David Salters is president of Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), formerly Honda Performance Development (HPD). As president, Salters oversees all of Honda's North American racing and performance engineering activities, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and works directly with the company's partner racing teams.
A veteran motorsports engineer with more than a quarter century of experience in the world's pinnacle racing series of Formula 1 and IndyCar, Salters joined HPD in 2015 as a chief engineer and engine technical leader.
In 2019, he became technical director at HPD, responsible for the company's Powertrain, Chassis and Electrical engineering groups. In December 2020. Salters was named HPD president.
In January 2024, HPD became HRC US, combining with HRC Japan to strengthen Honda's overall motorsports capabilities. HRC US will be involved in Formula One power unit development and race support starting in 2026.
Prior to joining Honda, Salters served in a number of roles within F1 and IndyCar racing. Salters served as the head of engine development for the Ferrari Formula 1 program from 2006-2015, including its V8, V8 KERS (Kinetic Engine Recovery System) and V6 power units.
From 1999-2006, Salters was at Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines (formerly Ilmor Engineering). This included serving as head of F1 engine development from 2003-2006, team leader of F1 performance development from 2001-2003, and development engineer and member of the Ilmor trackside CART racing program from 1999-2001.
From 1995-1999, Salters was a development/design engineer for the CART program at Cosworth Racing Ltd.
Salters holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honors in Mechanical Engineering from Cardiff University, a PhD from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and was a research fellow at the University College London.
About Honda Racing Corporation USA
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since its founding in 1993 as Honda Performance Development (HPD). In January 2024, HPD became HRC US, combining with HRC Japan to strengthen the company's overall motorsports capabilities. From pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA sports cars to commercial racing programs, HRC US leads all Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs in North America and will be involved in Formula One power unit development and race support related to the next phase of Honda starting in 2026.
HRC US specializes in the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. The company also offers parts and race support to Honda and Acura amateur and professional motorsports racers; and is continually expanding its palette of racing programs that make Honda racing products available to all racing styles, from karting and quarter midgets to the highest levels of professional racing.
More information on HRC US is available at www.hondaracing-us.honda.com
