sportsamo.com reports that Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), a titan in North American motorsports, has announced a significant leadership transition, with Kelvin Fu slated to become its next president, succeeding the highly influential David Salters. This pivotal change is scheduled to take effect on September 12, 2026, marking a new chapter for an organization synonymous with innovation and on-track dominance.
David Salters, who ascended to the presidency of what was then Honda Performance Development (HPD) in 2020, is set to embark on a new journey, transitioning out of the high-octane world of motorsports to join a technology startup. His departure signals the end of a transformative era for Honda’s racing arm in the U.S., one characterized by significant competitive success and a bold embrace of future technologies. Salters’ tenure, though relatively brief at the helm, built upon a distinguished career that saw him contribute to some of motorsport’s most legendary programs.
Salters first joined HPD in 2015, initially serving as chief engineer and engine technical leader, a role where his profound understanding of powertrain dynamics immediately began to shape Honda’s competitive offerings. His ascent continued swiftly, becoming technical director in 2019, a testament to his strategic acumen and engineering prowess. Before his invaluable contributions at Honda, Salters had already carved out an impressive resume across the global motorsport landscape. He notably served as head of internal combustion engine power unit development for Ferrari’s revered Formula 1 program, a role demanding the highest level of technical expertise and pressure. Prior to that, he was head of Formula 1 engine development at Mercedes-Benz High-Performance Engines (formerly Ilmor), a period that laid crucial groundwork for Mercedes’ later F1 dominance. His early career also included a vital stint as a development and design engineer for the CART Indy car program at Cosworth Racing Ltd., providing him with foundational insights into American open-wheel racing. This rich background in diverse, high-stakes environments positioned Salters perfectly to lead HRC US through a period of intense technological evolution.
Under Salters’ visionary leadership, HRC US achieved remarkable success across multiple disciplines. In the fiercely competitive NTT IndyCar Series, the organization secured three Manufacturers’ Championships and a stunning five Drivers’ Titles. While specific years for all these accolades were not detailed, these statistics underscore Honda’s consistent competitive edge. Drivers like Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and Josef Newgarden, piloting Honda-powered machines for powerhouse teams such such as Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Global, frequently found themselves atop the podium during this period, cementing Honda’s reputation as a championship-winning engine supplier. The Manufacturer’s Championship in particular is a grueling contest, reflecting the aggregate performance of all Honda-powered entries throughout the season, a true measure of engineering excellence and team coordination.
Beyond open-wheel racing, Salters also oversaw a sweeping victory in the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In a dominant display, Acura-powered teams secured the overall teams’, drivers’, and manufacturers’ titles, showcasing HRC US’s versatility and capability in endurance prototype racing. The Acura ARX-05 DPi, developed under Salters’ earlier influence, became a formidable force, culminating in this triple crown achievement. This success not only highlighted Honda’s engineering strength but also its ability to cultivate strong partnerships with elite racing teams like Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing.
Perhaps one of Salters’ most significant contributions was his pioneering efforts in the electrification and modernization of HRC US’s competitive portfolio. He spearheaded the launch of the Acura ARX-06 LMDh car for the 2023 IMSA season, marking Honda’s entry into the new, globally relevant Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) prototype class. The LMDh platform, a hybrid-powered category, represents the future of top-tier endurance racing, allowing cars to compete in both IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developing such a complex hybrid machine required immense technical investment and strategic foresight, firmly placing HRC US at the forefront of motorsport innovation.
Further solidifying this commitment to future technology, Salters was instrumental in introducing the hybrid-powered Indy car in 2024. This monumental shift brought a new layer of strategic complexity and technological advancement to North America’s premier open-wheel series. The integration of hybrid units into IndyCar engines presented significant engineering challenges, from energy recovery systems to battery management and deployment strategies, all while maintaining the series’ thrilling speed and close competition. Honda’s proactive role in this transition underscores its dedication to evolving motorsport and leveraging racing as a proving ground for future automotive technologies.
Beyond the technical advancements, Salters also expanded HRC US’s reach by spearheading the creation of a new business division. This strategic diversification included initiatives in apparel, performance parts, and a recently announced heritage racing program aimed at connecting collectors with vintage Honda and Acura race cars. This move not only broadens HRC US’s revenue streams but also strengthens its brand presence and engages a wider community of enthusiasts, fostering a deeper connection to Honda’s storied racing legacy.
In his farewell remarks, Salters expressed profound gratitude for his time at HRC US. "I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the marvelous men and women at Honda Racing Corporation USA, our racing teams and talented drivers," Salters stated, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that defined his tenure. "It has been an honor to work together to add to Honda’s racing history here in the US." He also spoke personally about the impact of his journey, noting, "Honda Racing gave me and my family the opportunity to come to California 11 years ago. We had the honor of becoming American citizens and have had the most amazing life experience as part of the Honda family." His words paint a picture of an organization that fosters not just professional growth but also a strong sense of community and belonging. Confident in the organization’s trajectory, Salters affirmed, "HRC US is stronger than ever, with a brilliant team, a very exciting future in IndyCar and many other cool new projects on the horizon. Now is the perfect time to pass the baton to Kelvin. We have worked closely over the last six years, and Kelvin is the ideal person to support and lead the HRC US team into the future." This endorsement speaks volumes about the planned succession and the continuity it promises.
Stepping into this formidable role is Kelvin Fu, a long-standing and highly respected member of the HRC US team. Fu assumes the presidency after serving as vice president, a position in which he played a critical role in guiding the organization to four of its 17 total Indianapolis 500 victories. The Indy 500, "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," is the crown jewel of American motorsports, and Fu’s direct involvement in nearly a quarter of Honda’s wins at the Brickyard highlights his profound impact on the organization’s most iconic successes. These victories, often coming with dramatic flair and showcasing Honda’s engine reliability and performance under extreme pressure, are etched into the annals of motorsport history.
Fu’s journey within Honda began in 2015, the same year Salters joined. He initially managed critical areas such as chassis design, aerodynamics, and the performance engineering group. These roles are foundational to any competitive racing program, requiring a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, and on-track performance optimization. His expertise in these areas was crucial for developing race-winning packages for both IndyCar and sports car programs. His leadership qualities were recognized with his promotion to director of programs in 2020, followed by his elevation to vice president in 2021.
Before entering the high-speed world of motorsports with Honda, Fu built an impressive career in the defense and aerospace industries, sectors renowned for their rigorous engineering standards and cutting-edge technology. This background undoubtedly provided him with a unique perspective on precision engineering, complex systems integration, and project management – all highly transferable skills to the demanding environment of motorsports. Academically, Fu boasts an exceptional foundation, holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the prestigious University of Michigan. He further distinguished himself with a PhD and a postdoctoral appointment at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a second postdoctoral appointment at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His professional career prior to Honda included R&D engineer and product manager roles at HR Textron, and later, director of engineering at ITT Aerospace. This blend of high-level academic achievement and practical experience in technologically advanced industries positions Fu as a highly capable and technically astute leader.
In his acceptance, Fu expressed a sense of profound honor and humility. "When I joined HRC US, I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege of leading this extraordinary organization," Fu remarked. "I am truly humbled by the opportunity. Throughout my career at HPD and HRC US, I have been fortunate to work on a wide range of programs, from the development of the NSX GT3, Acura DPi race cars, and the LMDh engine and car to building lasting partnerships with our racing teams." This comprehensive involvement across different platforms speaks to his deep understanding of HRC US’s diverse operations.
Fu also took a moment to acknowledge his predecessor’s profound influence. "I want to sincerely thank David Salters for his leadership, friendship and mentorship. Dave challenged all of us to think bigger, move faster and never lose sight of the fact that we are competitors at heart. He is a true racer whose vision and commitment have helped shape HRC US into the world-class organization it is today, and his impact will be felt for many years to come." This recognition highlights the strong working relationship and shared vision between the outgoing and incoming leaders, ensuring a smooth transition.
Looking ahead, Fu articulated an optimistic and forward-thinking vision for HRC US. "I am excited about the future of HRC US. We recently renewed our commitment to IndyCar as the series continues to grow and strengthen its position in North American motorsports. Our new business ventures also position us to better serve Honda racing fans. We will remain committed to innovation, competition, and developing the people and technologies that define the future of motorsports." The renewed commitment to IndyCar is a crucial strategic announcement, reinforcing Honda’s dedication to the series as it navigates its hybrid era and seeks continued growth. Fu’s emphasis on innovation, competition, and talent development underscores a continuation of the core values that have made HRC US successful.
Concluding his statement, Fu invoked the enduring ethos of Honda Racing: "The Honda racing spirit has always been about challenging convention and pushing boundaries, and I look forward to leading HRC US as we write the next chapter of that story together." This statement serves as both a promise and a mission statement, signaling that under Kelvin Fu’s leadership, HRC US will continue to embody the aggressive, pioneering spirit that has defined its legacy in motorsport. As David Salters ventures into new technological frontiers, Kelvin Fu is poised to steer HRC US through an exciting future, building on a foundation of unprecedented success and a relentless pursuit of engineering excellence and competitive advantage. The transition marks not an end, but a powerful continuation of Honda’s unwavering commitment to the pinnacle of racing.
