HPD Architect, Longtime President Robert Clarke Dies

Photo: SCCA

Robert Clarke, the architect behind the formation of Honda Performance Development and former HPD president, has passed away at the age of 75.

Clarke died Saturday evening in Los Angeles of heart failure.

Clarke began at Honda in 1981 before starting HPD as a ground-up operation, establishing the California-based motorsports arm of Honda and Acura in 1993 that went on to become known as Honda Racing Corporation USA in late 2023.

After a 15-year stint at HPD, Clarke became the CEO of De Ferran Motorsports before becoming SCCA Pro Racing president in 2014, where he resigned two years later.

“I would like to give our thoughts and prayers to Robert Clarke and his family, Robert sadly passed away this weekend,” said HRC US President David Salters.

“Robert was a driving force at Honda Performance Development. He was literally badge No. 1 at HPD in 1993 and ultimately served as the third president of the organization.

“He and all of our other magnificent presidents built what is now Honda Racing Corporation USA into a world class racing organization. He is one of the giants whose shoulders we stand on today as HRC US.

“From a personal note, when I became President, I felt I was completely unqualified for leading such a prestigious organization.

“It weighed heavily on me. Robert, along with all the other presidents, coached and mentored me.

“It was important to him and he freely gave his time and advice at a local restaurant at lunch times to educate and advise me.

“I am forever grateful for this as it gave me the tools and the confidence to grow into the heavy responsibility of leading Honda’s US racing organization and empowering our magnificent associates to show the challenging spirit of Honda through our racing.

“Thank you, Robert, you were an inspiration and a brilliant mentor. On behalf of all our racing associates past and present, we will miss you dearly.”

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