Hondanews Online Newsroom

Corporate: Fiolek and Barcia on the Podium in Hangtown Season Opener

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:07:00 -0700

Round one of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and Women's Motocross Championship kicked off this weekend at the FMF Hangtown Motocross Classic held in Sacramento, CA. Team Honda Muscle Milk's Ashley Fiolek and GEICO Honda's Justin Barcia both had impressive starts to the season, placing second overall aboard their Honda CRF250Rs.

The Race

Tommy Hahn joined the Team Honda Muscle Milk squad, making his debut this weekend aboard a factory-prepared CRF450R. After placing a solid seventh in qualifying, Hahn rode his way to an eighth-place finish in moto one. After getting another good start in moto two, Hahn went down hard, causing him to fall to the back of the pack. He earned a respectable 13th overall. "I am really happy to have this first race out of the way, and overall am pleased with the results," said Hahn. "Apart from going down in the second moto, I felt good and was having fun. I am looking forward to building off this and improving my results throughout the rest of the season."

In moto one, Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Brayton grabbed a mid-pack start and rode a consistent race until going down on the last lap, sending him back to 24th. Still recovering from his crash in the first moto, Brayton rode his way to a 16th-place finish in moto two.

In the 250 class, Justin Barcia grabbed the holeshot in both motos, racing his GEICO Honda CRF250R to third in moto one and securing second in moto two for a second overall. "As much as I want to win, being on the podium is a great way to start the season," stated Barcia. Teammate Eli Tomac put together a solid ride in moto one, finishing in fourth. Unfortunately, Tomac went down in the first turn of moto two and was forced to charge his way through the pack. He rode a notable race, making his way up to 10th and clinching fifth overall. GEICO Honda's Wil Hahn rounded out the top 10 with a seventh in moto one and 13th in moto two.

In the Women's Motocross Championship (WMA), Team Honda Muscle Milk riders had an exciting start to the season. Ashley Fiolek grabbed the holeshot in moto one and rode an inspired race all the way to the finish, nailing down the win. She got another great start in moto two but went down, sending her to the back of the pack. She charged her way through the field, finishing in fifth place for second overall. Sayaka Kaneshiro, the newest addition to the team, had the best finish of her WMA career, going 5-4 for fifth overall. Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda's Tarah Gieger went 3-3 for third overall.

The Focus: D.I.D

D.I.D® has been a longtime Honda racing team sponsor and puts what it learns in competition into the OE products it supplies to Honda and other manufacturers. Spokes, rims and drive chains take an unbelievable beating in the world of professional motocross, which is why the Honda team puts its trust in D.I.D to provide components that can take the abuse of the hardest-riding pro-racers in the country.

450 Class Overall Results
1. James Stewart 1-1
2. Ryan Dungey 3-2
3. Mike Alessi 7-3
4. Andrew Short (Honda) 5-4
5. Brett Metcalfe 4-5
6. Broc Tickle 6-7
7. Davi Millsaps 2-14
8. Jake Weimer 10-6
9. Josh Grant 9-8
10. Nico Izzi 11-10

450 Class Championship Points (after 1 of 12 rounds)
1. James Stewart 50
2. Ryan Dungey 42
3. Mike Alessi 34
4. Andrew Short 34
5. Brett Metcalfe 34
6. Broc Tickle 29
7. Davi Millsaps 29
8. Jake Weimer 26
9. Josh Grant 25
10. Nico Izzi 21

250 Class Overall Results
1. Blake Baggett 1-1
2. Justin Barcia (Honda) 3-2
3. Ken Roczen 2-3
4. Ivan Tedesco 6-5
5. Eli Tomac (Honda) 4-10
6. Martin Davalos 14-4
7. Kyle Cunningham 9-8
8. Jason Anderson 8-9
9. Marvin Musquin 5-14
10. Wil Hahn (Honda) 7-13

250 Class Championship Points (after 1 of 12 rounds)
1. Blake Baggett 50
2. Justin Barcia 42
3. Ken Roczen 42
4. Ivan Tedesco 31
5. Eli Tomac 29
6. Martin Davalos 25
7. Kyle Cunningham 25
8. Jason Anderson 25
9. Marvin Musquin 23
10. Wil Hahn 22

WMA Overall Results
1. Jessica Patterson 2-2
2. Ashley Fiolek (Honda) 1-5
3. Tarah Gieger (Honda) 3-3
4. Meghan Rutledge 8-1
5. Sayaka Kaneshiro (Honda) 5-4
6. Kasie Creson 6-6
7. Mariana Balbi 7-8
8. Sara Pettersson 11-9
9. Lindsey Palmer 10-11
10. Hailey Larson 9-13

WMA Championship Points (after round 1 of 8)
1. Jessica Patterson 44
2. Ashley Fiolek 41
3. Tarah Gieger 40
4. Meghan Rutledge 38
5. Sayaka Kaneshiro 34
6. Kasie Creson 30
7. Mariana Balbi 27
8. Sara Pettersson 22
9. Lindsey Palmer 21
10. Hailey Larson 20

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

Corporate: 2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:41:00 -0700

2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Corporate: 2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:41:00 -0700

2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Corporate: 2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:41:00 -0700

2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Corporate: 2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:41:00 -0700

2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown..2012 Honda Racing - Hangtown.

Corporate: Honda Turns Up the Heat at the Summer's Hottest Music Festivals

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:57:00 -0700

In support of the 2012 Civic, Honda is sponsoring several music festivals this summer – including Sasquatch! (May 25-28) in George, WA, The Governors Ball in New York City (June 23-24) and Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, TX (Oct. 12-14). These events each feature a Honda Stage and a Honda Zone, which will showcase the 2012 Civic and numerous fan-friendly activities. Additionally, festival attendees will have the opportunity to register for a chance to win a 2012 Civic Si Coupe. For more info and to register for the chance to win now visit civicmusicsweeps.com.

"Gen Y Honda owners are passionate about music and we are excited to be a part of three of the top summer festivals," said Tom Peyton, senior manager of Honda national advertising. "Music fans can see the hottest musical talent on the Honda Stages and have the opportunity to drive away in the hottest car on the road, the Civic Si Coupe."

Honda returns to Sasquatch! for the third year and Austin City Limits Music Festival for the fourth consecutive year. New for 2012, Honda joins The Governors Ball Music Festival in New York. Among many other great artists, the Honda Bigfoot Stage at Sasquatch! will feature The Roots, Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai and at The Governors Ball, Kid Cudi, Beck and Cage The Elephant.

About the Honda Civic
One of the best-selling compact cars in the United States, the Civic features a lineup of six distinct models: the conventional gasoline-powered Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe, two high-performance Civic Si models, gasoline-electric Civic Hybrid, the Civic Natural Gas and Civic HF high fuel economy model. The Civic lineup embodies the Honda brand values of 'clean, safe and fun' with two Civic models achieving EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings¹ of over 40 mpg on the highway. The Civic sedan has earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and a 'TOP SAFETY PICK' designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Now in its ninth-generation, the Civic remains one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the road today.

For high-resolution photos, broadcast quality video and media information of the entire 2012 Civic lineup visit: www.hondanews.com. For information on the Civic Si Coupe giveaway, please visit www.civicmusicsweeps.com.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Civic for consumers: www.automobiles.honda.com/Civic
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Google+
Honda on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://facebook.com/honda
Honda Civic on Facebook: http://facebook.com/hondacivic

Connect with the Festivals:
Sasquatch! Music Festival: http://sasquatchfestival.com
Governor's Ball: http://governorsballmusicfestival.com
Austin City Limits: http://www.aclfestival.com

¹Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
²MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

Corporate: Statement by Acura Regarding Power Steering Hose Recall: 2007-2008 Acura TL

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Acura will voluntarily recall 52,615 model-year 2007-2008 TL sedans in the United States to replace the power steering hose. Over time, the power steering hose may deteriorate and develop a fluid leak. Leaking power steering fluid could lead to loss of power steering assistance or, if it leaks onto a catalytic converter it may result in smoke, or in the worst case, fire. No crashes, injuries or fires have been reported related to this issue.

Acura is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Acura. Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-June 2012. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in mid-June, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 382-2238, and selecting option 4.

Corporate: Team Honda Muscle Milk announces Tommy Hahn for the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:05:00 -0700

American Honda announces today that Tommy Hahn will be filling in for Team Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard throughout the entire 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series. Hahn will join Justin Brayton aboard a factory CRF450R for all 12 rounds of the nationals.

"For Honda to pick me is an amazing opportunity," said Hahn. "It is a confidence booster knowing I have such great support from Team Honda Muscle Milk."

"We have known Tommy for a very long time, and we are excited to have him back on the team for the 2012 Motocross series," said Team Manager Erik Kehoe. "He is naturally talented and we believe he possesses all the tools needed to run at the front of the pack."

About Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

Corporate: UNI-CUB Promotion Movie

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:16:00 -0700

The UNI-CUB features Honda’s proprietary balance control technology and the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System). Featuring a compact design and comfortable saddle, UNI-CUB offers the same freedom of movement in all directions that a person enjoys while walking.

Corporate: UNI-CUB - Diagonal Movement

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:03:00 -0700

Corporate: UNI-CUB - Side Movement

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:56:00 -0700

Corporate: Honda Announces New UNI-CUB Personal Mobility Device

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:19:00 -0700

Honda Announces New UNI-CUB Personal Mobility Device

Corporate: Honda Announces New UNI-CUB Personal Mobility Device

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:19:00 -0700

Honda Announces New UNI-CUB Personal Mobility Device

Corporate: Uni-Cub 2

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:19:00 -0700

Uni-Cub 2

Corporate: Uni-Cub 1

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:19:00 -0700

Uni-Cub 1

Corporate: Honda Announces New UNI-CUB Personal Mobility Device Designed for Harmony with People

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:14:00 -0700

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled the new UNI-CUB personal mobility device, designed for harmony with people. Featuring a compact design and comfortable saddle, UNI-CUB offers the same freedom of movement in all directions that a person enjoys while walking.

Representing the evolution of the U3-X personal mobility device that Honda announced in 2009, UNI-CUB features Honda's proprietary balance control technology and the world's first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System). These technologies allow the rider to control speed, move in any direction, turn and stop, all simply by shifting his or her weight. Since the rider can freely move forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, he or she can quickly and easily maneuver among other people.

Moreover, UNI-CUB's compact saddle-style packaging makes it easy for the rider's legs to reach the ground and maintains eye-level height with other pedestrians. This configuration promotes harmony between the rider and others, letting the rider travel freely and comfortably inside facilities and among moving people.

Starting in June 2012, Honda will jointly conduct demonstration testing of UNI-CUB with Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. In addition to testing the feasibility of using UNI-CUB indoors, this project will explore the practical applications of the device in a wide range of environments in Japan and other countries.

The balance control technology of UNI-CUB is part of the Honda Robotics family of technologies, which originates with Honda's research into humanoid robots, including the world-famous ASIMO.

Going forward, Honda will continue its proactive research and development of next-generation mobility technologies, aiming always to offer more and more people the joy and fun that comes from freedom of movement.

Key specifications of UNI-CUB

Size (L x W x H)	520 x 345 x 745 mm
Seat height	745 – 825 mm
Battery type	Lithium-ion battery
Maximum speed	6 km/h
Range	6 km
Application environment	Barrier-free indoor environments

Key features of UNI-CUB:
Maneuverability promotes compatibility with people in many environments:
1. Omni-directional freedom of movement similar to human walking
UNI-CUB has a two-wheel configuration with a minimal wheelbase. The front wheel features the Honda Omni Traction Drive System that Honda first announced in 2009. The rear wheel moves laterally to facilitate turning. By leveraging the different rotational speeds of the front and rear wheel treads during lateral movements, UNI-CUB can move forwards and backwards, side-to-side and diagonally and also turn in place, making possible quick, nimble movement.

2. Movement in harmony with other people
Honda's proprietary balance control technology makes it possible for the rider to freely control the wheels of the UNI-CUB, much as human beings maintain their balance. With a design that takes into consideration the rider's environment, this system allows the rider to maneuver while moving side by side with or holding hands with another person.

3. Compact size for moving and climbing gradients in barrier-free indoor environments
Thanks to UNI-CUB's compact saddle-style packaging, the rider and vehicle together are about the same width as a person when walking. Optimized wheel design and high-precision drive/balance control enhance UNI-CUB's ability to climb gradients in barrier-free indoor environments.

Ease of control promotes freedom of movement:
4. Weight shift control combined with touch panel control
When the rider is using weight shift control, UNI-CUB's incline sensor detects the direction in which the rider is leaning, allowing UNI-CUB to calculate the direction and speed intended by the rider. And touch panel control via smartphone and other devices is another convenient control option.

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda in America: http://www.hondainamerica.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/americanhonda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Website: http://www.honda.com
###

Corporate: HondaJet

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

HondaJet

Corporate: HondaJet

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

HondaJet

Corporate: HondaJet

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

HondaJet

Corporate: HondaJet Product, Program and Entry-Into-Service News at EBACE

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

Honda Aircraft Company today made several announcements during its media briefing at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exposition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, that underscore progress and momentum toward certification of the HondaJet light business jet.

Honda Aircraft announced and demonstrated key new product enhancements in the HondaJet's avionics and cabin management systems. The company announced the first flight of its fourth conforming flight test aircraft and reviewed progress in structural testing and system testing, such as landing gear drop testing and icing wind tunnel testing, for certification. The company also shared progress in preparing for the aircraft's entry into service with news regarding the HondaJet flight training and groundwork on its new Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) 54-acre site.

"Honda Aircraft is advancing toward certifying the HondaJet and delivering the aircraft to customers," said Michimasa Fujino, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. "We are committed to deliver the world's most advanced light jet to our customers. We continuously improve product details to exceed customers' expectations, as today's product enhancements exemplify. Plus our program milestones in testing and manufacturing, and our progress in preparing for entry into service, illustrate Honda's commitment to provide an unsurpassed customer ownership experience."

New Product Enhancements
Honda Aircraft is the first manufacturer to announce and demonstrate plans for a new 40/60 display configuration on the Garmin® G3000 Primary Flight Displays for the HondaJet. This enhancement provides pilots a more user-friendly visual scan of additional flight information in a concise format that contributes to improved situational awareness and safety. The pilot or co-pilot can select and see more information within a tile that uses 40% of the width of each of the 14-inch wide, high-resolution primary flight displays.

Honda Aircraft unveiled plans for a new Cabin Management System (CMS) and updated production aircraft interior. The new CMS will enable passengers to use a wireless mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone, to view real time flight information and to control the HondaJet cabin's lighting, temperature, music, and window shades for enhanced comfort and productivity.

The updated HondaJet fuselage model, on display at EBACE this week, uses production components, and showcases the new 40/60 primary flight display, the new CMS, and the latest HondaJet seating, cockpit and cabin interior appointments.

Recent Certification Program Milestones
Honda Aircraft announced the first flight of its fourth FAA-conforming HondaJet at today's briefing, as noted in a related press release. The company also announced other important milestones in its certification and manufacturing program.
Honda Aircraft is conducting several FAA structural tests and has passed the ultimate load structural testing with the HondaJet's conforming structural test aircraft.

This ultimate load structural test placed loads of up to 150% of design limit load on the entire aircraft with various conditions. The company also has conducted several system tests and completed major tests in areas such as landing gear drop certification testing. It also has conducted wind tunnel icing test for verification of the HondaJet's ice protection system.

Progress in Preparation for Entry into Service
Honda Aircraft announced that manufacturing began for the first full motion, Level D HondaJet flight simulator at FlightSafety® International's production facility near Tulsa, Oklahoma. This first simulator will be based at the HondaJet Training Center at Honda Aircraft headquarters campus in Greensboro, North Carolina, in the first half of 2013, and will play a vital role in HondaJet pilot training. FlightSafety International is the official HondaJet pilot training and maintenance training provider.

"The design and manufacture of the new HondaJet full flight simulator is underway," said Bruce Whitman, President & CEO, FlightSafety International. "We appreciate and value our close working relationship with Honda and together look forward to providing training in conjunction with aircraft deliveries."

Honda Aircraft also unveiled renderings and announced it has begun the process to build the new $20 million state-of-the-art service center (Maintenance Repair Overhaul facility) at its world headquarters campus at Greensboro, North Carolina. Site preparation, began in February 2012 on the 54-acre extension to Honda Aircraft's now 133-acre campus and continues in earnest. Groundbreaking for construction is on track for this summer, with completion of the building in summer 2013, prior to the aircraft's entry into service.

About HondaJet
HondaJet is the most advanced light business jet aircraft, with best-in-class advantages in performance, comfort, quality and efficiency. The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, most quiet and most fuel efficient in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including a unique over-the-wing engine-mount configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. This airframe design reduces cabin noise and ground-detected noise when overhead and allows for a more spacious cabin and greater cargo capacity. The HondaJet is powered by two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines, and is equipped with the most advanced glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 next-generation all-glass avionics system with a class-leading layout of three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers. The HondaJet is Honda's first-ever commercial aircraft and lives up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, and value.

About Honda Aircraft Company
Honda Aircraft Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Company, Inc., was founded in 2006 though has its heritage in more than 20 years of ground-breaking aeronautical research and development. At Honda Aircraft's World Headquarters campus in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation, the company's associates work in more than 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art R&D, Manufacturing and Administration Headquarter buildings to develop, produce, market and support the HondaJet with HondaJet dealers. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motors is still alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda's long-standing dreams to advance human mobility skyward.

www.hondajet.com

# # #

Corporate: Fourth FAA-Conforming HondaJet Achieves Its First Flight

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

Honda Aircraft Company today announced that its fourth conforming HondaJet aircraft, referred to as "F3," successfully completed its first flight last week on May 4, 2012. This first flight milestone was a key highlight amongst many, in an overall program update the company reported in a briefing at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exposition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, underscoring the HondaJet's progress and momentum toward certification.

The F3 aircraft, painted in a unique and striking yellow and white signature HondaJet paint scheme, began its first flight with engine startup at 10:40 am Eastern Time and lift-off at 10:57 am, on May 4, 2012, from Honda Aircraft Company's world headquarters at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Stefan Johansson, pilot-in-command, and Howard Judd, co-pilot, completed several checks during the flight, including: takeoff and climb; landing gear and flap operations; aircraft handling; air data system checks; and an Instrument Landing System approach using the flight director. Overall, the aircraft performed smoothly during its 74-minute flight, according to the pilots and telemetry teams, flying as high as 11,500 feet and as fast as 313 Knots True Air Speed (KTAS).

"The first flight of F3 shows the steady advancement on our course toward delivering to our customers an aircraft that offers not only superior performance, efficiency and comfort, but also superior quality," said Michimasa Fujino, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. "We continue to see refinement in reliability and quality of our aircraft. We are successfully establishing our manufacturing foundation and process that contribute to creating high quality product, as well as to a great flying performance and experience, as our pilots report from just our first week of flying F3."

Honda Aircraft has now completed four FAA-conforming aircraft. Three of these aircraft are in its flight test fleet, plus one additional aircraft is in its structural ground test program. Earlier FAA-conforming HondaJet flight test aircraft have already achieved key benchmarks that meet or exceed the aircraft's designed performance goals of a maximum speed of 420 KTAS, maximum cruise altitude of 43,000 feet, climb rate of 3,990 feet per minute, and more.

The F3 aircraft is to be used primarily for avionics and electrical system flight testing elements within the HondaJet certification program. The aircraft has begun its test mission work in earnest.

"With regard to our new color choice for F3, yellow may be unconventional for a business jet, but the HondaJet is a new generation, advanced light jet with high performance and efficiency." continued Fujino. "HondaJet represents sportiness with high efficiency, so my choice of this special yellow for F3 expresses Honda's passion for, what we call, our ‘sports car in the sky.'"

www.hondajet.com

# # #

Corporate: HondaJet

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

HondaJet

Corporate: HondaJet

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

HondaJet

Corporate: HondaJet

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 -0700

HondaJet

Corporate: Statement From Steve Eriksen, Vice President, Honda Performance Development, Following Wednesday's Ruling by an Appeals Judge Concerning a Protest Filed with Indycar by General Motors:

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:35:00 -0700

"We are pleased that Justice Boehm's ruling has again confirmed INDYCAR's initial step to address parity of the Series-mandated single and twin turbochargers. This has been INDYCAR's intention ever since the matter first came under discussion in late 2010.

We eagerly look forward to continuing our battle with Chevrolet and Lotus as practice sessions for the Indianapolis 500, 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing', begin this weekend."

# # #

Corporate: Honda Readies Robust Indy 500 Challenge

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:10:00 -0700

An accomplished 15-driver lineup, including two previous race winners and nine graduates of IndyCar training-ground series, makes up the Honda-powered effort for the 2012 Indianapolis 500, as the company seeks its third consecutive "500" victory with engine-manufacturer competition.

Manufacturer competition last took place at the fabled "Brickyard" in 2005 – a race won by the late Dan Wheldon, the first of his two Indianapolis 500 triumphs with Honda power. Previously, Buddy Rice scored Honda's first Indy 500 victory in 2004.

After six years of Honda supplying engines to the full Indianapolis 500 field – marking the only six times in "500" history with no in-race engine failures – manufacturer competition returns to IndyCar competition in 2012, with Chevrolet and Lotus joining Honda to supply new, turbocharged V-6 racing engines for this year's 96th running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and the entire IZOD IndyCar Series championship.

"We're excited by the return of competition to the Indianapolis 500," said Art St. Cyr, President, Honda Performance Development (HPD). "We take a great deal of pride in the unprecedented record of performance and reliability achieved by our Indy V-8 engine these past six years, but the challenges provided by Chevrolet and Lotus validate Honda's reason for racing. It would be entirely fitting for Honda to score its first victory in this new era of IndyCar competition at our most important race of the year."

Seven teams will utilize the all-new Honda Indy V-6 engine, which is designed, manufactured, developed and maintained by HPD, the racing arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The Chip Ganassi Racing organization serves as Honda's anchor team, and is led by two-time '500' winner and four-time/defending series champion Dario Franchitti, All of Franchitti's 30 career IndyCar wins have come with Honda power, making him the manufacturer's most successful driver in North American open-wheel racing.

Franchitti is partnered by two-time series champion Scott Dixon, who also includes an Indianapolis 500 victory among his 27 race wins. Dixon's most recent title came in 2008, making the Ganassi organization the team to beat for the past four seasons.

In 2011, a second two-car Ganassi team made its Indianapolis 500 debut, featuring Graham Rahal, a product of the Formula Atlantic Championship, partnered with Indy Lights graduate Charlie Kimball. Both young American racers return with Ganassi and Honda in 2012.

The lineup at Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing includes two of the most recent graduates of IndyCar training-ground series: 2011 Indy Lights champion Josef Newgarden and USAC champion Bryan Clauson. The pair, this year's most promising American newcomers, are both expected to contend for Indy's Rookie of the Year honors.

Another rookie contender, and winner of the 2006 Formula Atlantic Championship, is Simon Pagenaud, driving for Schmidt Hamilton Racing. Pagenaud is currently fourth in the IndyCar Drivers' Championship points standings, highlighted by a second-place finish at the recent Grand Prix of Long Beach. Pagenaud will be paired with veteran '500' racer Townsend Bell, the 2001 Indy Lights champion, who owns a pair of top-ten finishes in five starts at the Brickyard, including a fourth-place run in 2009.

Veteran Mike Conway moves to Indy legend A.J. Foyt's team in 2012 and will be making his second start at Indianapolis, paired with 2005 Indy Lights champion Wade Cunningham, who has won three times in Lights events at Indianapolis, and will be making his 500 debut this year.

A contender for victory in several early-season races this year, Takuma Sato will lead the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing effort at Indianapolis, as team owner Bobby Rahal seeks his third 500 win, his second as a team owner. As Rahal Letterman Racing, the team brought Honda its first Indianapolis 500 victory with driver Buddy Rice in 2004. At Indy, Sato will be joined by Michel Jourdain Jr., an open-wheel racing veteran who will be making his second Indianapolis start.

Veteran Justin Wilson made his Indianapolis debut in 2003, but not on the famous 2.5-mile oval. Instead, Wilson's first race at Indy was on the circuit's road course in the U.S. Grand Prix, driving for the Jaguar Formula One team. Now an established IndyCar veteran with six career wins, Wilson returns to the Brickyard with Dale Coyne Racing. His teammate is the fifth Honda-powered Indy rookie, James Jakes.

The 2012 Honda Indianapolis 500 lineup is completed by Team Barracuda-Bryan Herta Autosport, a team noted for winning last year's 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 in just its second attempt, with the late Dan Wheldon collecting his second Indy victory in an unforgettable finish. Alex Tagliani, the pole qualifier for last year's 500, will drive for the Herta organization in 2012.

Honda has been a fixture in North American open-wheel racing since 1994, and has played an active role in the growth of the IZOD IndyCar Series – as both a Manufacturers' Championship competitor and single engine supplier – since joining the series in 2003.

The company scored its first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004 with Buddy Rice; Manufacturers' Championships in 2004 and '05; and became engine supplier to the entire IZOD IndyCar Series in 2006. Honda supplied racing engines to the full, 33-car Indianapolis 500 field every year from 2006-2011, and for a record-six consecutive years, the '500' ran without a single engine failure. The 2010 Indianapolis 500, won by Dario Franchitti, marked Honda's 100th race win as a manufacturer and engine supplier in IZOD IndyCar Series competition.

Founded in 1993, HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines and operates at race circuits around the world from its headquarters in Santa Clarita, California.

In addition to its efforts in Indy car racing, HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009-2010 American Le Mans Series, 2010 Le Mans Series and the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans. HPD offers a line of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; and showcases 'fun products' for professional, amateur and entry-level efforts.

2012 Honda Indianapolis 500 Lineup

Team	Car	Driver
Chip Ganassi Racing	# 9 Honda Dallara	Scott Dixon (W)
	#10 Honda Dallara	Dario Franchitti (W)
	#38 Honda Dallara	Graham Rahal
	#83 Honda Dallara	Charlie Kimball
Dale Coyne Racing	#18 Honda Dallara	Justin Wilson
	#19 Honda Dallara	James Jakes (R)
A.J. Foyt Racing	#14 Honda Dallara	Mike Conway
	#41 Honda Dallara	Wade Cunningham (R)
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing	#15 Honda Dallara	Takuma Sato
	#45 Honda Dallara	Michel Jourdain Jr.
Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing	#67 Honda Dallara	Josef Newgarden (R)
	#39 Honda Dallara	Bryan Clauson (R)
Schmidt Hamilton Racing	#77 Honda Dallara	Simon Pagenaud (R)
	#99 Honda Dallara	Townsend Bell
Bryan Herta Autosport	#98 Honda Dallara	Alex Tagliani

(W) – Previous Indianapolis 500 Winner
(R) – 2012 Indianapolis 500 Rookie

###

Corporate: Honda to Power Bryan Herta Autosport

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:06:00 -0700

American Honda and its Honda Performance Development (HPD) subsidiary will power a single-car effort from Team Barracuda-Bryan Herta Autosport for veteran Canadian driver Alex Tagliani at the 2012 Indianapolis 500 and for the remainder of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series, Honda and the team announced today.

Under terms of the agreement, HPD will provide its new, turbocharged 2.2-liter Honda Indy V-6 engines to Team Barracuda-Bryan Herta Autosport's single, full-time entry for Tagliani, a 12-year IndyCar veteran and the pole qualifier at last year's at Indianapolis 500.

Founded in 2009 by former IndyCar driver Bryan Herta and veteran race engineer Steve Newey, Team Barracuda-Bryan Herta Autosport made its Indianapolis 500 debut in 2010 and last year won a thrilling 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 with the late Dan Wheldon driving.

Bryan Herta Autosport joins multi-car entries from A.J. Foyt Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing as Honda-powered teams at the 2012 Indianapolis 500.

The addition brings the number of Indianapolis 500 entries supported by the manufacturer to 15, a record number of entries for Honda during years of manufacturer competition at the Speedway. The previous high total, 14 Honda-powered Indianapolis entries, was established in 2005, when the manufacturer was in competition with Chevrolet and Toyota.

"We're pleased to be able to renew our relationship with Bryan Herta and his team. Bryan has long been associated with Honda and HPD, and he served as our primary development driver during the last era of IndyCar manufacturer competition," said Steve Eriksen, vice president of HPD. "His team's victory in the 2011 Indianapolis 500 was the stuff of legend, and all of us at HPD and American Honda are delighted to have a hand in helping him defend that championship.

"Beyond that, we look forward to a successful partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport through the remainder of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season."

"My time as a Honda driver in both the IndyCar Series, as well as the time spent driving factory Acura LMP2 in the American Le Mans Series, were among my most rewarding and memorable years in racing," Herta commented. "So, it is with great personal pleasure that we are returning to the Honda family for the remainder of the 2012 season. We look forward to joining the other Honda-powered teams on track this weekend in preparation for the 2012 Indianapolis 500, and working to defend last year's memorable and popular win by Dan Wheldon. I know that Alex Tagliani and the entire Team Barracuda - BHA crew are brimming with confidence and excitement going into the 'Month of May.' "

Honda has been a fixture in North American open-wheel racing since 1994, and has played an active role in the growth of the IZOD IndyCar Series - as both a Manufacturers' Championship competitor and single engine supplier - since joining the series in 2003.

The company scored its first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004 with Buddy Rice; Manufacturers' Championships in 2004 and '05; and became engine supplier to the entire IZOD IndyCar Series in 2006.

Honda supplied racing engines to the full, 33-car Indianapolis 500 field every year from 2006-2011, and for a record-six consecutive years, the '500' has not seen a single engine failure. The 2010 Indianapolis 500, won by Dario Franchitti, marked Honda's 100th race win as a manufacturer and engine supplier in IZOD IndyCar Series competition.

Founded in 1993, Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines and operates at race circuits around the world from its headquarters in Santa Clarita, California.

In addition to its efforts in Indy car racing, HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009-2010 American Le Mans Series, 2010 Le Mans Series and the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.

HPD offers a line of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; for professional, amateur and entry-level efforts.

# # #

Corporate: GEICO Honda Dominates in Las Vegas

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:31:00 -0700

The final stop of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship series, took place Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd at Sam Boyd Stadium. It was an exciting night for Honda, with GEICO Honda teammates Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac topping the podium in both Lites East and West main events, as well as going one-two in the East/West shootout. Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Brayton put in an impressive performance aboard his CRF450R, finishing third overall. Brayton also scored Bret Michaels' Rock Hard-Ride Hard Award for the season after overcoming incredible odds and finishing strong despite fracturing his leg in San Diego.

The Race

Posting the quickest qualifying time in practice, Brayton seemed to have found his groove on the challenging Las Vegas track. After grabbing a good start in his heat, Brayton put together a solid ride to win, giving him a good gate pick heading into the main. In the main event, he got away to a midpack start but quickly started working his way through the field. Brayton put together a great ride to make his way to the podium in third.

"Getting a good start is key in Supercross," said Brayton. "I got a great start in my heat race, and was able to come out with the win, but unfortunately, in the main I wasn't so lucky. I didn't get the greatest start and was forced to work my way through the pack. I made my way up to third, which is pretty good, but I have been really itching to get on that top podium position and grab my first win. The entire Team Honda Muscle Milk crew worked really hard all season with me, and although I'm a little bummed to be taking fourth in the championship, this is my best season finish yet, and I couldn't have done it without everyone's support."

In the 15-lap East and West main events, GEICO Honda teammates Eli Tomac and Justin Barcia dominated the night. The pressure was off for the two, who had already wrapped up both titles; however, they came out strong reminding everyone of how they won those titles in the first place. Both riders grabbed the holeshot in their mains and quickly checked out from the rest of the pack. In the shootout, Barcia ran up front for a majority of the race followed closely by Tomac. Tomac charged hard and was able to catch Barcia, but never got close enough to make the pass.

"What a crazy night," stated Tomac. "Being able to come into Vegas this year and not have to worry about the championship was really nice. I felt really good today and am glad to take the win in the West main and second behind Justin in the shootout. It was great to race with my teammate and be able to put the GEICO Hondas on top."

"This is such an amazing feeling, it's almost unreal," said Barcia. "Even though the championship title is already wrapped up, I still wanted to come to Vegas and win, which is exactly what I did. The shootout was a lot of fun and everyone was riding really strong. The GEICO Honda team did a great job setting up my bike, and I can't thank everyone enough for all the support. I am looking forward to moving up next season and riding with a new group of guys on the 450."

Teammate Wil Hahn rode a respectable race, finishing third-place overall in the Supercross Lites West main event and sixth in the East/West shootout.

The Focus: VP Racing Fuels

The 2012 season marks the 11th year that VP Racing Fuels® has been a Honda racing team sponsor. VP's experience in blending championship-winning fuels dates back 32 successful years, and in addition to its Motocross and Supercross titles with Team Honda, the company also boasts several NHRA Pro Stock titles, plus championships in off-shore, off-road, circle-track and aviation competition.

Supercross Main Event
1. Ryan Dungey
2. Davi Millsaps
3. Justin Brayton (Honda)
4. Jake Weimer
5. Josh Grant
6. Nico Izzi
7. Mike Alessi
8. Weston Peick
9. Andrew Short (Honda)
10. Nick Wey

Supercross Championship Points (after 17 of 17 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 323
2. Davi Millsaps 266
3. Ryan Dungey 257
4. Justin Brayton 257
5. Jake Weimer 229
6. Mike Alessi 206
7. James Stewart 178
8. Brett Metcalfe 177
9. Broc Tickle 171
10. Kevin Windham 166

Supercross Lites West Main Event
1. Eli Tomac (Honda)
2. Dean Wilson
3. Wil Hahn (Honda)
4. Martin Davalos
5. Jason Anderson
6. Marvin Musquin
7. Matt Moss
8. Ryan Sipes
9. Scott Champion
10. Landon Powell

Supercross Lites West Points (after 9 of 9 rounds)
1. Eli Tomac 184
2. Dean Wilson 154
3. Marvin Musquin 142
4. Cole Seely 119
5. Jason Anderson 111
6. Matt Moss 106
7. Ryan Sipes 96
8. Martin Davalos 89
9. Billy Laninovich 85
10. Nico Izzi 78

Supercross Lites East Main Event
1. Justin Barcia (Honda)
2. Ken Roczen
3. Blake Baggett
4. Malcolm Stewart
5. Blake Wharton
6. Kyle Cunningham
7. Hunter Hewitt
8. Jake Canada
9. Matt Lemoine
10. Kyle Peters

Supercross Lites East Points (after 9 of 9 rounds)
1. Justin Barcia 210
2. Ken Roczen 165
3. Blake Wharton 158
4. Blake Baggett 148
5. Darryn Durham 143
6. Jake Canada 131
7. Justin Bogle 117
8. Kyle Cunningham 85
9. Matt Lemoine 78
10. Malcolm Stewart 77

Supercross Lites East/ West Shootout
1. Justin Barcia (Honda)
2. Eli Tomac (Honda)
3. Martin Davalos
4. Ken Roczen
5. Marvin Musquin
6. Wil Hahn (Honda)
7. Ryan Sipes
8. Malcolm Stewart
9. Blake Wharton
10. Matt Moss

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

Corporate: 2012 Honda Racing - Las Vegas