Honda Performance Development To Support Quarter Midget Association Grand Nationals

Honda Performance Development To Support Quarter Midget Association Grand Nationals

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 12, 2012) – Honda Performance Development, the racing arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is increasing its support of quarter-midget racing with a contingency award program for participants in the Quarter Midget Association Grand Nationals. Both Honda GX120 and GX160 engines can be used in quarter midgets, one of this country’s most popular entry-level racing categories. These engines, along with parts and technical support, are all available through HPD’s Honda Racing Line program.

Contingency support, in the form of “HPD Bucks” purchase credits, will be offered to racers taking part in the 2012 QMA Grand Nationals in the Junior Honda, Senior Honda, Heavy Honda, Light 160 and Heavy 160 classes.

The program takes effect with the 2012 Eastern Grand Nationals June 26 – July 1 in Clarkston, MI; and includes the July 21-29 Western Grand Nationals In Portland, OR, and the August 4-12 Dirt Grand Nationals in Rio Linda, CA. A first-place finish in a race with five or more starters will earn $200 HPD Bucks. Third place will earn $150 HPD Bucks, and sixth place will earn $100 HPD Bucks.

In addition to the contingency program, HPD will be conducting a raffle for a free GX120 engine to all non-A Main racers at each Grand National.

The Honda Racing Line, the racers’ direct connection to HPD, complements Honda Power Equipment in expanding sales and product support to quarter-midget racers. HPD provides a variety of engines and parts utilized by quarter-midget competitors, including complete “crate”GX120 and GX160 engines; individual engine parts, such as cylinder heads and pistons; and technical support via e-mail and phone.

Through the Honda Racing Line, quarter-midget and other racers can arrange direct, door-todoor delivery of parts and complete engines. The HPD sales staff can also provide technical support. Independent race shops and engine builders may continue to purchase their parts through traditional Honda Power Equipment channels, and also purchase parts from HPD
through the Honda Racing Line.

“Historically, quarter-midget racing has been one of the earliest forms of motorsport available to youth with an interest in racing,” said Marc Sours, general manager of HPD. “Our first CART champion, Jimmy Vasser, got his start in quarter midgets while still in grade school.

“One of the goals of the Honda Racing Line is to support these novice racers. Through our quarter-midget program, we hope to make it easier for these young racers and their families to discover the fun of our sport.”

To join the Honda Racing Line, a racer must simply provide proof of current membership in a nationally-recognized sanctioning body; provide official race results from at least two events in the past year; complete and submit the registration form; and be a resident of the U.S. or Canada.

Founded in 1993, Honda Performance Development (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. 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.

Launched in 2009, the Honda Racing Line is a program targeted at licensed participants in sanctioned amateur and entry-level professional racing. The Honda Racing Line was formed to provide its members with a direct connection to Honda Performance Development and its unparalleled record of success at the highest levels of motorsport.

For more information about HPD and to register for the Honda Racing Line, please visit http://hpd.honda.com.