Honda Motors reached a major milestone this year at Monterey Car Week in August 2026. The renowned automaker was pleased to announce its over-seven-decade racing history, spanning both automobiles and motorcycles. Honda's celebration included the launch of its Heritage Program, over 20 vehicles on display, and demonstrations at key locations throughout Car Week.
Honda's Celebratory Events
A major highlight for Honda was the launch of its HRC Heritage Racing Program, a special event that allowed racing-vehicle collectors to purchase, restore, and drive historic racing vehicles. The program offered vehicles for sale from both Honda and Acura, and the vehicle selection included cars that have raced at iconic places around the world, including Daytona, Le Mans, Sebring, and Laguna Seca. The first vehicle offered for sale at the program was the #28 XM Satellite Radio AGR Acura ARX-01a. That vehicle was featured at The Quail, which hosted a Car Week event called “A Motorsports Gathering.” Honda also featured other notable racing vehicles that have been carefully restored for aesthetic and safety reasons. Honda's goal, it explained to enthusiasts, was to retain its vehicles' authentic character while making necessary upgrades.
Along with the racing program, Honda also displayed 20 iconic Honda and Acura vehicles that have competed in championships, including IndyCar, Formula 1, IMSA, Baja racing, MotoGP, SCCA, Dakar, AMA Supercross, Formula Xtreme, Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, and more. Honda's legendary cars and motorcycles were displayed at notable events throughout Car Week, including The Quail, Motorlux, Motorsports Gathering, Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which was held at Laguna Seca.
Honda's Racing History
Honda is a name that stands out in the history of motorcycle and car racing. The automaker's two-wheeled and four-wheeled racing vehicles have competed in top championships worldwide and won notable races. Honda first entered the racing scene with a motorcycle that competed in the 1959 Isle of Man TT. Since then, Honda has earned 17 victories in the Indianapolis 500, the highest number among all automakers. Honda has also won 25 Grand Prix and MotoGP Constructors' Championships, and it is a six-time winner of Formula 1 Drivers' Championships and a six-time winner of Formula 1 Constructors' titles.
Honda's racing division, called Honda Racing Corporation, was founded in 1982 and remains a vibrant and accomplished branch of Honda Motors today. Along with Car Week, Honda's racing history is featured at the American Honda Collection Hall and the Honda Collection Hall in Japan.
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