Supporting driver development is a fundamental value of Acura Motorsports and Honda Performance Development (HPD). The HPD Academy represents the latest demonstration of this commitment. As talented drivers rise through the sports car developmental ladder, many find that reaching the next level is limited by access to in-vehicle/team experience, promotional ability, and paddock knowledge. The HPD Academy provides the knowledge, training, and hands-on education, preparing middle level professional racing drivers to reach the highest levels of the racing profession.

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The comprehensive curriculum includes on-track coaching sessions in either the championship-winning Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22, or the Honda Civic Type R TCR race cars.  We teach advanced on-track techniques used by championship winning drivers as well as off-track instruction relating to effective communication with crew and engineers, driver marketing, sponsor insights and diet and training, all taught by HPD affiliated personnel from championship winning programs. At each track location - NOLA Motorsports Park, Road Atlanta, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Sebring International Raceway - elements are added onto those from the prior events. For example, practicing pit stop procedures, driver changing techniques, in-laps and out-laps, culminating in a night-time racing simulation with live, full speed pit stops. Each Academy event builds upon the lessons learned at the previous events, resulting in a thoroughly prepared professional sports car driver, ready for competition.

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Racers Edge Motorsports operates the program under the guidance and direction of Honda Performance Development with Team Principal Jon Mirachi developing the curriculum and Race Engineer Jim Pattin leading the on-track sessions. Acura Motorsports/HPD provides specific support at each event to increase driver learning, including key race engineers and championship drivers from Acura and Honda global motorsports.

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Championship winning drivers Ricky Taylor, Mario Farnbacher, Dakota Dickerson, Kyle Marcelli and Ryan Eversley make up the roster of instructors throughout the program, all of whom have contributed to Acura's multiple manufacturer, driver, and team championship titles in both IMSA and SRO GT World Challenge America. Engineers Lee Niffenegger from HPD, Jim Pattin from Racers Edge Motorsports, and the whole crew at Racers Edge Motorsports continue to put together a champion building experience.

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While personnel from HPD and Racers Edge Motorsports constantly search for and evaluate potential candidates, young drivers interested in going through the program should contact Jon Mirachi at Racers Edge today to see if they qualify for one of the limited spots available.

 

(386) 785-4955 

jon@racersedgemotorsports.com

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