Honda has announced that a team of engineers is taking the new Passport SUV into the rally racing realm. Honda is showcasing the 2022 Passport stage rally truck, which has been meticulously built specifically for racing by the Honda Performance Development Maxxis Rally racing team. The racing debut for this impressive vehicle took place at the Lake Superior Performance Rally in Michigan on October 15 and 16th.
Honda’s Entry into Rally Racing
Honda is competing in the Limited 4WD class with its vehicle. This class features modified street vehicles that race at speeds exceeding 100 mph on natural-terrain closed courses. These racing surfaces include a variety of challenging terrains such as gravel, dirt, mud, and snow. The event itself is a grueling test of endurance and skill, with courses that span hundreds of miles, pushing both the vehicle and the driver to their limits.
The Passport rally truck is equipped with BRAID Winrace T rally wheels paired with Maxxis RAZR M/T or A/T tires, ensuring optimal traction and durability across the diverse and demanding terrains. Additionally, the racing truck boasts a custom fabricated one-eighth-inch oil pan and rear differential skid plates to help protect the underbody from potential damage. High-density polyethylene panels are also installed to safeguard the fuel tank and other critical components from the harsh conditions encountered during the race.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Powering the Passport rally truck is the production 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. Remarkably, no modifications were made to the drivetrain or suspension, showcasing the inherent robustness and capability of the Passport’s original design. This decision highlights Honda’s confidence in the vehicle’s stock performance and durability, even under the extreme conditions of rally racing.
The inclusion of BRAID Winrace T rally wheels and Maxxis RAZR M/T or A/T tires is a strategic choice, as these components are well-regarded in the rally racing community for their reliability and performance. The custom fabricated skid plates and high-density polyethylene panels are essential additions, providing critical protection to the vehicle’s underbody and fuel tank, which are vulnerable to damage from rocks, debris, and other obstacles commonly encountered on rally courses.
The Lake Superior Performance Rally, where the Passport made its debut, is known for its challenging conditions and diverse terrain. This event provided an ideal proving ground for the Passport rally truck, allowing Honda to demonstrate the vehicle’s capabilities in a real-world racing environment. Competing in the Limited 4WD class, the Passport faced stiff competition from other modified street vehicles, all vying for supremacy on the demanding courses.
In addition to the technical specifications and performance features, the Passport rally truck’s entry into the rally racing scene represents a significant milestone for Honda. It underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and performance, as well as its willingness to push the boundaries of what its vehicles can achieve. By participating in events like the Lake Superior Performance Rally, Honda not only showcases the capabilities of its vehicles but also gains valuable insights and experience that can be applied to future models and technologies.
Overall, the 2022 Passport stage rally truck is a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess and dedication to performance. With its robust design, advanced features, and impressive capabilities, the Passport is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of rally racing and beyond. As Honda continues to explore new frontiers in motorsport, the lessons learned from these endeavors will undoubtedly contribute to the development of even more advanced and capable vehicles in the future.
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