Honda Racing

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) was officially established on September 1, 1982, as a separate entity dedicated to Honda's motorcycle racing activities, succeeding the earlier Racing Service Center (RSC). For its first four decades, HRC focused exclusively on two-wheeled dominance, developing legendary machines like the NSR500 and the RC-V series that secured numerous MotoGP and Motocross world championships. During this time, Honda's four-wheeled racing efforts were managed separately through the Honda Motor company and regional subsidiaries like Honda Performance Development (HPD) in the United States. In April 2022, Honda implemented a major strategic shift by consolidating its motorcycle and automobile racing divisions under the single HRC banner. This merger integrated the Sakura Center (automobile racing) with the Asaka Center (motorcycle racing) to streamline technical expertise and resources, particularly for the development of high-performance hybrid powertrains and sustainable fuels. This move allowed HRC to take direct control of Honda's Formula 1 power unit programs and global GT racing initiatives. In early 2024, the consolidation was finalized globally as HPD was rebranded as HRC US. This unified structure now supports Honda's return as an official Formula 1 power unit supplier for the 2026 regulations with Aston Martin, while continuing to manage the Acura GTP program in IMSA and the supply of engines to the IndyCar Series. Today, HRC serves as the vanguard for Honda's 'Carbon Neutral 2050' initiative, testing electrified and hydrogen-based racing technologies on the world's most demanding circuits.