Honda Racing Corporation announced a groundbreaking new program that will restore and offer for sale authentic championship-winning race cars from Honda and Acura’s decorated motorsports past. The initiative, called the Heritage Racing Program, marks a significant opportunity for wealthy enthusiasts to own and drive genuine competition vehicles that have crossed the finish line at major international events.
The first car available through this program is the Andretti Green Racing No. 26 Acura ARX-01a, a machine that won the LMP2 class during its maiden race at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance competition in 2007. That victory came with legendary drivers Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta, and Tony Kanaan behind the wheel. The car will be displayed publicly on Friday, August 14, during Monterey Car Week at the Quail event, giving potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts their first chance to see this piece of racing history in person.
What Makes These Restored Cars Special
Unlike acquiring a vintage race car that retains original, weathered components, these Honda Racing Corporation restorations go much deeper. The company’s team completely rebuilds the engine and modernizes all electronic systems to meet current track safety standards and regulations. They use original technical documents, historical notes, and archival photographs to ensure the finished product remains as faithful as possible to the car’s championship-winning specification.
The restoration process balances preservation with practicality. While keeping the mechanical character and appearance aligned with the original design, HRC updates safety features and electronics to comply with modern racing requirements. This means buyers get a car that feels authentic to its racing heritage while remaining reliable and legal on contemporary racetracks.
Real Track Support and Expert Assistance
Before any Heritage Racing Program car leaves the facility, it receives thorough track testing by Honda Racing Corporation’s engineering team. Once purchased, owners gain access to ongoing support from these same engineers, who remain available to provide technical assistance and competition guidance as new owners take their championship machines onto the track.
This level of after-sale support matters significantly for buyers who may not have extensive experience running endurance race cars. The engineers can offer advice on setup, maintenance, and racing strategy, helping owners get the most from their investment. If you want to keep your vehicle in peak condition, working with expert support is invaluable, and this program provides that directly for competition use.
What This Means for Specialty Car Collectors
The Heritage Racing Program represents a shift in how historically significant competition cars can reach private hands. Rather than waiting for aging race cars to appear at auction with unknown service histories, buyers now have access to factory-restored machines with documented provenance and complete mechanical renewal.
Honda Racing Corporation proved it understands this market when it recently restored several endurance cars that are competing at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. These restorations, including the 2019 Acura Team Penske ARX-05 IMSA champion and the 2010 ARX-01c Le Mans winner, demonstrated the company’s capability and inspired the broader Heritage Racing Program launch.
Price and Availability Considerations
The ARX-01a has not yet received a public price announcement, but informed observers expect it to command substantial investment given its competitive pedigree, factory restoration quality, and exclusive status. Owning a car that actually won a major endurance race carries both historical and practical value. For collectors serious about protecting valuable vehicles, restoration standards like these represent the gold standard.
Beyond the ARX-01a, Honda Racing Corporation plans to offer additional championship-winning cars through the Heritage Racing Program, drawing from its rich catalog of Formula 1, IndyCar, IMSA, SCCA, Baja, MotoGP, Dakar, and other competition vehicles. Monterey Car Week will showcase more than 20 Honda and Acura champion cars across the weekend, giving enthusiasts and potential buyers a rare glimpse of the company’s motorsports achievements.
What This Means for the Market
The Heritage Racing Program signals confidence in demand from ultra-high-net-worth collectors and competitive drivers seeking authentic, professionally restored race cars. It also demonstrates that manufacturers like Honda recognize the value in their competitive history and want to see those machines continue racing rather than languishing in static collections.
For anyone passionate about automotive competition and considering entry into historic racing, this program removes significant uncertainty. Instead of sourcing a car, finding a reputable restoration shop, and hoping for the best, buyers gain access to factory expertise and ongoing technical support. That’s a meaningful advantage when investing six or seven figures in a specialty vehicle.
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