Highcroft Racing has finally unveiled its 2011 car, the Honda Performance Development ARX-01e which it will campaign in the LMP1 class at the Sebring 12 Hours, the Le Mans 24, and possibly the entire ALMS season.
Based on the ARX-01c LMP2 chassis, the new car has been totally reworked to conform to LMP1 regulations.
The new car keeps the 3.4-liter HPD V8, running with larger restrictors for more power. HPD has tested the engine to ensure reliability at the new higher output levels; this powerplant has proven to be bulletproof through four years of ALMS and Le Mans competition and should have no trouble going the distance.
The chassis and suspension have been completely reworked to accept the wider tires allowed in the P1 class
“The way the rules have gone this year, it seemed like a natural fit to take the engine that has been so successful in the LMP2 class and use the basis of that for the LMP1 class,” said Steve Eriksen, HPD Vice President in a Highcroft press release.
“With the change in restrictor size and wheel/tire package available, we believed we could have a pretty competitive package, especially considering the ACO’s desire to better balance the performance of the diesel and petrol powered cars.
“This package represents a good, solid base to compete in LMP1.”
Based on the ARX-01c LMP2 chassis, the new car has been totally reworked to conform to LMP1 regulations.
The new car keeps the 3.4-liter HPD V8, running with larger restrictors for more power. HPD has tested the engine to ensure reliability at the new higher output levels; this powerplant has proven to be bulletproof through four years of ALMS and Le Mans competition and should have no trouble going the distance.
The chassis and suspension have been completely reworked to accept the wider tires allowed in the P1 class
“The way the rules have gone this year, it seemed like a natural fit to take the engine that has been so successful in the LMP2 class and use the basis of that for the LMP1 class,” said Steve Eriksen, HPD Vice President in a Highcroft press release.
“With the change in restrictor size and wheel/tire package available, we believed we could have a pretty competitive package, especially considering the ACO’s desire to better balance the performance of the diesel and petrol powered cars.
“This package represents a good, solid base to compete in LMP1.”
HPD partner Wirth Research, which has been designing and modifying HPD chassis since 2007, created the new suspension and an entirely new aero package for the new P1 car.
The Highcroft/HPD/Wirth Research team has delivered strong results since its formation: over the past four years, Highcroft Racing has clinched 11 ALMS wins, nine poles, 27 podiums and two consecutive championships.
HPD (then called Acura) scored a class win at Sebring in 2007 with the Andretti-Green ARX-01a. Highcroft cars have finished second, third, fourth, and sixth in class but have never won Sebring. 2010 was HPD and Highcroft’s first foray to Le Mans. Straka Racing’s HPD ARX-01c won LMP2 class, while Highcroft’s similar car finished ninth in class.
“We are very proud to have been invited to return to Le Mans. Our entire team got a taste of the event last year and we are all very hungry for more,” team owner Duncan Dayton said on the Highcroft website.
The Highcroft/HPD/Wirth Research team has delivered strong results since its formation: over the past four years, Highcroft Racing has clinched 11 ALMS wins, nine poles, 27 podiums and two consecutive championships.
HPD (then called Acura) scored a class win at Sebring in 2007 with the Andretti-Green ARX-01a. Highcroft cars have finished second, third, fourth, and sixth in class but have never won Sebring. 2010 was HPD and Highcroft’s first foray to Le Mans. Straka Racing’s HPD ARX-01c won LMP2 class, while Highcroft’s similar car finished ninth in class.
“We are very proud to have been invited to return to Le Mans. Our entire team got a taste of the event last year and we are all very hungry for more,” team owner Duncan Dayton said on the Highcroft website.
“The 01e has been designed with the unique aerodynamic requirements of Le Mans in mind and Sebring will be a great opportunity for us to begin the on-track development process.”
Two-time ALMS champions Highcroft Racing have been working hard to put together a sponsorship package to replace Patron Tequila, which transferred to Scott Sharp’s Extreme Speed Motorsports, where the former Highcroft driver is partnered with Patron CEO Ed Brown.
So far Highcroft has guaranteed only Sebring and Le Mans, but team owner Duncan Dayton is surely leaving no stone untenured in his quest to defend his twin championships,
“I am very much looking forward to returning to ALMS competition and aiming for our third championship in a row,” Duncan Dayton said.
Two-time ALMS champions Highcroft Racing have been working hard to put together a sponsorship package to replace Patron Tequila, which transferred to Scott Sharp’s Extreme Speed Motorsports, where the former Highcroft driver is partnered with Patron CEO Ed Brown.
So far Highcroft has guaranteed only Sebring and Le Mans, but team owner Duncan Dayton is surely leaving no stone untenured in his quest to defend his twin championships,
“I am very much looking forward to returning to ALMS competition and aiming for our third championship in a row,” Duncan Dayton said.
Next: Brabham, Franchitti Back as Drivers
Brabham, Franchitti Back as Drivers
Highcroft has confirmed that David Brabham and Marino Franchitti will return to drive for Sebring.
Brabham, a former F1 driver and Le Mans winner, co-drove the Highcroft car two its two ALMS championships. Brabham was part of the original Highcroft effort in 2007 and has stayed with the squad since, earning 11 class wins. Recently he has been busy helping develop the new car.
“It will be great to get out there and start running and from what I have seen so far, the HPD ARX-01e has enormous potential,” Brabham said on the team’s website.
“Obviously we would have preferred to have had more testing miles under our belt prior to the Sebring race but if there is one thing I know about the guys at Highcroft Racing is that they respond to pressure in the best possible way and do an outstanding job.”
Marino Franchitti worked as the third driver for Highcroft at 2010’s endurance races. He won the LMP2 pole at Sebring, and helped secure class wins at Laguna Seca and Petit Le Mans.
“Although I’ve driven a lot of prototypes and won in ALMS overall, I’ve never competed in LMP1 so it s a big goal achieved for me to finally drive in the premier class against all the big factory teams,” Franchitti said.
“I can t wait to get out there, see how the extra power and bigger Michelin tires feel and I m sure HPD with Wirth Research have done the same amazing job they always do.”
Brabham, a former F1 driver and Le Mans winner, co-drove the Highcroft car two its two ALMS championships. Brabham was part of the original Highcroft effort in 2007 and has stayed with the squad since, earning 11 class wins. Recently he has been busy helping develop the new car.
“It will be great to get out there and start running and from what I have seen so far, the HPD ARX-01e has enormous potential,” Brabham said on the team’s website.
“Obviously we would have preferred to have had more testing miles under our belt prior to the Sebring race but if there is one thing I know about the guys at Highcroft Racing is that they respond to pressure in the best possible way and do an outstanding job.”
Marino Franchitti worked as the third driver for Highcroft at 2010’s endurance races. He won the LMP2 pole at Sebring, and helped secure class wins at Laguna Seca and Petit Le Mans.
“Although I’ve driven a lot of prototypes and won in ALMS overall, I’ve never competed in LMP1 so it s a big goal achieved for me to finally drive in the premier class against all the big factory teams,” Franchitti said.
“I can t wait to get out there, see how the extra power and bigger Michelin tires feel and I m sure HPD with Wirth Research have done the same amazing job they always do.”
The team’s third driver should be announced anytime. Duncan Dayton has already announced his hopes for the 2011 driving team:
“David Brabham, Simon Pagenaud and Marino Franchitti combined to form the perfect driver line-up last year and we’re looking forward to having them back in the car” Dayton said on the team website.
The American Le Mans Series/Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Sebring Twelve Hours starts at 10:30 a.m. ET Saturday, March 19th. For full coverage log onto ESPN3.com, and check out the race summary on ABS at 12:30 p.m. Sunday March 20.
“David Brabham, Simon Pagenaud and Marino Franchitti combined to form the perfect driver line-up last year and we’re looking forward to having them back in the car” Dayton said on the team website.
The American Le Mans Series/Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Sebring Twelve Hours starts at 10:30 a.m. ET Saturday, March 19th. For full coverage log onto ESPN3.com, and check out the race summary on ABS at 12:30 p.m. Sunday March 20.
