Honda Performance Development

What Is Honda Performance Development?

Honda Performance Development is Honda’s racing company in North America. It was founded in 1993 and debuted in the CART IndyCar World Series. Since then, the HPD has continued to thrill racing enthusiasts with high octane excitement, stunning victories on the track, and world-class innovations that have shaped and reshaped the field of racing.

Research and Development

With a sophisticated research facility that has, over the years, developed some of the most powerful engines, chassis, and race vehicles, the HPD has a place among the most prolific racing companies in the world. It routinely takes part in a host of different racing events from IndyCar to F3/F4, Formula F, Touring, and even Off-Road and Rally racing. So, no matter if you are just a fan looking for a team to cheer on or a driver looking for something to give you the edge - the HPD is the race supporter and technology provider that will make victory possible no matter the event.

Victories

Honda Performance Development has a long and colourful history of conquest on the track. With well over 330 Indy car wins, at least 16 drivers’ championships, a handful of American Le Mans wins, a dramatic win in the SCORE BAJA 500, and over 12 wins at the Indianapolis 500, including the 2020 race, there is not enough space to list all the victories in which the HPD has participated.

One of HPD’s most significant accolades comes between 2006 and 2011. During this time, Honda was the only engine supplier for the Indianapolis 500. For six years during this period, there was not a single engine-related retirement at the event - not one. This was the first time that this kind of technical proficiency had ever happened during the 500, and it continued that way every year for the next six years. This kind of story is not unique for the HPD, but it does a good job speaking to the quality and sophistication of the product that continues to this very day.

Street Vehicles

Off the track, the Honda Performance Development facility offers support and parts to up-and-coming racers. It plays a crucial role in designing and implementing technology that will give racers the edge they need to take first place. However, one of the fascinating realities of this is that eventually, with time and development that technology makes its way off the track and into the vehicles that everyday drivers enjoy. The technology developed in the HPD facility is always fed back down the line into the cars we drive today, so if you’ve driven a Honda street vehicle before, you have operated a vehicle with the DNA of a race car. Be it the legendary Civic lineage of racing excellence,  the Ridgeline Sport’s Baja conquering versatility and power, or the Acura NSX supercar, which is essentially still a race car, Honda’s entire catalogue is crafted with proven excellence on the track. For that, we have Honda Performance Development to thank.