Further Acura Details from Erik Berkman

[John Dagys]

I ran into Honda Performance Development President Erik Berkman Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway, as he oversees HPD's Hondy IndyCar program as well. We discussed a number of topics, including the future path of Acura's ALMS efforts.

Berkman said the future of Andretti Green Racing's Acura ALMS program now is in the hands of the team itself. Acura is waiting on AGR to commit to 2009, which is dependent on sponsorship. However, there are a number of other possible teams in line to take that coveted second spot in the P2 class. He seemed not worried about getting a fourth factory-supported team if AGR cannot commit for next year. But there's a deadline, and it appears to be approaching soon.

Berkman will be at Silverstone next weekend for the Le Mans Series finale, discussing the future prototype rules with fellow competitors Porsche and Audi. The ACO has scheduled a press conference to reveal the 2009 regulations and future trends for the sport. This conference will hopefully put many questions to rest concerning the future of ACO racing.

Finally, there's been talk of HPD possibly supplying Acura engines and/or complete packages to customers in Europe. Berkman said there's been inquiries from teams wanting to put their engine in chassis such as a Lola B08/80 or a Courage-Oreca LC75. However, HPD is leaning towards supplying the complete package, especially with a few ARX-01b chassis sitting idle in 2009. We will have to see how that plays out in the coming months.

[HORNDAWG]

My understanding is that the ARX-01c is to be a completely new car.(?) So does that mean that all of the current ARX-01b's could be available?

[John Dagys]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

My understanding is that the ARX-01c is to be a completely new car.(?) So does that mean that all of the current ARX-01b's could be available?

No, the ARX-01c will be just an evolution of the 01b, much like the transition from the 01a to the 01b. The 02a (the new P1 car) will be completely new.

So it sounds to me like they will have 2 extra cars that could be sold to customers in Europe. Berkman said they have no desire to sell P1 cars, since they feel that should be kept just for factory teams. And also, he said that their plan is to move exclusively into P1 by 2010, unless they win the P2 title in 2009, which they would then like to defend.

[Canada ALMS fan]

Originally Posted by John Dagys

And also, he said that their plan is to move exclusively into P1 by 2010, unless they win the P2 title in 2009, which they would then like to defend.

This is great info, thanks. Would the P2 cars be then allowed entirely as privateer efforts or would they cut off support entirely and the cars be mothballed?

[John Dagys]

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

This is great info, thanks. Would the P2 cars be then allowed entirely as privateer efforts or would they cut off support entirely and the cars be mothballed?

to be honest, I'm not sure. I think the plan is to give the P2 cars to privateers, with it starting in Europe first. But don't quote me on that. I'll try to get further clarification at Petit Le Mans.

[Canada ALMS fan]

Great thanks. I would LOVE to be at Petit this year but just can't make it...UGH!