HPD formalizes rebranding to HRC US

Honda Performance Development, the arm of American Honda that was formed in 1993 to serve its domestic racing programs, has completed its rebranding to Honda Racing Corporation US. The name change represents the firm’s evolving mission, which now includes supporting HRC Japan’s global racing initiatives.

HRC US, which is located north of Los Angeles in California, continues to be led by David Salters and support its existing engagements in the NTT IndyCar Series, IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the GTP and GTD classes, IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge series in the TCR class, SRO, and grassroots motorsports initiatives developed under the HPD banner.

“The team and I here at HRC US are excited and humbled to embark on this next racing adventure,” Salters said. “Honda’s racing heritage is exceptional. I have just come back from Honda’s annual ‘Thanks Day’ activity at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit:  Moto GP, Formula 1, IndyCar, Motocross, Dakar endurance, Trials, Touring Car, Super GT all being demonstrated at the highest level by a paddock full of world champions.

“Only Honda does this.  We challenge ourselves and entertain our amazing Honda Racing fans across all pinnacle racing, two and four wheels.  Add Honda’s cool car and bike culture, cutting edge technology and superb vehicles to this, and you can only feel immensely proud to be joining our companies and amazing people together to make one global racing organization, HRC Honda Racing. This really is the power of dreams, moreover we get to race our dreams.”

HRC US will complement HRC Japan’s Formula 1 engine program by joining in the development of its next hybrid turbo V6 motor.

“HRC’s auto racing development center in Japan currently supports Red Bull Powertrains, and is a vital part of the team’s F1 World Championship victories,” HRC US wrote. “Starting in 2026, HRC will partner with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 team as the team’s official engine supplier. With three F1 races now in the U.S., the new HRC US will be involved in Formula One power unit development and race support starting in 2026.”

RACER understands the first appearance of HRC US branding is set for January's Rolex 24 At Daytona on the pair of WTR with Andretti Acura ARX-06 hybrid GTP entries.