Robert Clarke, founder of Honda Performance Development (HPD), now known as Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC USA), has passed away. He was 75.

Clarke led the Santa Clarita, California-based Honda racing subsidiary from its founding in 1993 until January 2008, when he shifted into an executive advisory role at the organization until his retirement.

During his 15-year tenure, Clarke oversaw four manufacturers' championships and 65 race wins in CART, as well as a move to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, where the marque won two Indianapolis 500s and two additional manufacturers' championships before becoming the series' sole engine supplier in 2006.

Additionally, he led the organization as it established its Acura American Le Mans Series program, which included building HPD's first-ever and Honda's first racing engine produced outside of Japan. The brand has since competed with a variety of other prototypes, including HRC USA's current two-car Acura ARX-06 effort in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series under the Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian banner.

For more information, visit imsa.com.

Image courtesy of Honda