Honda Racing Corporation USA has launched the HRC Heritage Racing Program – a program for collectors and owners who want not just to store a historic race car, but to continue driving it on the track.
The first car was the Acura ARX-01a No. 26 from the Andretti Green Racing team. This prototype won the LMP2 class at the "12 Hours of Sebring" in 2007 in its debut race. Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta, and Tony Kanaan were behind the wheel at the time.
The main difference of the program from ordinary restoration is the participation of the manufacturer itself. HRC completely disassembles the car, checks it against original homologation documents, engineering records, and archival photos, and then reassembles the car.
The engine is restored directly at HRC headquarters in Santa Clarita. Electronics and individual safety elements are modernized, but the original characteristics and driving feel are preserved. After assembly, the car is mandatory tested on the track.
The service does not end there. HRC engineers are ready to accompany the owner directly during competitions. This means the buyer receives not a museum exhibit, but a full-fledged race car with access to specialists who know its design inside out.
The cost of the ARX-01a has not yet been disclosed. The program will expand later: HRC has already restored four Acura ARX-05 prototypes, and future offerings are expected to include historic Honda cars with IndyCar engines. In addition, the Acura NSX GT3 is currently for sale – the most successful chassis of this model with 38 class victories.