Honda Racing Corporation is expanding into the business of selling, restoring, maintaining and tracking some of its most iconic race cars from Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona, including production-based GT cars and purpose-built prototype racers.
HRC Puts Its First Race Car Up for Sale
Honda Racing Corporation is offering serious racing hardware for sale, although it has not disclosed prices or explained how it will select clients. The company has also revealed several recent restorations completed for private owners.
The first car offered for sale will make its debut at The Quail this Friday during the 2026 Monterey Car Week festivities. The Sebring-winning V8-powered No. 26 XM Satellite Radio AGR Acura ARX-01a will lead HRC’s new venture.
The racer holds particular significance because it was Acura’s first purpose-built race car and featured the first V8 designed and developed by HRC in the U.S., known as HPD at the time.
The chassis won the LMP2 class at the 2007 Sebring 12 Hours on its debut, with Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta and Tony Kanaan behind the wheel.
HRC Heritage Racing Program Focuses on Authentic Restorations
HRC US president David Salters said the new Heritage Racing Program is focused on preserving Honda and Acura race cars and keeping them active in racing.
“Classic race cars never die, their myth and aura just grow and the HRC Heritage Racing Program is all about keeping our incredible Honda and Acura race cars doing what they were born to do―race,” Salters said.
“As the builder of these race-winning machines, and custodian of the original IP and knowledge, HRC is uniquely equipped to restore them to their original form, ensuring they can return to historic racing competition authentically and ready to be enjoyed by our customers and fans.”
Restoring Legendary Honda and Acura Race Cars
Restoration is another major part of HRC US’s new business. The company will restore race cars it owns for sale as well as vehicles already owned by private individuals.
One example is the Acura ARX-01c, which competed in the Le Mans LMP2 category with “Strakka Racing” and won its class in 2010.
HRC has also restored Acura NSX GT3 Chassis No. 5 and completed a full refurbishment of the 2001 Reynard 01i. Gil de Ferran raced the Reynard during the 2001 CART season for Team Penske, and its current owner is Zak Brown.
HRC Expands Beyond Race Cars
The new venture has been several years in the making and was a top priority for Honda’s leadership. It is being led by HRC US president Dave Salters and senior vice president Jon Ikeda.
HRC is also moving into aftermarket performance parts, fashion and consumables such as motor oil as part of its broader business expansion.
Through the Heritage Racing Program, Honda Racing Corporation is combining race car sales and restoration with maintenance and tracking services, giving its customers and fans a way to keep Honda and Acura racing machines active and ready for historic competition.
