Honda to Sponsor Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Honda announced Tuesday that it is making a major commitment to the 2013 running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, as both a sponsor and race participant, with plans to field products in nine race classes, a first for any OEM in a single Pikes Peak event.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will serve as the Partnering Sponsor for the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the first time the company has participated as a corporate sponsor of the race event. The 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is scheduled for June 30, 2013 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“Pikes Peak presents us with a unique opportunity to showcase Honda’s diverse product lineup and to energize Honda fans around world, as we work to further strengthen Honda’s presence in racing at all levels,” said Mike Accavitti, senior VP of Automotive Operations for American Honda.
With support from Honda’s North American R&D and motorsports companies – Honda R&D Americas, Inc. and Honda Performance Development, Inc. – the company will campaign a broad range of Honda and Acura vehicles, as well as Honda motorcycles and ATVs.
Honda will showcase its diverse range of fun-to-drive/ride products and will field 10 products in nine race classes, the most ever for a single race participant, according to Honda.
Along with Honda IndyCar team Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports pilot Simon Pagenaud, the vehicles will be developed and piloted by Honda’s North American associates, under the banners of Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Team-Honda Research (THR). Pagenaud’s Pikes Peak vehicle entry and racing class will be announced at a later date.
As a further extension of Honda’s sponsorship effort, Honda Power Equipment will be supporting race operations, with Honda generators providing electricity and light to the pits and staging area.
