LA Honda World to Debut New Civic Type R TCR at Laguna

Photo: LA Honda World Racing

LA Honda World Racing will give the Honda’s new FL5 Civic Type R TCR its debut in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at this weekend’s round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, with Ryan Eversley and Mat Pombo at the wheel.

The Southern California-based team was the first in the world to take delivery of the new-generation TCR challenger, having elected to test the car at Sebring International Raceway in February and focus on a development program rather than enter it for competition straight away.

“Anytime in your career where you get to debut a brand-new car is a special moment,” said Eversley. “I was honored to handle the driving duties for the IMSA testing debut at Sebring back in February and I’m just as thrilled to be part of its North American race debut at WeatherTech Raceway.

“I know my teammate Mat is just as anxious as I am to get it out on track. Based on our initial testing and the experience JAS, HPD and now LAHW have put into this program, I’m confident for future success.”

Pombo added: “The L.A. Honda World team has worked tirelessly on this partnership with JAS and HPD to deliver the FL5 Honda Civic TCR car to the United States. Being the first team to debut it on American soil is a special thing.

“Obviously, with a new car we are going to have to work out some kinks and figure out how to be competitive.

“Fortunately, this team has all the right people in the right spots and we feel we are the best team to sort this car and get results. I’m looking forward to getting on track next week at Laguna Seca and seeing how we stack up against the competition.”

The team expects to take delivery of its second FL5 TCR car in June, which will be driven by Mike LaMarra and Will Tally, who will continue at the wheel of its FK7-generation Honda Civic Type R TCR this weekend as the class championship co-leaders.

LaMarra and Tally are tied with Bryan Herta Autosport’s Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi for the class lead head into this weekend’s race.

“Being the first to own this car is a real privilege,” said team principal Mario Biundo. “I owe a big thank you to HPD and JAS for choosing our team to be the first delivery and allowing our capable team and drivers to debut the car here in California.

“I trust Ryan Eversley and Mat Pombo will get it upfront and get this new FL5 Honda Civic Type R TCR the recognition it deserves in the Americas.”

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