LMP2 class winner at the 2010 24 Heures Du Mans.
The first LMP2 machine to take an overall victory, beating LMP1 machinery at Hungaroring.
The 2010 HPD ARX-01c 'Strakka'
Recently restored, this machine is already in private ownership.
We came here as underdogs, but after the performances at Paul Ricard and Spa, we knew the car would be strong.
The car was simply awesome and that was the best balance we’ve ever had with the HPD.
HPD came, HPD conquered
Upon Honda Performance Development’s first attempt at the legendary 24 Heures Du Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe, France, this HPD ARX-01c caused quite a stir.
Run by Strakka Racing with drivers Nick Leventis, Danny Watts and Jonny Kane, HPD’s debut resulted in class victory and a new class distance record as the first LMP2 machine in history to total more than 5,000kms (367 laps) during the gruelling 24-hour race. Fifth overall also came as an unwelcome surprise to many of the LMP1 factory teams.
This car led the LMP2 category for the majority of the race, challenged only by its sister HPD ARX-01c, run by Highcroft Racing, and experiencing no issues other than a slow puncture on an in-lap. After the Highcroft car was struck by a water pressure problem in the final hours, this Strakka car was unchallenged and came home six laps clear of the field.
The car was developed from the Courage LC75 chassis introduced in 2006, which was modified and improved to the extent that it was re-homologated as the ARX-01a. Following the decision to shift Acura’s focus away from LMP1 for the 2010 season, the car was entered as the HPD ARX-01c.
The AL7R 3.4L NA 90° V8, producing 480bhp, was the first engine to be completely and solely designed by Honda Performance Development, Inc. in Valencia, California.
During the 2010 Le Mans Series, Strakka and HPD also enjoyed great success. This #42 car took its first European LMP2 win at the season-opening 8 Hours of Castellet at Paul Ricard, before doubling up to the year with victories at the 1000km of Hungaroring and the 1000km of Silverstone.
Incredibly, at the 1000km of Hungaroring, round 4 of the season, the HPD ARX-01c created another surprise milestone with overall pole position and overall victory – the first time ever that an LMP2 car had bettered the generally superior LMP1 machines.
This #42 HPD ARX-01c ran the latest low downforce bodywork at the 24 Heures Du Mans, to cope with the long straights and fast and flowing layout.
Engine Specifications
Name | AL7R |
Configuration | 3.4l N/A 90° V8 |
Fuel | MS100 Unleaded |
Rev limit | 10,500rpm |
Power (approx.) | 580bhp |
Seasons raced | 2010 |
Drivetrain | 6-speed sequential, rear-wheel-drive |
