines powered winners in 65 of 164 CART races, demonstrating rapid dominance in the series. During the 1990s and early 2000s, HPD expanded its engine programs to encompass both oval and road course configurations, powering multiple championships in /Champ Car, including drivers' titles for (1997–1998), (1999), and (2000–2001). Following the 2002 split from , HPD shifted to the Indy Racing League (IRL) in 2003, where it quickly achieved further success, supporting Dan Wheldon's drivers' title. This growth was bolstered by technology sharing from Honda's global racing entity, the (HRC) in , which facilitated advancements in engine reliability and performance. Over the next two decades, HPD continued to build on this foundation in American motorsports. In , it became the sole engine supplier from 2006 to 2011, powering all entries including a flawless performance at the , and achieving multiple victories at the event, including the first in 2004 with , and later wins in 2014 with , 2016 with , and 2017 with . Concurrently, HPD expanded into prototype and , supporting programs that secured LMP1 and LMP2 Manufacturers’ Championships in the in 2009, a LMP2 class win at the in 2010, and the debut of the NSX GT3 in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2017.

Integration with Global Honda Racing Corporation

On September 21, 2023, Honda announced the integration of Honda Performance Development (HPD) into the global (HRC) framework to unify its worldwide motorsports operations under a single entity. This restructuring aimed to combine the expertise of HRC in , which has over 40 years of experience primarily in , with HPD's established strengths in U.S. automobile racing, including its foundation of 280 victories. The move sought to enhance overall competitiveness by fostering greater collaboration across 's racing divisions. The rebranding process culminated in the official launch of Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) on December 19, 2023, with the new identity taking effect for the 2024 motorsports season. Strategically, this integration aligned U.S. auto racing efforts with HRC Japan's global initiatives, enabling shared development of advanced technologies such as hybrid power units and electrification systems. It also supported Honda's broader goal of uniting its motorsports activities to drive innovation and brand strength worldwide. Immediately following the launch, HRC US continued operations from its existing facilities while gaining expanded access to HRC's international resources, including joint programs. In its inaugural full season as HRC US in 2024, the organization debuted at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and maintained support for series like and . Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, HRC US played a key role in leveraging global HRC ties to aid Honda's return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier starting in 2026, contributing to power unit development for the partnership.

Facilities and Operations

Location and Infrastructure

Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), is headquartered in , approximately 35 miles north of . The primary facility, located at 25145 Anza Drive, spans 123,000 square feet and serves as the central hub for supporting Honda's U.S. motorsports activities, including , testing, and . Established following HPD's founding in 1993, the current building opened in 2005, replacing an earlier 43,500-square-foot site. Key infrastructure includes six engine dynamometer cells—expandable by two more—for comprehensive testing, operating up to 12 hours daily, seven days a week. The facility features fabrication shops equipped for prototyping and parts assembly, alongside advanced capabilities for carbon composites and precision of race components. Simulation centers support and analysis through hardware-in-the-loop systems integrated with engine control units. HRC US employs nearly 250 engineers, technicians, and support staff dedicated to these operations. In the , the facility underwent upgrades to accommodate hybrid engine testing, aligning with IMSA's evolving regulations for prototypes like the ARX-06. Following the late 2023 merger with to form HRC US, additions were made for F1-related component development and support, preparing for power unit work starting in 2026. Sustainability efforts include an on-site 800-cell Honda CIGS solar array installed to generate , supporting Honda's broader environmental objectives. Recycling programs for manufacturing waste further integrate eco-friendly practices into daily operations.

Engineering and Development Focus

USA (HRC US) primarily focuses on the design and prototyping of high-performance engines, such as the HI22TT twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter developed for the , which has been in compliance with series specifications since its introduction in 2012. This engine features direct and indirect , dual Borg-Warner turbochargers, and a drive-by-wire system, all engineered within a mandated weight of approximately 250 pounds and a maximum RPM of 12,000. Additionally, HRC US handles the development of components and packages, with an emphasis on enhancing reliability for endurance racing applications, including the integration of advanced and control systems. The organization's development methodologies incorporate (CAE) tools for simulations and modeling, alongside finite element analysis (FEA) for stress testing critical components under extreme conditions. These processes are complemented by on-track validation testing at key venues, such as the , to refine prototypes through real-world and iterative adjustments. data analytics play a central role in this workflow, enabling engineers to process real-time in-car information for diagnostics, performance optimization, and continuous improvements across engine and designs. Key technologies advanced by HRC US include hybrid powertrain integration, notably in the GTP prototype for racing, where the organization developed the electrified 90-degree twin-turbo V6 system combined with standardized hybrid components to deliver enhanced power output and efficiency. Lightweight materials such as carbon fiber are extensively utilized in packages and structural elements, contributing to reduced vehicle weight while maintaining durability in high-stress environments. Data-driven analytics further support iterative enhancements, allowing for precise tuning based on race-specific feedback. HRC US operates through a collaborative model that involves partnerships with racing teams for co-development, including for IMSA GTP programs where HRC US provides race engineering support and vehicle preparation alongside team operations. Similar collaborations extend to IndyCar teams like , facilitating joint refinement of and technologies. These efforts enable technology trickle-down to production vehicles, such as the application of racing-derived and materials in the Acura NSX supercar. Innovation highlights include the ongoing evolution of the 2.2-liter platform, which incorporated hybrid systems starting in to add up to 60 horsepower while maintaining series compliance. Post-2023, HRC has intensified focus on sustainable fuels and , aligning with global initiatives through the development of hybrid systems and exploration of renewable fuel compatibility in electrified powertrains. These advancements are tested at the facilities, serving as the primary hub for U.S.-based R&D activities.

Automobile Racing Programs

IndyCar Series

Honda Performance Development (HPD), the racing arm of in the United States, began supplying engines to the in 1994, marking 's entry into American open-wheel racing with a 2.65-liter turbocharged provided to Rahal/Hogan Racing. Over the years, the engine architecture evolved significantly; since 2012, has utilized a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged , known as the HI12TT/R series, which produces approximately 550-700 horsepower depending on boost levels and runs on . Honda's engines have powered teams to substantial success in the , accumulating more than 280 race victories since 1994, including a dominant stretch from 2004 to 2006 where Honda secured three consecutive manufacturers' championships. The company has also contributed to 16 victories, the most of any engine manufacturer in the , with the most recent win in 2025 by Alex Palou for . Drivers powered by Honda engines have claimed multiple series championships, including those by (2008, 2013, 2015, 2020) and Alex Palou (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025). As an exclusive engine supplier, partners with prominent teams such as , , and , providing comprehensive technical support for engine integration and performance optimization. These partnerships played a key role in the 2024 introduction of IndyCar's hybrid energy recovery system (ERS), where collaborated with series organizers to integrate the supercapacitor-based unit with its , adding up to 60 kilowatts of for enhanced overtaking and efficiency. Honda's technical contributions extend to advancements like refined functionality, which leverages the hybrid system's energy deployment for temporary power boosts, and specialized aerodynamic kits optimized for oval tracks such as the . These efforts emphasize superior oval performance, crucial for events like the Indy 500, where engine reliability and power delivery under sustained high speeds are paramount. In recent developments from 2024 to 2025, enhanced its hybrid ERS with improved and deployment strategies, contributing to a season sweep of drivers', manufacturers', and rookie championships in 2025. The company's support for international drivers, including Spain's Alex Palou and France's Romain Grosjean, has further expanded 's global racing footprint while fostering talent development in the series.

IMSA Sports Car Racing

Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), through its brand, entered the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's top-tier GTP class in 2023 with the all-new , marking a significant evolution in its program. This entry built upon the foundational LMP2 efforts of its predecessor, Honda Performance Development (HPD), which supplied customer teams with engines and chassis components throughout the 2010s, achieving class wins such as the 2011 and 2012 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The ARX-06 program represents HRC US's commitment to hybrid technology in endurance racing, aligning with IMSA's introduction of the electrified GTP regulations to promote and performance parity among manufacturers. The features a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 paired with an IMSA-mandated , delivering a combined output exceeding 670 horsepower. The includes a Bosch electric motor-generator unit (MGU) and a Williams Advanced Engineering , enabling strategic energy deployment for overtaking and efficiency during long stints. HRC engineers focused on integrating this hybrid setup with the chassis and Acura-specific bodywork, optimizing for the demands of multi-hour endurance events while incorporating global HRC technologies for aerodynamic efficiency. In its inaugural 2023 season, the ARX-06 secured a front-row sweep in qualifying for the and finished second and third overall in the GTP class, demonstrating strong debut reliability. The following year, teams achieved a breakthrough victory in the GTP class at the 2024 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with Meyer Shank Racing's No. 60 entry, alongside multiple podiums at key endurance races like the . In 2025, finished second in the GTP manufacturers' standings, securing two class wins and four pole positions. Complementing these prototype successes, HRC supported GT3 efforts with the NSX GT3 Evo22, which earned two IMSA GTD manufacturers' championships (2019 and 2020), four teams' titles, and five drivers' championships between 2017 and 2024, highlighted by 38 class wins across customer teams, with the program concluding its IMSA GTD campaign in 2024. HRC US provides factory engineering support to with Andretti and [Meyer Shank Racing](/page/Meyer Shank Racing) with Curb-Agajanian for their two-car GTP program, emphasizing data sharing and development to enhance competitiveness. In the GTD class, customer teams such as Gradient Racing and RealTime Sports have leveraged HRC US-backed NSX GT3 machinery for consistent podium contention and endurance reliability. These collaborations draw on shared reliability technologies from HRC US's broader racing portfolio to ensure durability in high-stress conditions. The endurance-oriented design of HRC US programs prioritizes innovations in thermal management, with advanced cooling systems in the ARX-06 hybrid components to maintain performance over 24-hour races like the . Since the 2023 hybrid era, prototypes have utilized IMSA's 80% renewable VP Racing Fuels, with the ARX-06 engine's specifically engineered for compatibility with low-carbon sustainable fuels to reduce environmental impact without compromising power delivery.

Other Series and Disciplines

Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), has extended its automotive racing involvement into off-road disciplines since the , supporting both professional and developmental efforts. The organization backs the Off-Road Racing Team, which fields prototypes such as the Ridgeline in major events like the SCORE and short-course races including the . This team secured class victories in the 2023 and has achieved multiple class wins, including in 2021 and 2022, with strong finishes like 11th in the class during the 2023 despite its record 1,310-mile course. The team earned podium finishes at the 2024 with the Ridgeline and Talon models and debuted the all-new race truck at the 2025 , while continuing participation in the in 2024 and 2025. These initiatives emphasize durable powertrains and chassis tuned for extreme terrain, drawing on HRC US to refine off-road capabilities. In , HRC US supplies homologated 2.0-liter turbocharged K20C1 engines for front-wheel-drive TCR applications within SRO-sanctioned series like TC America. Developed in-house, these engines power the Civic Type R TCR, delivering approximately 350 horsepower while meeting TCR regulations for balanced competition. HRC US-supported teams using this powerplant claimed the 2022 TC America drivers' and manufacturers' championships, with drivers like Kevin Boehm securing multiple victories en route to the title. The organization also provides engine packages for , where the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 from the NSX GT3 benefits from shared HRC US development, including refinements in turbo efficiency and cooling. aerodynamics occasionally incorporate overlap with IMSA GT technologies for optimized in front-wheel-drive setups. HRC US engages in junior formula series through partnerships in the (FR Americas) since 2021, emphasizing driver development. In collaboration with Motor Co., Ltd., the organization offers substantial scholarships—valued up to $600,000—to FR Americas champions, funding progression to advanced categories like Super Formula. This program supports Honda-backed teams with technical resources and prioritizes young talent cultivation, with past recipients advancing to professional series backed by HRC US. Beyond these, HRC US maintains involvement in motorsports via and contingency awards for and SCCA events, supplying parts like engines and suspension kits to enable competitive entries in club racing. These efforts include sponsorship of the Honda Challenge series since 2010, providing free membership programs for Honda-powered vehicles to enhance participation. Strategically, such diverse disciplines act as proving grounds for road-relevant innovations, with off-road suspension tuning and durability informing production features in models, such as enhanced adaptive damping systems.

Support and Grassroots Initiatives

Honda Racing Line Program

The Racing Line Program was established in 2009 by Performance Development (HPD), now operating under USA (HRC US), to provide factory support and parts to grassroots racers competing in and vehicles. The initiative targets licensed participants in amateur and entry-level professional , offering a direct connection to HRC US's expertise in motorsports development. Members gain access to genuine OEM racing parts through the HRC DreamShop online store, including upgrades such as suspension components, kits, wheels, and engine mounts designed for track use. The program also provides technical support from HRC engineers and contingency awards at select events, such as those sanctioned by the (), where top finishers can earn credits redeemable for parts or services up to $2,500 per event. Membership is available as a single tier for qualified racers, with benefits including expedited delivery on parts. To qualify, individuals must be active in sanctioned events, provide proof of participation in at least two races within the prior 12 months, and reside in the continental . The program supports various grassroots disciplines, including NASA Honda Challenge classes, SCCA club racing, and touring car series featuring models like the Civic Si and Integra Type S. It emphasizes safety and fair competition by restricting parts to homologated, factory-developed components that align with professional racing standards. By enabling racers to use proven HRC US-developed parts and offering contingency incentives, the program contributes to building skills among enthusiasts, with annual awards recognizing top performers in supported series and facilitating pathways to higher-level competition. This support ties into HRC US's broader parts development for professional racing applications.

Technology Transfer and Parts Development

Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) facilitates the transfer of racing-derived technologies to production vehicles and aftermarket components through a structured process of adaptation and reverse-engineering, ensuring compliance with road-use regulations such as emissions standards. This involves leveraging data from series like and to refine components for street-legal applications, including lightweight materials and powertrain enhancements. Key examples of this technology flow include aerodynamic optimizations and structural advancements. Aerodynamic elements from Honda's motorsport programs have been adapted for models like the Acura TLX Type S, improving high-speed stability while maintaining everyday drivability. Similarly, the incorporates lightweight chassis materials derived from HRC racing programs, including aluminum subframes and reinforced high-strength steel in critical areas, which enhance handling precision. These adaptations stem from HRC's efforts, where similar lightweight constructions are tested for durability under extreme conditions. HRC US has expanded its aftermarket ecosystem by developing branded performance parts, which are sold through Honda and Acura dealers. These components are engineered to meet federal emissions requirements, allowing enthusiasts to apply racing-level refinements to street vehicles without voiding warranties. Launched in 2024, this initiative draws directly from HRC's 30-plus years of motorsports expertise, with prototype testing beginning in 2025 at facilities like the Santa Clarita engineering center for dual-purpose validation. For example, in May 2025, an Acura Integra Type S equipped with HRC prototype performance parts competed in the 3,000-mile One Lap of America road rally, showcasing potential applications for street and track use. Historically, technology transfers trace back to the 1990s, when innovations from Honda's program—such as advanced (VTEC) and lightweight aluminum engine blocks—were integrated into the first-generation NSX, enabling its naturally aspirated V6 to achieve 90 horsepower per liter and outperform contemporaries like the Ferrari 348. In the 2020s, hybrid powertrain developments from IMSA's class, including standardized high-voltage battery integration and software controls, have been adapted for production electrified models, enhancing energy recovery and efficiency in vehicles like the CR-V Hybrid. This ongoing exchange supports Honda's broader objectives by applying racing data to optimize battery management systems, such as thermal regulation and power deployment algorithms tested in hybrids, which inform advancements in full-electric vehicles including the 2024 Honda SUV's 85 kWh pack for consistent range under varying loads. By prioritizing scalable, high-impact innovations, HRC US ensures racing contributes measurably to sustainable mobility.

References

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