Honda Combines Japanese and American Racing Departments to Strengthen Motorsports Ambitions

Honda is taking a significant step towards strengthening its motorsports division by merging its Japanese and American racing departments. This move aims to enhance collaboration between the two entities and leverage their expertise in different racing categories. As part of this integration, Honda’s power units for the Aston Martin F1 team, starting in 2026, will be jointly developed in the United States.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), founded in Japan in 1982 as a motorcycle racing team, has established itself as a dominant force in the racing world over the past four decades. With numerous victories in prestigious events such as WGP/MotoGP, Superbike, Motocross, World Trial, and the Paris Dakar rally, HRC has earned a reputation as one of the best racing teams globally.

On the other hand, Honda Performance Development (HPD) was established in the United States in 1993. Focused primarily on auto racing, HPD has achieved remarkable success across various series, including IndyCar, IMSA, Baja Off-Road, Touring Cars, and Formula Regional America, accumulating an impressive tally of 280 wins.

The integration of these two divisions under the banner of Honda Racing Corporation marks a significant milestone for the company’s motorsports ambitions. By uniting their resources and expertise, HRC and HRC US will work together to further elevate Honda’s presence in the racing world.

Koji Watanabe, President of HRC Japan, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, 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 further emphasized the strength that will come from combining the race engineers from both Japan and the United States.

HRC US’s extensive experience in auto racing will play a pivotal role in the development of Formula One power units and race support starting in 2026. Building on their success with the V6 hybrid power unit in the Acura ARX-06, which secured victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona earlier this year, HRC US is well-positioned to contribute to Honda’s Formula One endeavors.

David Salters, President of HPD and soon-to-be President of the new HRC US, expressed his excitement about the merger, stating, “We are thrilled and very proud to join forces with our friends and colleagues in HRC Japan and represent Honda Racing as a global racing organization.” Salters emphasized their commitment to pushing the boundaries in U.S. motorsports while adapting to the rapidly changing global motorsports landscape.

This integration signifies Honda’s dedication to motorsports excellence and its determination to compete at the highest level. By combining the strengths of its Japanese and American racing departments, Honda aims to enhance its technological capabilities, develop its talent pool, and solidify its position as a dominant force in motorsports.

As Honda Racing Corporation embarks on this new chapter, racing enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the unveiling of the collaborative efforts between HRC and HRC US. With their combined expertise and resources, Honda is poised to make significant strides in the world of motorsports, leaving an indelible mark on racing history.