Robert Clarke, revered founder of Honda Performance Development (HPD), passed away on Saturday at the age of 75 following heart failure. Clarke was the cornerstone of Honda's motorsport success in the United States, having established and led HPD from its inception in 1993 until 2007.
Clarke's impact on Honda's racing legacy cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, HPD secured 298 IndyCar wins, 16 Indianapolis 500 victories, 15 Drivers’ Championships, and 11 Manufacturers’ titles. Beyond IndyCar, the organization flourished in sports car racing under the Acura brand, achieving victories in major IMSA endurance events and multiple championship titles.
Before joining Honda, Clarke studied architecture and was a professor at the University of Notre Dame, where he taught art and industrial design. His transition to motorsports began with motorcycle accessory design roles in the 1980s, eventually leading to his pivotal role in setting up Honda’s racing arm in America.
Clarke was known not just for his technical acumen but also for his thoughtful decision-making and dedication to excellence—a quality celebrated by luminaries like Chip Ganassi, who credited much of Honda’s IndyCar success to Clarke’s efforts. Clarke was HPD’s very first employee and was instrumental in choosing Santa Clarita, California, as the home for the facility, overcoming numerous logistical challenges.
His tenure saw Honda’s return to American open-wheel racing culminating in landmark victories, including Honda's first Indy 500 win in 2004 with Rahal Letterman Racing, marking a poetic redemption for earlier setbacks.
Clarke retired in 2007 after launching Acura’s factory program in the American Le Mans Series, leaving behind a powerful legacy of innovation, meticulous leadership, and a deep passion for racing. Tributes from the motorsport community highlight his quiet determination and enduring influence on Honda’s racing pedigree.
Robert Clarke’s vision shaped Honda’s racing destiny, and his legacy will continue to propel the brand forward on racetracks around the world.
