Honda is taking steps to consolidate its motorsports operations globally under the umbrella of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). This includes the integration of the U.S.-based Honda Performance Development (HPD) into the HRC organization.
HRC originated from Honda’s motorcycle racing program, which began in the early 1980s. It is located in Sakura, Japan and is primarily responsible for overseeing Honda’s motorsports initiatives outside of North America.
On the other hand, HPD serves as the official motorsports division of American Honda and has traditionally operated independently from HRC. It was established in 1993 and is situated in Santa Clarita, California. HPD manages motorsports programs across North America, representing both Honda and Acura. One notable achievement for HPD is its successful involvement in Acura’s LMDh program.
As part of the consolidation process, HPD will undergo a transformation and become known as HRC US. This integration is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2024 motorsports season. However, it is worth noting that the HPD branding on some of Honda’s road cars will likely remain unchanged.
The consolidation of HRC and HRC US aims to combine their expertise and resources to support Honda and Acura racing programs worldwide. This collaboration extends to Formula 1, where Honda currently serves as a power unit supplier.
In an exciting development, Honda announced that HRC US will participate in F1 power unit development and race support starting in 2026. This aligns with Honda’s role as a power unit supplier to Aston Martin from that year onwards.
Koji Watanabe, the president of HRC, expressed his excitement about the integration, stating, “Our goal is to increase the HRC brand and sustain the success of our racing activities, and we believe that uniting Honda motorsports globally as one racing organization will help achieve that.” He emphasized the strength that will come from the collaboration between race engineers from both the U.S. and Japan, and welcomed the U.S. associates to the HRC team.
The consolidation of Honda’s motorsports operations is more than just a symbolic move. By bringing together HRC and HRC US, Honda aims to enhance its presence and success in the racing world. The unified organization will leverage the collective knowledge and experience of both entities to drive advancements in motorsports technology and performance.
The integration of HRC US into the HRC organization will result in a more streamlined and efficient operation. It will eliminate redundancies and improve communication and coordination between teams working on motorsports programs across different regions. This synergy will foster collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of best practices, ultimately benefiting Honda and Acura racing initiatives worldwide.
The inclusion of HRC US in F1 power unit development and race support signifies Honda’s commitment to the highest level of motorsports competition. By integrating their expertise and leveraging their extensive resources, Honda aims to further enhance their performance in Formula 1 and contribute to the success of their partner teams.
Overall, the consolidation of Honda’s global motorsports operations under HRC is a strategic move that signifies Honda’s dedication to motorsports and its desire to strengthen its position in the racing world. By bringing together the resources and expertise of HRC and HRC US, Honda aims to achieve greater success across various motorsports programs and establish itself as a leader in the industry. The integration will not only improve efficiency and coordination but also facilitate collaboration and innovation, resulting in advancements in racing technology and performance.
