Honda has announced that it will discontinue its participation in Red Bull Global Rallycross to focus on other racing platforms and series.
Art St. Cyr, president, Honda Performance Development:
“Honda entered Red Bull Global Rallycross competition in 2016, in partnership with the Olsbergs MSE team, in support of the marketing launch of the all-new Civic. OMSE fielded a pair of Honda Civics in the 2016 championship, expanding to a three-car program in 2017. The team recorded multiple podium results, including an overall victory in Louisville, the second round of the 2017 championship.
“Following an extensive review of the company’s marketing programs late last year, Honda made the decision to shift resources related to the Civic model. As a result, American Honda will not participate in the 2018 Red Bull Global Rallycross championship.
“Through its Honda Performance Development racing subsidiary, both the Honda and Acura brands will continue to field multiple pinnacle 2018 North American motorsports programs, giving the manufacturer one of the largest footprints of any OEM in North American motorsports.
“These efforts include more than a dozen entries the Verizon IndyCar Series, the Ridgeline Baja Race Truck off-road racing program, and the addition of the new Acura ARX-05 prototype to multiple Acura NSX GT3 efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. HPD also continues as sole engine supplier to the F4 U.S. Championship. Additionally, Honda supports its racing customers chasing their dreams in numerous amateur racing series through the Honda Racing Line program.
“The scope of American Honda’s motorsports portfolio dictates that regular and continuous evaluation take place for both existing and newer programs. While there are no immediate plans to rejoin the Global Rallycross Championship at this time, we would not rule out a potential return to GRC competition in the future.”
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