Honda Racing Launches Heritage Program to Sell and Restore Iconic Acura and Honda Race Cars – Speedway Digest

TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) is opening the door for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of motorsports history with the launch of its new HRC Heritage Racing Program, a comprehensive initiative focused on the restoration, sale, service and track support of historic Honda and Acura race cars.

Unveiled during Monterey Car Week, the program gives customers access to some of the most successful racing machines in Honda’s global history, including race winners from Sebring, Daytona, Le Mans and Laguna Seca.

Leading the inaugural offering is the No. 26 XM Satellite Radio Andretti Green Racing Acura ARX-01a, the groundbreaking prototype that won the LMP2 class at the 2007 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in its debut race with drivers Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta and Tony Kanaan.

According to HRC, each vehicle undergoes a meticulous restoration process using original homologation documents, engineering notes, photographs and archived technical data. Cars are completely rebuilt, engines are refreshed at HRC’s California headquarters, electronics are modernized and every vehicle receives extensive track testing before delivery.

“Classic race cars never die, their myth and aura just grow,” said HRC US President David Salters. “The HRC Heritage Racing Program is all about keeping our incredible Honda and Acura race cars doing what they were born to do…race.”

The initiative expands on HRC’s recent restoration efforts involving iconic machines such as the championship-winning Acura ARX-05 DPi, the 2010 ARX-01c Le Mans class winner, and the 2001 Team Penske Reynard-Honda CART championship car driven by the late Gil de Ferran.

Among the standout vehicles currently available is Acura NSX GT3 Chassis No. 5, regarded as the most successful NSX GT3 ever built. The car amassed 38 class victories, multiple manufacturers’, teams’ and drivers’ championships, and remains recognizable in its famous “Lady Liberty” livery.

While the program initially focuses on endurance racing machinery, HRC officials indicated plans are already underway to expand offerings to include historic Honda-powered IndyCar race cars.

The launch comes as HRC celebrates more than seven decades of racing heritage with over 20 championship-winning race cars and motorcycles displayed throughout Monterey Car Week, spanning Formula One, IndyCar, IMSA, MotoGP, Dakar Rally, SCCA competition and more.