Honda Celebrates Milestone at Mid-Ohio with Special Livery and Events

In a celebration of its longstanding presence in Ohio and the one-year anniversary of the hybrid power unit in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Honda is set to showcase a special livery at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 6, 2024. This event not only highlights Honda’s commitment to motorsports but also marks a significant moment in the evolution of hybrid technology in racing.

The Honda Indy 200, which will air at 1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app, serves as a focal point for Honda's motorsport endeavors. Located within an hour of Honda's Marysville Auto Plant, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is pivotal for the company, which has distributed over 12,000 employee tickets for the event, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Honda's motorsports calendar.

According to Kyle Kirkwood, a driver for Andretti Global who has achieved three victories this season in his Honda-powered No. 27 car, “The special livery not only celebrates Honda’s achievements but also our shared passion for innovation in racing.” Kirkwood’s remarks underscore the significance of Honda's contributions to the sport and the local community.

This year’s race also coincides with the anniversary of Honda’s hybrid power unit, which has been integral to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Honda has dominated the season thus far, winning all nine races, with Alex Palou, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, leading the championship with six victories. Palou stated, “The hybrid technology has transformed our racing strategies, making it both exciting and competitive.”

In addition to the Honda tribute, another highlight of the event includes a special livery for Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian. His car will pay homage to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, featuring a striking purple design inspired by SiriusXM’s Ozzy’s Boneyard channel. This tribute coincides with the announcement of Osbourne’s upcoming concert titled “Final Show at the Back to the Beginning,” scheduled for July 5 in Birmingham, England. Rosenqvist expressed, “It’s an honor to celebrate such an iconic figure in music while we race; it adds a unique flair to the competition.”

The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio is expected to attract large crowds and significant media attention, further solidifying its importance within the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. With the combination of technological innovation and cultural celebration, this year’s event promises to be a memorable occasion for fans and participants alike. As the race approaches, anticipation builds not only for the competition on the track but also for the rich tapestry of stories surrounding it, reflecting both the local pride in Honda's contributions and the broader implications of hybrid technology in motorsports.

The event at Mid-Ohio not only showcases high-speed racing but also serves as a platform for innovation and community engagement, illustrating the profound connections between local industry and international motorsport. As Honda prepares for this significant milestone, the implications of their hybrid technology continue to resonate throughout the racing world, setting a precedent for future developments in automotive engineering and environmental sustainability.