By SEMA News Editors
Honda Enters Pikes Peak International Hill Climb With First-Ever Hydrogen Entry
Honda is entering the Honda CR-V e:FCEV as the first-ever hydrogen-powered vehicle to compete at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb later this month.
Prepped for competition by engineers at Honda of America Race Team (HART), Honda R&D Japan and Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), the CR-V e:FCEV will take on the 156-turn, 12.42-mile mountain course on June 22 with former Pikes Peak class-winner and two-time Formula DRIFT champion Dai Yoshihara behind the wheel.
The production 2025 CR‑V e:FCEV will compete in the "exhibition class" without modifications to its zero-emissions powertrain, which includes the second-generation Honda fuel cell system produced at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC (FCSM) in Michigan, a front-mounted single-motor, 17.7 kWh battery pack, and two high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
The CR‑V e:FCEV is hand-built at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, and is the only fuel cell electric passenger vehicle made in America, and the first to pair hydrogen fuel cell with plug-in hybrid technology. For competition, the only modifications from stock are a 1-inch lowered suspension, racing brake pads, light weight 18-inch wheels and 265/45R18 Yokohama Advan A052 tires. HART also equipped the CR‑V e:FCEV with a racing seat and safety cage, custom-fabricated into the vehicle by Honda engineers at HART and PMC.
For more information, visit hondaracing-us.com.
Formula DRIFT Education Program Partner, Acceler8, Secures State Grant
Acceler8, the independent non-profit automotive education program founded by law enforcement veterans to help at-risk kids, was accepted by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to receive funds through the California Community Reinvestment Grants (CalCRG) program.
The announcement will enable Acceler8 to expand its structured programs, providing underserved youth with hands-on automotive education, mentorship and career pathways. In addition, the funds will also go towards a new Acceler8 facility set to open in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles later this summer.
As a direct result of the funding, Acceler8 aims to assist up to 420 youth over three years by offering two 16-week courses per year. Each course will enroll 20-30 students and focus on preparing participants for ASE Certification in basic mechanics through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on automotive training.
Students will learn techniques ranging from basic tune-ups, tire rotations and oil changes to advanced skills, such as computer diagnostics and installing or repairing critical systems, including engines and transmissions. Guest speakers, including automotive professionals and business owners, will engage with students to inspire them toward automotive careers, with the hope of leading to further education and training.
Upon completion, students will be introduced to potential job placements, vocational training and apprenticeships in the automotive industry.
"We're honored and delighted to receive support from the State of California for our mission to provide youth with career opportunities in the automotive industry. Through this investment, our students will undoubtedly recognize the state stands firmly behind them on their journey to adulthood and gainful employment," said Charles Woodruff, co-founder and CEO at Acceler8 Education Program.
As a foundational partner in the Formula DRIFT Driven Experience, Acceler8 has introduced more than 3,000 youth from across the country to motorsports over four years. The aim has always been to provide young people with a window into the exciting possibilities of a career in the automotive sector with the ongoing help and support of the FD organizing body, teams and drivers, who have donated their time and expertise to inspire the kids.
For more information, visit acceler8education.org.