Honda will launch a huge assault on the famous Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in Colorado with a fleet of 10 cars spread across nine classes.
It will also be the first time Honda has signed up as a corporate backer at the world renowned ascent co-inciding with the 91st staging of the speed test on June 30.
Honda will enter a range of vehicles as well as motorcycles and ATVs in a fleet that is believed to be the most ever by a single entrant.
IndyCar driver Simon Pagenaud will be among the Honda assault with his car and class yet to be confirmed.
The large scale attack will run under the Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Team Honda Research (THR) banners and will be led by the company’s North American associates.
The company has competed on a far lesser scale in the past at Pikes Peak and has justified its colossal commitment by showcasing its diverse product line-up to a global audience.
“Pikes Peak presents us with a unique opportunity to showcase Honda’s diverse product line-up and to energise Honda fans around the world as we work further to strengthen Honda’s presence in racing at all levels,” Mike Accavitti, Honda’s senior vice-president of Automotive operations for America, said.
“Our associates will be working hard between now and race day to prepare this diverse field of race vehicles and showcase the Honda racing spirit.”
In 2011 Honda ran a Fit hatchback at Pikes Peak while it ran an Acura NSX that was powered by a ALMS prototype 2 twin-turbo V6 HPD engine last year.
Honda has previously set records in the EV class in 1994 and 1999 with the EV Plus.
