OREANDA-NEWS. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced a comprehensive motorsports partnership program with the United States Auto Club (USAC), including title sponsorship of several USAC racing series and a new role as Official Engine Supplier to the Ignite Midget Series. Implementation of these programs will begin this year, and will be fully in effect for the 2014 race season.

Under terms of the multi-year agreement, Honda will become title sponsor for USAC's National Midget, Ignite Midget (to be renamed Honda Midget) and .25 Midget racing series.  Honda K24 "crate" engines, sold and distributed by USAC, will become the new spec engine for the Honda Midget Series.

Honda K- and F-series engines, also supplied by HPD, are currently being utilized by individual teams in the USAC National Midget Series, and Honda GX-series engines remain a popular choice for .25 Midget competition.  

Honda will become the official vehicle of USAC, as well as the Official Side-by-Side and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) supplier; Official Generator and Official Pit Bike for the sanctioning body.  In addition, Honda will become the presenting sponsor of all USAC National race broadcasts, via live streaming through USAC.TV, Ustream and USACRacing.com.  

"Historically, USAC has occupied a leadership role in oval-track racing and grass roots motorsports nationwide," said Mike Accavitti, Senior Vice President, Automobile Operations, for American Honda.  "We're pleased to be able to greatly expand our role in USAC competition, while taking the next significant step in advancing HPD's grassroots motorsports initiative.  We look forward to a long and successful association."

Honda will supply USAC with Honda Civic Si pace cars for the National Midget and Honda Midget series.  Honda Side-by-Sides and ATVs also will be utilized by series officials.  Signage rights for the sponsored series, including Victory Circle, will be provided to Honda for the length of the agreement; and the iconic Honda "Circle H" logo will be placed on all Quarter Midget and Honda Midget entries.  

"USAC is extremely pleased to announce the new partnership with Honda today," says USAC CEO/President Kevin Miller. "Honda's new level of participation throughout USAC's racing programs brings new energy with its national marketing footprint. USAC and Honda have partnered today to create an expanded level of excitement in the Midget racing community and we look forward to a mutually rewarding motorsports experience for all involved."