Mars Selected for Third Edition of HPD Driver Academy

Mazda MX-5 competitor Luca Mars has been named as the first member of the 2022 Honda Performance Development Driver Academy.

Mars will participate in the GT3 division of the program, which includes opportunities to test and race the new Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 with teaching and support from Racers Edge Motorsports and HPD.

The Pennsylvania native represented Copeland Motorsports in the Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich this year and finished sixth in the standings.

Off the back of a successful karting career, Mars made a handful of F2000 starts in 2020 before moving to a sports car program in Mazda’s single-make championship.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Honda and the Racers Edge Motorsports team next year,” he said.

“Being invited to be a part of the HPD Driver Academy Program is an honor. I’m looking forward to learning what everyone has to teach me and I am grateful for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 soon!”

Mars is the first HPD Driver Academy member to be announced ahead of the initiative’s third edition, which now includes a TCR element in addition to the GT3 side.

Each platform will include four training events next year, with Academy drivers having access to HPD engineers who work in the SRO and IMSA paddocks.

Ashton Harrison, Nicky Hays, Kyffin Simpson and Cat Lauren formed the Academy squad in 2021.