Robert Clarke, Founding Figure of Honda Performance Development, Passes Away at 75
Robert Clarke, the influential architect behind Honda Performance Development (HPD), passed away on Saturday due to heart failure at the age of 75. His contributions significantly shaped Honda’s success in American motorsports, particularly in IndyCar.
“A lot of Honda’s success rests on his shoulders,” remarked Chip Ganassi, who guided Honda to its first IndyCar Series championship in 1996. “He wasn’t someone who made quick decisions; he always thought things through.”
Under Clarke’s stewardship, HPD—now known as Honda Racing Corporation US—achieved an impressive record: 298 IndyCar victories from 544 races, 16 Indianapolis 500 wins, and 15 driver championships. The organization is also recognized for its vast accomplishments in sports car racing under the Acura brand.
Clarke’s journey began with an architectural education, transitioning from professor to automotive design in the aftermarket motorcycle sector. When he joined American Honda Motor Corporation in 1981, he played a pivotal role in reviving Honda’s presence in open-wheel racing after a hiatus following F1 in the early 1990s.
In 1993, Clarke helped launch Honda’s CART program, which faced early setbacks with the underwhelming HRX engine. Initial partnerships with teams like Rahal-Hogan Racing faced struggles, including failure to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 due to the HRX’s underperformance. “He did everything,” recalled AHM executive Tom Elliott, emphasizing Clarke’s hands-on approach and central role in building the program.
Despite the rocky start, Clarke’s resolve and innovative spirit led to the development and eventual success of the upgraded HRH engine. The turning point came when the Tasman Motorsports team, under Clarke’s guidance, became the first to secure a victory for Honda at Loudon in 1995, paving the way for future partnerships with dominant teams like Ganassi Racing.
Clarke was promoted to president of HPD in 2003 and continued to leave a significant mark on the organization. He oversaw Acura’s successful campaigns in the American Le Mans Series, culminating in a stunning debut victory at Sebring in 2007.
Dario Franchitti fondly remembered Clarke as a “problem solver” who emphasized attention to detail, while Simon Pagenaud expressed respect for Clarke’s extensive contributions and vision.
“He’s one of the smartest people I met,” Pagenaud said. “He loved cars and driving. His insight extended beyond racing to broader issues like ecology.”
Robert Clarke is survived by his wife, Ann, and sons Chris and Mike. His legacy in motorsport will undoubtedly endure as a testament to his passion and leadership.
