PPHIC: Honda forced to withdraw P2 car from Pikes Peak

A series of engine-related issues, including turbocharger failures that caused significant damage to the internals of the 3.5-liter V6 motors used in the ARX-04b LMP2 prototype, has forced Honda to withdraw its marquee entry at the 93rd "Race to the Clouds."

"It is with deep regret that we announce the withdrawal of our ARX-04b LMP2 prototype from this weekend's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb," said Honda Performance Development CEO Art St. Cyr. "We made this decision after encountering a series of mechanical issues that could not be resolved on site, and in recognition of the fact that we would be unable to correct those issues to our satisfaction in time to campaign the car competitively in Sunday's event.

"We entered the ARX-04b at Pikes Peak as an exploratory exercise, and although the car will not participate in the event, we have gathered a great deal of useful information from which we will learn in an effort to return the car to Pikes Peak next year. We wish to express our gratitude to members of the Extreme Speed Motorsports team, who helped us prepare the car, as well as longtime Honda Indy car driver Justin Wilson, whom we proudly selected to take it up the mountain."

Despite the withdrawal of the ARX-04b, Honda's commitment to the event with more than a dozen entries will continue as planned this week.

"Notwithstanding the absence of the ARX-04b, Honda will still deploy a robust effort at Pikes Peak this weekend, campaigning 13 vehicles in 11 different classes, on two wheels and four," St. Cyr continued. "We are eager to add to a legacy which has resulted in 48 class victories, including at least one in each of the last 13 years."

Honda will be busy at plenty of other events this weekend, giving the Japanese brand's loyal supporters IndyCar racing at Fontana, TUDOR Championship action at Watkins Glen, and Pirelli World Challenge racing at Elkhart Lake to follow.