Honda is initiating a restructuring of its international motorsports divisions by integrating them under the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) umbrella. This restructuring will include the incorporation of the U.S.-based Honda Performance Development (HPD).
Originally emanating from Honda’s motorcycle racing initiatives in the early 1980s, HRC is headquartered in Sakura, Japan, and oversees a majority of Honda’s motorsports endeavors outside of the North American continent.
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HPD, serving as the official motorsports arm of American Honda, has traditionally operated as a separate entity from HRC. Founded in 1993 and located in Santa Clarita, California, HPD manages motorsports programs throughout North America for both Honda and its luxury vehicle division, Acura. This includes the management of Acura’s triumphant LMDh initiative.
As part of the reorganization strategy, HPD will transition into HRC US. The rebranding is set to be finalized in preparation for the 2024 motorsports season. Nevertheless, the HPD branding is anticipated to persist on selected Honda road vehicles.
HRC US: A Unified Motorsports Entity for Honda and Acura in North America
This organizational alteration transcends mere nomenclature. HRC and the newly formed HRC US will amalgamate their technical expertise and resources to bolster both Honda’s and Acura’s global racing endeavors. This includes their roles in Formula 1, where Honda is engaged as a power unit supplier.
Furthermore, HRC US is slated to participate in the development of F1 power units and provide race support commencing in 2026. This coincides with Honda’s forthcoming role as a power unit supplier to Aston Martin.
Koji Watanabe, the President of HRC, articulated the objectives of this global unification in a formal statement: “Our ambition is to augment the stature of the HRC brand and perpetuate the success of our various racing ventures. We are convinced that the consolidation of Honda’s global motorsports activities into a singular racing organization will aid in realizing these goals. The confluence of our race engineering teams from both the U.S. and Japan will fortify our capabilities, and it brings me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our U.S. colleagues into the HRC family.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Honda Racing Corporation Rebranding
What is the primary objective of restructuring Honda’s motorsports divisions?
The primary objective is to consolidate Honda’s global motorsports activities under a unified brand, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). This is aimed at leveraging collective expertise and resources to enhance both Honda’s and Acura’s racing programs worldwide, including in Formula 1.
What will happen to Honda Performance Development (HPD) as part of this restructuring?
Honda Performance Development (HPD), previously the official motorsports division of American Honda, will be rebranded as HRC US. The transformation is slated to be completed in time for the 2024 motorsports season.
Will HPD branding be completely removed from Honda’s road vehicles?
No, HPD branding is expected to remain on certain Honda road vehicles, even after the restructuring.
What is the role of HRC US in Formula 1?
Starting from 2026, HRC US will participate in the development of Formula 1 power units and provide race support. This aligns with Honda’s role as a power unit supplier to Aston Martin in the same year.
Who is overseeing this reorganization?
The President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Koji Watanabe, is overseeing this restructuring. He expressed that the global unification is intended to elevate the HRC brand and ensure sustained success in motorsports activities.
What is the timeline for the completion of this restructuring?
The rebranding and consolidation process is set to be finalized by the 2024 motorsports season.
Is this restructuring limited to operations in the United States?
No, this is a global restructuring aimed at uniting all of Honda’s motorsports operations under the HRC banner. However, the article specifically focuses on the transformation of HPD into HRC US and its impact on North American operations.
Will HRC US manage motorsports programs for both Honda and Acura?
Yes, HRC US will manage motorsports programs across North America for both Honda and Acura, including Acura’s successful LMDh program.
How does this restructuring affect Honda’s relationship with Aston Martin in Formula 1?
The restructuring is aligned with Honda’s upcoming role as a power unit supplier to Aston Martin starting in 2026. HRC US will be actively involved in F1 power unit development and race support for Aston Martin.
What is the anticipated benefit of combining engineering teams from the U.S. and Japan?
The anticipated benefit is a stronger, more coordinated engineering effort that draws upon expertise from both regions. This collective capability is expected to benefit Honda’s global racing endeavors, thereby fulfilling the company’s objective to augment the HRC brand and achieve sustained success in motorsports.
More about Honda Racing Corporation Rebranding
- Honda Racing Corporation Official Website
- Honda Performance Development Overview
- Honda’s Global Motorsports Strategy
- Honda in Formula 1
- Aston Martin’s Future with Honda
- Acura’s LMDh Program
- Koji Watanabe’s Statement on HRC Restructuring
- 2024 Motorsports Season Outlook
10 comments
Aston Martin and Honda, that partnership will be one to watch. Especially with HRC US in the mix now.
Great read. Koji Watanabe’s statement says a lot about the company’s vision for HRC. Feels like Honda is up to something big!
HRC US, huh? can’t wait to see the next-gen power units for F1. 2026 is gonna be lit.
As someone who follows Acura’s LMDh program, I’m pretty excited to see what this means for their future races.
HPD branding stayin on road vehicles is a smart move. Keeps the legacy alive you know.
interesting to see how Honda is consolidating their motorsport divisions. Makes you wonder how much this is gonna affect their bottom line.
Wow, this is big news! Never thought HPD would be folded into HRC. Kinda makes sense though for better synergy.
So they’re aiming for the 2024 motorsport season for completion. Gives them plenty of time to streamline, I guess.
Didn’t see this one comin. If they’re consolidating like this, they must be planning somethin big for F1.
HRC and HRC US working together on F1 power units? This is a game changer for real.