Starworks are fielding their #78 Honda engined DP for the first time since Sebring at Road America this weekend with none other than Canadian IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe sharing the car with Scott Mayer.
The Starworks outing is the latest in a string of sportscar runs for Hinchcliffe which have encompassed both GT and prototype racing, including of course the first two rounds of the 2014 TUSC aboard a Mazda (Lola) Prototype.
“It’s great to get the call and come be a part of the team.
“I’ve known Peter (Baron) for a really long time and he has a great operation there. The timing worked out perfectly with having this weekend off between Mid-Ohio and Milwaukee, so I jumped at the chance to drive.”
Hinchcliffe’s ties to Honda and experience with both chassis and engine development work will help the combined effort between Honda Performance Development, Starworks, and Riley Technologies. A problematic debut for the Honda DP at Sebring was met with months of work to improve its cooling, and after successful testing efforts, the Starworks/HPD program is ready to take the next step by entering its second race with the car.
“Before IndyCar went to multiple manufacturers in 2012, I really didn’t have much R&D experience as a driver,” he continued. “But with all that’s gone on since then between Chevy and Honda, I’ve gotten to do a lot of testing, gotten a proper feel for the kinds of motor development and chassis improvements that come along with testing, and I hope I can bring some valuable input for Peter and the guys from HPD this weekend.”
With the IndyCar season coming to an end on August 30, Hinchcliffe says he’d welcome the chance to add more sports car races to his schedule this year and in the years ahead.
“I’ve always been the guy who wants to drive everything I can get my hands on, and I’ve been fortunate to do a handful of sports car races, but I definitely want to do more,” he said. “If I’m available – if I’m free on any particular weekend, I’d love to be racing in a sports car, wherever it is, so I hope I can expand that side of more in the future.”
In other entry news for Road America Marino Franchitti has got a late call-up to join the Fall-Line Audi team, Marino joins Charlie Putnam in the #46 Audi R8 replacing Charles Espenlaub.
Marshall Pruett
