Acura ARX-01
The Acura ARX-01 is a LMP2 class Le Mans prototype developed by Honda Racing Developments and has been used in sports car races since 2007. It is based on the Courage-ORECA LC75 , but is equipped with an engine from the Honda luxury brand Acura . The ARX-01 was replaced by the Acura ARX-02 in 2009 .
Races
Beginning in 2007, Acura expanded its North American motorsport involvement with the American Le Mans Series . In addition, Acura takes part in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series and the SPEED World Challenge with the TSX . In 2007, a total of three teams joined the ALMS. Fernández Racing relied on a Lola B06 / 43 and was mainly responsible for the development of the engine. Andretti Green Racing and Highcroft Racing each received a Courage-ORECA LC75 and should concentrate on developing and optimizing the aerodynamics. Since the modified chassis already differed considerably from the LC75 at the start of the American Le Mans Series in 2007 , the IMSA, in consultation with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest , requested its own homologation for the vehicles now officially called Acura ARX-01a. Another race car was also purchased from Honda Racing Developments as a test vehicle. From 2008 De Ferran Motorsports was added as the fourth team. After the engine development was completed, Fernández Racing also switched to an ARX-01.
Andretti Green Racing achieved its first victory in the LMP2 class at its debut, the 12-hour race at Sebring in 2007. This was the only one in 2007, however. 2008 was much better. It was Andretti Green Racing at Long Beach who clinched the first pole for Acura. Highcroft won the class there, as well as the first overall win in Lime Rock . In Detroit, in addition to the fourth class win in LMP2, a triple victory followed.
chassis
→ See also Courage-ORECA LC70 chassis
Honda Racing Developments acquired three Courage-ORECA LC75 chassis in 2007. Chassis number 7 went to Highcroft Racing, number 8 to Andretti Green Racing. The third chassis with the number 9 was acquired as a test and development vehicle, but from 2008 Fernández Racing also used it in the ALMS. De Ferran Motorsports also started a new vehicle in 2008. Officially, the 2007 LC75 was called the Acura ARX-01a, the updated version for 2008 as the Acura ARX-01b.
