Honda Evaluating Customer Support Options for NSX GT3

Photo: Honda

Honda could provide NSX GT3 customers with increased levels of factory support in Europe, according to Robert Watherston, Head of Honda Motorsport Europe.

The Japanese manufacturer confirmed Thursday that the mid-engined sports car will be made available to customers next year, with deliveries of an initial batch of 12 cars set to begin in October.

Watherston, who is heading up the car’s European efforts, said they have yet to determine the exact level of support, including the possibility of factory pool drivers.

“That’s the next step,” he told Sportscar365. “We’re going to work that out over the next few months.

“The first stage was to get the car fast. We think we’ve got to that point where it is competitive.

“Obviously the next stage is to be working with the customers and then to define exactly how we’re going to be working with the customers.”

When asked whether the support could equal its current factory backing of the Michael Shank Racing and RealTime Racing programs in North America, Watherston said it’s possible.

He, however, has ruled out JAS Motorsport running cars of their own, with the Italian squad set to focus on customer support in Europe, China and the Middle East.

“It’s possible there will be support; I don’t know whether it would be the same level or not, so that remains to-be-determined,” Watherston said.

Part of the support package could also include factory drivers, another element that is still being finalized.

“For example, we have World Touring Car teams and other categories we have [factory] drivers, so there’s a possibility of that for sure,” Waltherson said.

Watherston said two teams have already shown initial interest in the car, both of which are experienced in GT3 racing, and are “looking good” to have a sellout of the initial batch of cars for next year.

JAS Motorsport has the capability to build up to 70 cars through the car’s homologation period of 2024, according to technical director Stefano Fini, although will limit the initial build to 12.

“We’re pretty confident we’re going to have good conversations this weekend,” Watherston said. “It’s very, very early. It’s just initial discussions.”

While initial interest has also been in Japan, for use in Super GT’s GT300 category, Honda will not necessarily dictate customer’s race programs, although Watherston said they have some preferences.

“In a European perspective, Blancpain GT is the logical place to start,” he said. “It depends on the customers. In the end, it is a customer program.

“We hope to have customers in the U.S., customers in China and Europe and have it spread around. That would be the idea.”

Honda Performance Development will handle technical support in North America, with Honda’s subsidy, Mugen, set to support customers in Japan.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John