Farnbacher to Make Honda TCR Debut With HART

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Mario Farnbacher will make his TCR debut as part of HART’s lineup for this month’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The Honda Performance Development factory driver will join Steve Eich and Chad Gillsinger in the No. 89 Honda Civic Type R TCR for the four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge on Jan. 27.

Farnbacher will be pulling double duty over the Daytona event, having also been entered in the Rolex 24 with Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 squad Gradient Racing.

“A double header for me in Daytona for the Rolex 24 weekend,” Farnbacher said. “First I have to thank Honda Racing/HPD for the opportunity to drive a TCR car.

“This will be the first time for me in this car so I’m really excited for a new challenge.

“I just got to drive the new street car at home which was great but there are obviously some differences between the street and race cars.

“I have no experience with front wheel drive race cars so this will be a new challenge. I’m looking forward to having a new experience in racing and having a different view!

“So thank you to HART and Honda Racing/HPD for this opportunity to get a taste of the amazing Honda Civic Type R TCR. Challenge accepted!”

No fewer than four Hondas will take part in the Daytona season opener with additional entires from LA Honda World Racing and VGRT Racing.

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