David Salters Highlights Honda Racing Corporation USA's 2024 Vision at EPARTRADE's 5th Annual Race Industry Week
At EPARTRADE's 5th Annual Race Industry Week, David Salters, President of Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), offered an insider’s perspective on the transformative year for Honda Racing. From integrating hybrid technologies in IndyCar to launching a performance parts brand, Salters underscored Honda's commitment to innovation, teamwork, and supporting its global racing operations.
A Unified Honda Racing Vision
Salters celebrated the first anniversary of Honda Performance Development (HPD) being integrated into Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), unifying Honda’s global motorsport operations. He described the transition as a step forward in collaboration and long-term planning.
“This alignment brought all of Honda’s smart people and efforts together under one brand, leveraging 60 years of successful racing heritage. It creates more opportunities for our men and women and formalizes collaboration across disciplines,” said Salters.
Engineering Excellence: From IndyCar to Formula 1
Under the unified HRC banner, U.S.-based engineers are now contributing to Honda’s 2026 Formula 1 powertrain project. Salters highlighted this as a unique opportunity for talent development: “We’ve embedded engineers into the F1 program, providing them with invaluable experience they’ll bring back to our organization.”
The midseason rollout of hybrid technology in IndyCar marked another engineering milestone. Salters lauded the seamless introduction of the hybrid system, which endured over 100,000 miles of race conditions: “This was a collaborative effort with IndyCar, Chevrolet, and Ilmor. Rolling it out midseason was a challenge, but the system performed exceptionally well, adding a new dimension to racing strategy.”
Honda’s Hybrid Heroes and Performance Parts Expansion
Salters also reflected on the Honda Hybrid Heroes event in Las Vegas, where Honda showcased its hybrid race cars, including the Acura ARX-06, IndyCar Hybrid, and the groundbreaking CR-V Hybrid with an IndyCar powertrain. The event featured motorsport legends like Max Verstappen, Scott Dixon, and Yuki Tsunoda, celebrating Honda’s diverse racing portfolio.
“Honda competes at the pinnacle of global motorsport. Bringing these iconic vehicles and drivers together was a privilege, and sharing it with fans through social media amplified the event’s impact,” Salters shared.
In tandem with racing advancements, HRC launched a performance parts division at SEMA. This initiative aims to bring Honda’s racing DNA to customers’ vehicles, from road cars to off-road and track machines. Salters emphasized authenticity: “We’re integrating our racing heritage into every product and actively seeking customer input to ensure we deliver what our fans and enthusiasts want.”
A Look Ahead: 2024 Racing Challenges
HRC US will race-engineer one of the Acura ARX-06 GTP cars in IMSA with Meyer Shank Racing. Salters described this move as a critical step for developing personnel and advancing Honda’s technological edge: “This is about challenging our team and creating opportunities for growth. Racing at this level sharpens our skills and strengthens our organization.”
Looking to the 2024 IndyCar season, Salters expressed confidence but remained focused on continuous improvement. He praised the accomplishments of Chip Ganassi Racing and Alex Palou, who secured a third driver’s championship powered by Honda, but emphasized the need for a reset: “Every season is a fresh challenge. We’re working hard to improve, particularly at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where we aim to reclaim our winning form.”
The Road to Innovation
Salters reaffirmed Honda’s philosophy of using racing as a platform for development: “Our most valuable asset is our people. Racing pushes us to innovate, adapt, and grow. It’s why Mr. Honda took his motorcycles to the Isle of Man TT—it’s in our DNA.”
From hybrid breakthroughs to nurturing talent and expanding performance parts, Honda Racing Corporation USA continues to lead the charge in motorsport innovation. “We’re ready for the challenges of 2024 and beyond,” concluded Salters.
To watch The 5th Annual RACE INDUSTRY WEEK, please CLICK HERE
For more information, please visit: www.epartrade.com
