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American LeMans
ALMS: Acura’s Evolution
While PHR will be back with Acura, the complexion of Acura’s involvement in the sport appears to be changing with a shift to promote HPD in 2010.
Marshall Pruett  |  Posted November 27, 2009   Oakland, CA
Patron Highcroft Racing owner Duncan Dayton sits atop the 2008-spec Acura ARX-01b his team will use in undated form next year. The factory branding will look different than in year's past, we're told. (PHR/Dole)
Count me amongst those that were delighted to see Patron Highcroft Racing’s announcement on Monday – a return by the 2009 LMP1 champions to wage war in an LMP2 Acura – that adds further stability to sportscar racing when it is needed most.

While PHR will be back with Acura, the complexion of Acura’s involvement in the sport appears to be changing, as two different sources have confirmed that Highcroft’s entry next season will see a shift in branding and marketing focus by the Japanese manufacturer.

I’m told we won’t see the name ‘Acura’ on the only ARX-01c expected in the ALMS for 2010. Graphics promoting American Honda’s Honda Performance Development (HPD) firm will be reportedly be the featured brand on display.

The shift from promoting Acura to HPD makes sense as witnessed by the company’s expansion into the grassroots marketplace in 2009. Just as so many other manufacturer-owned racing divisions have done (Toyota Research and Development, Cosworth, Ilmor, etc), HPD is being asked to develop new business opportunities within the racing community in an effort to generate a profit.

By using their relationship with Highcroft in the ALMS to showcase HPD’s capabilities, American Honda is making a smart move to draw attention to the sharp minds they have for hire within the racing department.

Speaking with Patron Highcroft Racing owner Duncan Dayton about their own shift in direction, he says that none of the additional staff, resources or infrastructure added in the move from LMP2 to LMP1 in 2009 will be lost as they return to the less complex P2 category.

“It’s quite the opposite. We’ll go forward seamlessly in 2010, and in fact, we’ll be adding more resources that should help us push the development of the ARX-01c. The biggest change, quite frankly, will be a bit of a relief to the guys because while the ARX-02a was a technological marvel, it’s probably the most difficult racecar in the world to work on. You saw how fast it was, and that’s really all that matters, but I think the guys are looking forward to getting back to the relative simplicity of the ARX-01.”

Delivery of the ARX-01c update kit is expected soon, but like their fellow P1 and P2 teams, everyone is waiting on the ACO to publish the final 2010 technical specifications before making any major changes to their ’09 packages.

“We’ll be getting back the two cars we ran in ‘08 and won four races with that Scott [Sharp] crashed at Petit Le Mans [in 2008], and the replacement car we ran after it. The 01c is an update kit, just as the 01b was, and it has all been designed. We’re just waiting for the ALMS to confirm the actual specifications before we build them. Some things have been built, but others are waiting final rules verification.”

Technical partnerships will remain the same, says Dayton, with Wirth Research and Michelin returning to compliment the formidable program already in place with HPD.

The hot topic of a replacement driver for Scott Sharp (who has vacated his Highcroft seat to form and drive for his own ALMS GT2 team, Extreme Speed) is something Dayton hopes to put to rest by early December.

“We’re in the midst of negotiations with a couple of folks, and I’d expect you to see something in the next week or two,” said Dayton.

PHR’s release mentioned their interest in expanding to a two-car operation if the funding could be secured. Dayton says their preference would be to field a second ARX-01c.

“It depends on funding, obviously. We’ve looked at the LMPC class – it presents some great opportunities to groom new drivers and crew – but in terms of economy of scale, it’s a lot cheaper to run two of the same car, to have spares for the same car, and so on. If we do it, it will be an ARX-01c. Economically, it makes sense for everybody concerned.”

“We’d love to have a full-time second entry, but even if it’s only for the big races, it’s the logical next step for Patron Highcroft Racing. That’s one thing we need to do to round out our resume, and the other is to go to Le Mans We’re very hopeful to be there next year and to put that notch on our belt.”
With combined LMP classes in 2010, the LMP2 category could see a slight return to its 2008 form. (Marshall Pruett)

Dayton, a 4-time participant at Le Mans as a driver, says despite the temptation, he won’t be making his fifth start at the legendary circuit…at least not in the ARX-01c.

“As much as I’d love to do it, there’s zero chance you’d find me in the cockpit. This has now become a huge business that demands my full attention. I love racing there, and if we go, it will be to win, nothing less…although I’m pleased to see the historic Group C and IMSA GTP cars are returning to race the morning of the 24 Hour…maybe I’ll do that if I can find someone to loan me a car!”

HPD and Wirth Research were known to have produced a low-drag, Le Mans-friendly bodywork package for the 01b this season that Fernandez Racing opted not to use (with a significant lead in the points standing all season, allocating precious dollars to buy a new aero kit was unnecessary). Once the ACO’s rules are revealed, it would make sense for the existing Le Mans aero kit to be tailored to the ARX-01c.

Should Highcroft (or an LMS-based ARX-01c team) head to La Sarthe, the LMP2 battle could rival what the diesels have to offer in LMP1.

A few items were noticeably missing from the PHR release, and with the help of other members of the Acura sportscar program, a clearer picture on their 2010 activities is beginning to shape up.

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