2009 Acura ARX-02a

'Acura Advance' is the slogan for Honda Motor's luxury and performance models. In the motorsports world, Acura is also advancing - to the top level of sportscar racing in 2009. Acura Motorsports will enter the LMP1 class in the 2009 American Le Mans Series. Acura's entry into the most powerful and technically advanced division in ALMS will feature two Acura ARX-02a prototype sports cars developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD).

De Ferran Motorsports and Patrón Highcroft Racing will campaign the new Acura LMP1 cars, which are being designed in concert with Wirth Research in England. Testing of the new Acura LMP1 cars began in November, while the new Acura machines will debut in the 55th annual 12 Hours of Sebring, set for March 21, 2009.

In addition to fielding two LMP1 ARX-02a cars in 2009, Acura will continue in the LMP2 category with the Lowe's Fernandez team.

Acura entered sports-car racing in 2007 by fielding Acura-powered LMP2 prototype cars on Michelin tires for Andretti Green Racing, Highcroft Racing and Lowe's Fernandez Racing in the 12-race ALMS. The three-car contingent marked the first factory motorsports program in Acura's 20 year history. De Ferran Motorsports was added to the Acura lineup in 2008.

In 23 starts, the Acura machines, with 3.4-liter, V-8 powerplants, scored seven LMP2 class victories, including overall wins by Patrón Highcroft Racing at Lime Rock Park last July and Andretti Green Racing at Detroit in August. Acura cars also recorded six overall pole positions.

The Acura Motorsports program featured the first racing engine and chassis primarily designed and developed by HPD, Honda's wholly-owned racing subsidiary. It also marked the first time HPD had taken on concurrent motorsports programs, supporting teams in both the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series.

De Ferran returned to active competition last year by forming de Ferran Motorsports, with the former Indy 500 winner and multiple open-wheel series champion serving as both driver and team owner. The legendary Brazilian racing figure recently served as Sporting Director for the Honda Formula One racing team before establishing his new ALMS team. De Ferran and young star Simon Pagenaud drove the No. 66 Panasonic ELS Surround Acura ARX-01b in eight 2008 races.

The Patrón Highcroft Racing team, owned by team principal Duncan Dayton, was the most successful of the Acura entries in 2008, taking the overall and LMP2 win at Lime Rock in July and LMP2 class victories at Long Beach, Road America and Mosport, Ontario, Canada. Co-drivers David Brabham and Scott Sharp guided the No. 9 Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-01b to all four victories.

Lowe's Fernandez Racing campaigns the No. 15 Lowe's Acura ARX-01b prototype with drivers Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz of Mexico. Lowe's Fernandez Racing, formed in the fall of 2000 by Fernandez and motorsports veteran Tom Anderson, has claimed victories in the Champ Car (CART), IndyCar (IRL) and Grand-Am Series.

Source - Acura

Debut Of New Acura ARX-02a Prototype Sports Cars Excite De Ferran And Patrón Highcroft Teams At Sebring

Acura Seeks Class Wins in LMP1 and LMP2 in Tough 12-hour Classic
The initial outing of a new season comes with excitement and nervousness for any team. Whether it's football, basketball, baseball, soccer or even auto racing, the debut of a new product in a new year brings a variety of anxious moments before the opening event.





Patrón Highcroft Racing's driver lineup includes 24 Hours of Le Mans winner David Brabham, 2007 Indy 500 champ Dario Franchitti and former IndyCar Series titleholder Scott Sharp, while the de Ferran team features the 2003 Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran, 2008 Indy champion Scott Dixon and young French star Simon Pagenaud.
The media launch of Acura's latest racing vehicle saw a huge crowd get a close-up view at the ALMS 'Winter Test' in January. Since then, the Acura machines have tested on the tough Sebring circuit several additional times in preparation for a repeat win of Acura's first Sebring race in 2007. In that event, Acura placed 1-2 in the LMP2 division and 2-3 overall.

Now, two years later, it is Acura's maiden voyage against the world's top sports car squads in Audi and Peugeot.
The new Acura ARX-02a, developed by HPD and Wirth Research, features an all-new chassis and a potent 4-liter, normally-aspirated V-8 engine. The unique suspension also features an ultimate 'downforce' package as the four Michelin tires on the new Acura are identical.



57th ANNÚAL MOBIL 1 12 HOÚRS OF SEBRING
Acura Entries at Sebring International Raceway
PATRÓN HIGHCROFT ACÚRA ARX-02a No. 9 (LMP1)
Drivers: David Brabham, Dario Franchitti, Scott Sharp
LOWE'S FERNANDEZ ACÚRA ARX-01b No. 15, (LMP2)
Drivers: Luis Diaz, Adrian Fernandez
XM RADIO de FERRAN ACÚRA ARX-02a No. 66 (LMP1)
Drivers: Gil de Ferran, Scott Dixon, Simon Pagenaud

ÚPCOMING ALMS RACE:
Event: Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring
Track: Sebring Int'l Raceway, Sebring, Fla. (3.7 miles, 17 turns)
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009, 10:30 a.m. (EST)
Distance: 12 hours
TV: SPEED-TV, March 21, 10:00 a.m. EDT
Acura Contacts: Tom Blattler, 317-525-5692, T.E. McHale, 310-783-3169
ACÚRA QÚOTES:

DAVID BRABHAM (#9 Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a): 'These cars now have been developed so much, that going through Turn 1 in a prototype is nearly flat-out in sixth gear. The level of driver that has to be able to cope with that has gone up. We're effectively driving Formula One cars in a sense, so you do need people with a lot of experience. The Series has a lot of great drivers, a lot of great teams and it really has a fantastic atmosphere. I think that's a great attraction for drivers in Europe to come over and compete in this series. The Patrón Highcroft team has working flat-out to get ready for Sebring with the new car.'

SCOTT SHARP (#9 Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a): 'We all realize this is a young program. We've covered a lot of ground already but we have a long way to go and it is a challenge to tackle the first race of the year against the two toughest competitors in the sports car world in Audi and Peugeot. Everyone has been working non-stop and provided we can stay out of trouble and stay in contention all day we can end up with a good result.'


DARIO FRANCHITTI (#9 Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a): 'Sebring is well known for the surface to change and it is almost like an oval in some ways - the grip level can just die off when it gets hot. It certainly makes it challenging in a 12 hour race because you experience so many different temperature conditions. Racing at Sebring is always special.'

GIL de FERRAN (#66 XM Radio de Ferran Acura ARX-02a): 'Sebring certainly poses some unique challenges. It's a very old circuit and it's extremely bumpy which makes the 12 hours a true endurance race. In fact, it will test the durability of both cars and drivers probably more than any other race track in the world. The history is pretty special, too. You only have to look at the great names and the legendary cars that have won to understand just how prestigious this sports car race is. That's why I'm honored to be a part of it.'

SIMON PAGENAÚD (#66 XM Radio de Ferran Acura ARX-02a): 'As everyone will tell you, the circuit is very bumpy, so the race is going to be a big challenge for the cars in terms of reliability and a big physical test for the drivers, too. It's hard to believe the amount of suspension travel when you look at the data. Although we are preparing for a 12-hour race, it will be harder on the cars than 24 hours at Le Mans. What's more, the layout means it's not an easy place to pass, so traffic is going to be another issue for those of us in faster cars.'
SCOTT DIXON (#66 XM Radio de Ferran Acura ARX-02a): 'I only drive in races to win them and I know both the team and Acura are the same - we are all going to push as hard as possible. That said, we are going into the unknown, not least as we don't really know just how fast the Audis and Peugeots will be following the rule changes aimed at slowing down the diesels. The Acura, though, clearly has good speed and we are out to win. I've now won a championship, the 500 and a 24-hour race. I'd definitely like to add the 12 Hours of Sebring to those. It's a hugely prestigious event around the world.'

ADRIAN FERNANDEZ (#15 Lowe's Fernandez Acura ARX-01b): 'I am really excited to get things underway. 2007 was our first season in the ALMS and, obviously, a learning year, and last season we came to Sebring with a new equipment package with the ARX chassis. This is the first time that we enter a new season without a learning curve, and we're ready to hit it hard. As for the race, I feel that we are well-prepared after a considerable amount of time testing at the track.'

LÚIS DIAZ (#15 Lowe's Fernandez Acura ARX-01b): 'Sebring is one of my favorite tracks and that is because it is so challenging. It is one of the most difficult tracks that I have driven, and the race just throws everything at you. You have to deal with the physical demands of racing on a super-fast and super-bumpy track for 12 hours while trying to stay out of trouble and take care of your equipment. It's why it is so satisfying to finish the race and to win it.'

Source - Acura

Acura Motorsports to Enter LMP1 Class in 2009 ALMS Season

De Ferran, Patrón Highcroft Teams To Field ARX-02a Cars In Premier Series Class, Lowe's Fernandez Team To Continue Racing Acura In LMP2 Division In 2009

Acura Motorsports will enter the LMP1 class in the 2009 American Le Mans Series, company officials announced today.



De Ferran Motorsports and Patrón Highcroft Racing will campaign the new Acura LMP1 cars, which are being designed in concert with Wirth Research in England. Testing of the new Acura LMP1 cars is scheduled for November.
Acura will also continue in the LMP2 category with the Lowe's Fernandez team competing on the 2009 ALMS tour.
Acura entered sports-car racing in 2007 by fielding Acura-powered LMP2 prototype cars on Michelin tires for Andretti Green Racing, Highcroft Racing and Lowe's Fernandez Racing in the 12-race ALMS series. The three-car contingent marked the first factory motorsports program in Acura's 20-year history. De Ferran Motorsports was added to the Acura lineup in 2008.

In the past year and a half, the Acura machines, with 3.4-liter, V-8 powerplants, have scored five LMP2 class victories, as well as an overall win by Patrón Highcroft Racing and drivers David Brabham and Scott Sharp earlier this year at Lime Rock Park. Acura cars also have recorded four overall pole positions.



The Acura Motorsports program featured the first racing engine and chassis primarily designed and developed by HPD, Honda's wholly-owned racing subsidiary. It also marked the first time HPD had taken on concurrent motorsports programs in both the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series.

'This is the logical next step in our business plan,' said Erik Berkman, HPD president. 'The Acura sports-car program has energized HPD's associates and met numerous objectives during its first two seasons of American Le Mans Series competition. We feel we are fully prepared to take on this new challenge.'

De Ferran returned to active competition this year by forming de Ferran Motorsports, with the former Indy 500 winner and multiple series champion serving as both driver and team owner. The legendary Brazilian racing figure recently served as Sporting Director for the Honda Formula One racing team before establishing his new ALMS team. De Ferran and young star Simon Pagenaud have driven the No. 66 Panasonic ELS Surround Acura ARX-01b in five races this season.

'I am delighted with our team's relationship with Acura and my longstanding involvement with Honda,' said de Ferran, 'and we have taken another important step with this new announcement. We are a young team, but de Ferran Motorsports has a great depth of experience and talent within its ranks. We are driven to produce a contending Acura Motorsports sports-car program. We look forward to the challenge competing in the LMP1 class and putting Acura at the forefront of American Le Mans Series racing.'

The Patrón Highcroft Racing team, owned by team principal Duncan Dayton, has been the most successful of the Acura entries in 2008, taking the overall and LMP2 win at Lime Rock in July and LMP2 class victories at Long Beach, Road America and Mosport, Ontario, Canada. Brabham and Sharp drove the No. 9 Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-01b to all four victories. Brabham, the only ALMS driver ever to win in all four series classes, has won overall poles at Houston last year and Lime Rock this season for the team.

'Our relationship with Acura and HPD has been extremely beneficial to Highcroft Racing and we are proud to have been chosen as a part of Acura's new LMP1 program in 2009,' said Dayton. 'We have had a very collaborative effort with Acura, HPD and Wirth Research over the past two seasons. We started with a good business plan and have been competitive throughout our ALMS program. Adding Patrón as our major sponsor strengthened our Acura program, and we have had a very successful 2008 campaign. Now, moving to the LMP1 class, we expect to continue the progress that we began two years ago. The 2009 season will be exciting for Acura and the Patrón Highcroft Racing team.'

Lowe's Fernandez Racing campaigns the No. 15 Lowe's Acura ARX-01b prototype with drivers Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz of Mexico. Lowe's Fernandez Racing, formed in the fall of 2000 by Fernandez and motorsports veteran Tom Anderson, is in its seventh year of competition, and the team has claimed victories in the Champ Car (CART), IndyCar (IRL) and Grand-Am Series.

'We have had an outstanding sports-car program with Acura the last two years,' said Fernandez. 'We started with the Lola chassis and the move to the Acura car was a great improvement for our Lowe's Fernandez team. Now, we will concentrate on racing for the LMP2 point championship, as well as winning many races. Our luck hasn't been with us as much as we would like. But our association with Acura has been outstanding and we are pleased to be continuing our relationship. We want to be right in the thick of the LMP2 title chase in 2009.'

Acura's racing operation reflects the manufacturer's position as a leader in automotive performance and technology, and the American Le Mans Series provides an arena for competition against other car makers in the tough sport of endurance racing. Acura Automobile Division was launched on March 27, 1986. The prestigious marque, based in Torrance, Calif., has established a number of automotive firsts, including the first all-aluminum production car (NSX) in 1991. Acura offers premium performance vehicles from more than 260 Ú.S. dealers.
Honda Performance Development (HPD) was founded in 1993. Located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for Honda and Acura's high-performance racing cars and engines. HPD coordinates Honda's participation in the IndyCar Series and Acura's activities in American Le Mans Series.

Source - Acura

Gil de Ferran's storybook retirement race win came in the four-hour Monterey Sports Car Championships behind the wheel of the ARX-02a LMP1 prototype, Acura's first bespoke prototype sports car, on the famed 2.238-mile road circuit at Laguna Seca Raceway.

De Ferran's co-driver was the up-and-coming young star Simon Pagenaud. The fifth win of the year for de Ferran Motorsports gave de Ferran a spectacular sendoff of a stellar racing career. Third overall in the wild 2009 American Le Mans Series finale was Patron Highcroft Racing, earning drivers David Brabham and Scott Sharp the LMP1 driver crown and Patron Highcroft Racing the LMP1 team title. This helped make Acura the first ever marque to win the manufacturer, driver and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes in a single season.