In the final quarter of the preceding year, the Honda Performance Development (HPD) unit underwent integration into the global motorsport division of the Japanese manufacturer. Subsequently, the division underwent a rebranding, now identified as Honda Racing Corporation US.
This strategic maneuver sparked speculation about Honda considering the possibility of entering the Acura ARX-06 into the competition at Le Mans, a race the car manufacturer has been absent from since 2012.
Acura stands as the sole GTP brand in the IMSA SportsCar Championship that does not simultaneously participate in the World Endurance Championship. In contrast, brands like BMW, Cadillac, Lamborghini, and Porsche are engaged in both series with their respective LMDh contenders.
The IMSA team representing Acura, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti, has expressed a desire to compete in the renowned French endurance race. Concurrently, the former HPD division has indicated an interest in showcasing the capabilities of the ARX-06 beyond North America.
To materialize such an initiative, approval from the broader Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) organization and the Honda board is necessary. However, despite Acura’s victory at the Daytona 24 Hours with an LMDh car in the previous year, the approval for this endeavor was not granted, marking a first attempt for the company.
While the prospect of entering the ARX-06 under Honda’s own brand for future Le Mans participation is not entirely dismissed, the plan is currently on hold as the HRC US expands its operations.
Juggling two significant responsibilities – IndyCar and IMSA – Honda’s North American motorsports division is gearing up to contribute to the development of F1 engines. These engines are anticipated to power the Aston Martin team in the year 2026.
The focus will shift to other projects, including the potential development of a World Endurance Championship (WEC) or Le Mans race entry, once the F1 program advances to a certain stage.
Koji Watanabe, the President of HRC, conveyed during the Tokyo Auto Salon in a conversation with Motorsport.com Japan that there are currently “no plans” to participate in the 24-hour enduro race.
Watanabe emphasized that while not ruling out future participation, the priority is wisely assigned. The company’s primary focus is to continue with IndyCar using existing manpower and to secure victories in the highly competitive IMSA championship in the US.
He added that the F1 project will be incorporated into their ongoing commitments. Since some members of the US team will be engaged in the F1 project, entry into Le Mans is not under consideration until stability is achieved in the F1 division.
It has been disclosed that Acura will field two vehicles in this year’s IMSA’s GTP division. Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti will take charge of the second entry, previously overseen by Meyer Shank Racing.
