Herta Host’s Honda Performance Development

February 12th 2008

American Le Mans Series driver Bryan Herta, Team Andretti Green Acura, invited the engineers from HPD Honda Performance Development, Inc. Valencia, Ca. down to MB2 Raceway for the first annual, “Herta/HPD Endurance Challenge”. HPD is the exclusive manufacturer and supplier of Acura engine power, for the American Le Mans Sports Car Series, including Andretti Greens Acura Teams of Herta, Christian Fittipaldi, Marino Franchitti, and, part timer Tony Kannan.

Bryan wanted to show his sincere appreciation to the HPD engineers for there tireless efforts, in a fun and unique way.  In doing so, Herta conceptualized the unique endurance format which encompassed 27 drivers in 9 teams, 3 drivers per team. Racers signed in at pre-race tech in there alter ego state, with names like G Force, V Rossi 46, B love and Fozzie Wocka Wocka all bringing there verbal A- game and, grade school jabber jawing that would make Beaver Cleaver proud.

 The idea was to allow each team to strategize pit stops, driver swap and lap out methods that ultimately, would be advantageous to a winning effort.  First up was the three 10 minute practice sessions, followed by the 5 lap qualifying efforts which proved to be intense for the drivers, but very eventful for the many spectators in attendance. Each team showed an abundance of speed and confidence during qualifying however, it was Team-No Jack Racing besting the time charts, followed closely by Herta’s entry, Team Stupid Scary Fast and, Go 3 Strokers as the checkered flag flew, setting the grid for the Main.

With the finals, so came the serious desire to obtain the top spot on the podium and, subsequent bragging rights for the next year. Inspired racing efforts were observed over the hour endurance main that followed. Lets face it, the engineers showed a prow less and desire to compete that exudes HPD’s championship winning ways.  We had some great battles and a bit of mischief but, when the checkered flag flew it was Team No Jack Racing, taking the landmark victory.

Results                                                Best Lap                  Avg. Lap         Gap         Lap

No Jack Racing                                    27.156                     28.67                -            125

If You Aren’t 1^st You’re Us                 27.647                     28.893             1             124

Stupid Scary Fast                                 27.468                     28.927             1             124

Shooting Blanks                                   27.891                     28.991             1             124

Team Squealer                                     27.672                     29.287             3             122

Kilo Whats?                                         27.880                     29.483             4             121

Go 3 Strokers                                       27.658                     29.546             4             121

H.U.R.T.                                              27.826                     29.658             4             121

2 ½ Men                                               27.916                     29.676             4             121