Highcroft Racing

Highcroft Racing began as a venture focused on historic motorsport, specifically the restoration and preparation of classic automobiles by its founder, driver Duncan Dayton. In 1994, the team expanded its operations to include competition in the USAC Formula Ford 2000 series. A partnership with Intersport Racing in 2003 marked the team’s entry into the American Le Mans Series.

Highcroft Racing’s ALMS journey began in 2006 with the acquisition of an MG-Lola EX257 from Dyson Racing. The team competed in four races that year, achieving a third-place finish at Petit Le Mans and ending the season 4th in the LMP1 Team Championship. From 2007 to 2011, Highcroft Racing partnered with Honda Performance Development (HPD), campaigning the Acura ARX-01 and later the ARX-02a. The team secured Acura’s first overall victory at Lime Rock Park in 2008. In 2009, Highcroft Racing claimed the LMP1 Championship with the ARX-02a, with drivers Scott Sharp and David Brabham also winning the LMP1 Drivers Championship. The 2010 season saw the team win its second consecutive championship, despite the combination of the LMP1 and LMP2 classes. In 2012, Highcroft Racing collaborated with Ben Bowlby and All American Racers to develop and race the innovative DeltaWing, an experimental car designed for reduced aerodynamic drag and increased efficiency.

David Brabham was a key driver for Highcroft Racing from 2007 to 2011, achieving championship success alongside various co-drivers. Stefan Johansson partnered with Brabham in 2007 and 2008, while Scott Sharp joined the team in 2008, ultimately contributing to the 2009 championship win. Simon Pagenaud drove with Brabham in 2010 and 2011, contributing to the team’s second consecutive championship. Marino Franchitti also had multiple appearances for the team, including at Sebring and Petit Le Mans in 2009 and 2010. Other drivers who contributed to Highcroft Racing’s efforts included Duncan Dayton, Dario Franchitti, Memo Gidley, Robbie Kerr, Vítor Meira, and Michael Krumm, and Satoshi Motoyama who drove the DeltaWing.

Highcroft Racing reached its peak in 2009 and 2010, securing back-to-back LMP1 Championships in the ALMS. The 2009 championship win was particularly notable as it marked Acura’s first major success in the series. The team’s 2010 championship was won with a rebadged HPD car after experiencing difficulties with the Acura ARX-02a. However, the partnership with HPD ended in 2011 following the impact of the tsunami in Japan on Honda's operations and a subsequent lack of funding. The team attempted a unique project with the DeltaWing in 2012, but the car suffered an accident at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the team ultimately ceased operations.

Highcroft Racing last competed in 2012 and has since ceased operations. In 2015, the building that housed the team’s headquarters in Danbury, Connecticut was sold for $8.2 million.

Highcroft Racing is remembered for its successful partnership with HPD and its innovative approach to racing, particularly with the DeltaWing project. The team’s championships in 2009 and 2010 helped establish Acura as a competitive force in the American Le Mans Series. The DeltaWing, despite its limited success, pushed the boundaries of aerodynamic efficiency in motorsport.