Honda Racing Company USA (HRC US) is about to welcome a brand new president. After six years because the HRC US president, David Salters is stepping down to hitch a tech startup outdoors of motorsports.
Throughout Salters’ time main HRC US, Honda received three IndyCar producers’ championships and 5 drivers’ championships – all from Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing. It additionally received IMSA’s groups’, drivers’ and producers’ titles within the Daytona Prototype Worldwide class in 2022.
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“I want to say a heartfelt thanks to the marvelous women and men at Honda Racing Company USA, our racing groups and proficient drivers,” Salters mentioned in a information launch. “It has been an honor to work collectively so as to add to Honda’s racing historical past right here within the US. Honda Racing gave me and my household the chance to return to California 11 years in the past. We had the consideration of turning into Americans and have had essentially the most wonderful life expertise as a part of the Honda household.”
Kelvin Fu, who beforehand served as vp of HRC US, will take over as president – efficient Saturday. Fu joined HRC US (then Honda Efficiency Improvement) in 2015 earlier than turning into vp in 2021.
“After I joined HRC US, I by no means imagined that at some point I’d have the privilege of main this extraordinary group,” Fu mentioned. “I’m actually humbled by the chance. … Wanting forward, I’m enthusiastic about the way forward for HRC US. We not too long ago renewed our dedication to IndyCar because the collection continues to develop and strengthen its place in North American motorsports. Our new enterprise ventures additionally place us to higher serve Honda racing followers.”
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Sep 4, 2026; Salinas, California, USA; Chip Ganassi Racing Alex Palou Alex Palou (10) throughout apply at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Join)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Sep 4, 2026; Salinas, California, USA; Chip Ganassi Racing Alex Palou Alex Palou (10) throughout apply at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Join)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
NTT IndyCar Sequence driver Alex Palou celebrates profitable the Music Metropolis Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Monday, July 20, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou on the IndyCar race in Milwaukee in 2026.
(James J. Black/IndyCar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou, proper, poses with a fan earlier than the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026 on the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman, Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Group proprietor Chip Ganassi, driver Alex Palou and Palou’s crew pose for images after clinching the NTT IndyCar Sequence title with a Tenth-place end within the Makers and Fixers 250 on Sunday, August 30, 2026, on the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin.
(Supplied by IndyCar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing (10) drives into Flip 1 within the NTT IndyCar Sequence Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 on the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin on Aug. 29, 2026.
(Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 23: Alex Palou, driver of the #10 Open AI Chip Ganassi Racing Honda earlier than the beginning of the NTT INDYCAR Sequence on August 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump established the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend as a part of the yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. (Picture by Finn Gomez/Getty Photographs)
(Finn Gomez, Getty Photographs)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 22: Alex Palou, driver of the #10 OpenAI Chip Ganassi Racing Honda drives throughout apply for the NTT INDYCAR Sequence Freedom 250 on August 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Picture by Chris Graythen/Getty Photographs)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Photographs)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Championship factors chief Spanish racer Alex Palou climbs on his car earlier than a apply spherical for the NTT Indycar Sequence race within the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC, on Aug. 23, 2026. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is a part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. The race will cowl 147 laps of a 1.7-mile, seven-turn road circuit across the Nationwide Mall, passing landmarks together with the US Capitol and Washington Monument.
(ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Aug 15, 2026; Markham, Ontario, CAN; Indycar driver Alex Palou (10) gestures as he speaks to media after his first apply at Streets of Markham. Necessary Credit score: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Photographs
(Dan Hamilton, IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Join)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi driver Alex Palou (10) talks with Dallara crew members on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, throughout testing the brand new IR28 Indy automotive on the highway course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
President Donald Trump receives a racing helmet from reigning IndyCar collection champion Alex Palou at a Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase on West Govt Avenue between the West Wing of the White Home and the Eisenhower Govt Workplace Constructing on July 13, 2026 in Washington, DC. The IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix automotive race, August 22 and 23 on the Nationwide Mall, is a part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
(Andrew Harnik, Getty Photographs)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
NTT IndyCar Sequence driver Alex Palou celebrates profitable the Music Metropolis Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Monday, July 20, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
NTT IndyCar Sequence driver Alex Palou (10) races throughout the Music Metropolis Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Monday, July 20, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 13: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy (R), accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump (C), and reigning IndyCar collection champion Alex Palou (L) speaks throughout a Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase on West Govt Avenue between the West Wing of the White Home and the Eisenhower Govt Workplace Constructing on July 13, 2026 in Washington, DC. The IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix automotive race, August 22 and 23 on the Nationwide Mall, is a part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. (Picture by Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)
(Andrew Harnik, Getty Photographs)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou XPEL IndyCar Grand Prix at Highway America in 2026.
(Joe Skibinski / IndyCar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou leaves the pits on qualifying day on the NTT IndyCar Sequence XPEL Grand Prix, Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Highway America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
(Supplied by Penske Leisure)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) sits in his pit field Thursday, Might 14, 2026, throughout apply for the one hundred and tenth working of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Bob Goshert/For IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Pato O’Ward got here to Portland with a 10-point lead within the factors race, however left with a automotive that lacked straight-line velocity. Headed to Laguna Seca, he trails Alex Palou by 25.
(Supplied by IndyCar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) of Spain reacts Saturday, Might 10, 2025, after profitable the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou (10) climbs atop his DHL Chip Gnassi Racing Honda to have a good time profitable The Thermal Membership IndyCar Grand Prix in Thermal, Calif., Sunday, March 23, 2025. Palou received from a 3rd place begin to begin the season with two consecutive wins.
(Andy Abeyta/The Desert Solar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Together with his spouse, Esther, Alex Palou (10) celebrates his Indy 500 victory.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alexander Rossi (20) will get into his automotive throughout NTT IndyCar Sequence qualifying on July 12, 2025, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. Josef Newgarden (2) certified first for the Synk 275 and Alex Palou (10) certified first for the Farm to End 275.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/The Register)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou talks to lawyer James Voyles on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, throughout the Borg-Warner trophy unveiling of the 2025 Indianapolis 500 champion Chip Ganassi driver Alex Palou at Above Occasion Middle at Comission Row in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou waves to the group throughout the Lucas Oil 500 Pageant Parade on Saturday, Might 23, 2026, in downtown, Indianapolis.
(Cara Penquite/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
The crew of Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) have a good time Sunday, Might 25, 2025, after he wins the 109th working of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) celebrates together with his spouse, Esther, and daughter, Lucia, on Friday, Might 10, 2024, after qualifying first for the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) drinks milk in victory lane after profitable the 109th working of the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, Might 25, 2025, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou (10) celebrates in victory lane after the NTT IndyCar Sequence Farm to End 275 on July 13, 2025, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. Palou (10) received the race.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/The Register)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Jun 23, 2024; Salinas, California, USA; Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) of Spain celebrates his victory of the Grand Prix Of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) celebrates Sunday, Might 25, 2025, after profitable the 109th working of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou (10) receives the NTT P1 Award throughout the NTT IndyCar Sequence qualifying on the Detroit Grand Prix in Detroit on Saturday, June 3, 2023. That is Palou’s second consecutive pole award.
(David Rodriguez Munoz, Detroit Free Press)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
NTT IndyCar Sequence driver Alex Palou (10) takes a selfie together with his crew after ending first on the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix in downtown Detroit on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
(David Rodriguez Munoz, Detroit Free Press)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou (10) reacts to his crew after profitable th eSensio Grand Prix, Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Elkhart Lake’s Highway America close to Plymouth, Wis.
(Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) celebrates pole place Saturday, Might 9, 2026, after qualifying for the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou (proper) smiles for a photograph together with his spouse Ester Valle (center) and daughter Lucia (left) after profitable the 2025 Indianapolis 500.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou celebrates after profitable Sunday’s race and the NTT INDYCAR Sequence championship at Portland Worldwide Raceway.
(Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) celebrates on the Victory podium Saturday, Might 11, 2024, after profitable the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing celebrates profitable the function race of the $1 Million Problem together with his group at The Thermal Membership in Thermal, Calif., Sunday, March 24, 2024.
(Andy Abeyta/The Desert Solar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) crosses the yard of bricks Sunday, Might 25, 2025, to win the 109th working of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar, Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
With assist of his win Sunday at Portland Worldwide Raceway, Alex Palou clinched his second championship in three years with Chip Ganassi Racing.
(Supplied by IndyCar)
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IndyCar driver Alex Palou by the years
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) celebrates Sunday, Might 25, 2025, after profitable the 109th working of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
After years of hypothesis that HRC US may depart IndyCar and develop into a NASCAR producer, Honda has dedicated to IndyCar in 2026. In February, Honda and Chevrolet re-signed with IndyCar as its two engine producers. In April, HRC US introduced it was pausing Acura’s Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) IMSA program with the objective of increasing Acura’s presence in IndyCar. Honda and Meyer Shank Racing – which at the moment runs Acura’s GTP program in IMSA – partnered to place Acura branding on Marcus Armstrong’s No. 66 automotive within the Indianapolis 500 and Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
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In 2028, when IndyCar will introduce the IR28 chassis and new 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines, Honda and Chevrolet will every get a chartered full-time entry, elevating the variety of full-time automobiles to 27. Whereas Chevrolet has not but selected a plan for its entry, Honda will associate with MSR to run a 3rd full-time entry for the group for the primary time. As HRC US invests in IndyCar throughout an inflection level within the collection, Fu might be main the cost.
“It is all the time that paranoia (that) it is by no means gonna be sufficient,” Fu instructed IndyStar in August about creating a brand new engine. “And also you need to make it possible for the group is pushing to squeeze each piece of horsepower out of that engine in order that in 2028 we come out sturdy.”
