HPD Names Third Class of Academy Drivers

Honda Performance Development has named its third class of drivers for the HPD GT3 Academy, which is set to kick off later this week.

Run in collaboration with Racers Edge Motorsports, this year’s academy represents a diverse group of drivers holding a variety of motorsports backgrounds.

Kyle Loh, Luca Mars, Dr. Chris DeFreitas, and Daniel Wu make up the GT3 class with instructors including Ricky Taylor, Mario Farnbacher, Ryan Eversley and Marc Miller.

Loh is a Taiwanese/American open wheel driver who has competed in karting, Formula 4, and Formula 3 in the Formula Pro USA FR Western Championship.

He also works as an instructor at Allen Berg Racing and wants to use his platform to inspire and raise awareness about people with developmental disabilities.

Mars has experience in open wheel and touring cars. Currently, Mars is racing in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and has had success with podiums in SCCA, F2000 Championship and the MX-5 Cup Championship.

DeFreitas is a full-time emergency room physician. After experiencing success in Radical series racing, DeFreitas has dedicated himself to moving into the professional ranks.

After completing the full complement of HPD partner Skip Barber Racing Schools programs, he has worked with Racers Edge in private testing to prepare for the Academy.

Wu, meanwhile, is an American actor, director and producer who has a long and successful history in the film industry in Asia and in the U.S.

He is also an avid racer and enjoys competing his Honda Civic Type-R in NASA WERC Series at various tracks around the nation, including the 25 Hours of Thunderhill.

“HPD is enthused to begin part one of the 2022 HPD Academy,” said HPD commercial manager John Witeman.

“As in previous years, the 2022 class of GT3 drivers come from different backgrounds but share a common commitment to dedication and growth.

“The measure of Academy success is the accomplishments of HPD Academy graduates in open wheel, sports car, and touring car disciplines.

“We are honored to have played a part in helping drivers go on to an unequaled list of podiums, wins, championships and motorsports firsts across the North American racing landscape – none of which would be possible without a strong partnership with Jon Mirachi and Racers Edge Motorsports as well as HPD engineers and drivers.”

This year’s academy begins at Mid-Ohio on Wednesday and will visit Virginia International Raceway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Sebring International Raceway later this year.