HRC Launches Heritage Racing Program for Race Car Sales

Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) has announced the launch of its HRC Heritage Racing Program, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to purchase and restore iconic championship-winning Honda and Acura race cars. This new initiative offers comprehensive services including sales, restoration, ongoing service, and trackside support for these historic vehicles.

The program's debut coincides with Monterey Car Week, where the first available vehicle, the #26 XM Satellite Radio AGR Acura ARX-01a, is being featured. This V8-powered endurance racer, which secured a class victory at the 2007 Sebring 12 Hours with drivers Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta, and Tony Kanaan, represents the first purpose-built Acura endurance car and the first vehicle and engine designed by HRC in the U.S.

Program Details and Initial Offerings

The HRC Heritage Racing Program aims to keep historic Honda and Acura race cars active in competition. HRC US, as the original builder and custodian of intellectual property, is positioned to restore these machines to their authentic state for historic racing. The program's offerings will expand beyond endurance racers to include historic Honda-powered IndyCar machines in the future.

Beyond the initial ARX-01a, HRC US has already restored several significant vehicles. These include four Acura ARX-05 DPi endurance racers that compete in IMSA's Historic SportsCar Racing Series, and the 2010 ARX-01c "Strakka Racing" Le Mans LMP2 class winner. Additionally, the Acura NSX GT3 Chassis No. 5, which boasts 38 class wins and multiple championships, has been restored and is currently available for purchase.

Authentic Restoration Process

The HRC Heritage Racing Program emphasizes authentic restorations, meticulously performed using original homologation documents, engineering notes, and photographs. The process is supported by extensive HRC archives of technical data, ensuring each car and engine is correctly restored. Each race car undergoes a complete tear-down and reassembly using new and reconditioned parts, with some updated materials for safety.

Electronics are modernized, and engines are rebuilt at HRC US headquarters in Santa Clarita, California. Following restoration, each race machine is thoroughly track tested. HRC engineers also provide track support and assist new owners in competition, ensuring the vehicles are ready for use while maintaining their original design and driving experience.

Expanding the Heritage Fleet and Memorabilia

The program has also been involved in the refurbishment of other notable vehicles, such as the 2001 Reynard 01i raced by Gil de Ferran in the CART championship. This involved providing a period-correct Honda engine, supporting engine start-up, and inspecting key electronic components for the car's current owner, Zak Brown.

In addition to race car sales and restoration, HRC offers a range of authentic memorabilia and merchandise. This includes genuine engine components from the McLaren MP4/5B, scale models of the legendary Honda RA272 Formula One race car, and a jewelry collection crafted from engine components, celebrating Honda's racing legacy.

The HRC Heritage Racing Program provides a structured avenue for enthusiasts to acquire, restore, and maintain a piece of Honda and Acura's rich motorsports history, ensuring these iconic race cars can continue to be enjoyed and compete.