Kelvin Fu will take the helm of Honda Racing Corporation USA as its new president, succeeding David Salters on September 12, 2026.
From Aeronautics to the Apex of Motorsports
Fu earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan before earning a PhD and post‑doctoral appointments at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Wisconsin‑Madison. His early career in defense and aerospace led to engineering roles at HR Textron and ITT Aerospace.
In 2015, he joined HPD, initially managing chassis design, aerodynamics and performance engineering. His rapid advancement to director of programs in 2020 and vice president in 2021 positioned him to influence every facet of Honda’s racing portfolio.
Under his guidance, the organization secured four of its 17 total Indianapolis 500 victories and built enduring partnerships with its driver roster, including the 2024 hybrid‑powered Indy car launch.
Salters’ Legacy of Speed and Innovation
David Salters, the outgoing president, took the reins in 2020 and steered HRC US to three IndyCar Series manufacturers’ championships and five drivers’ titles. He also captured the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in teams, drivers and manufacturers categories.
Salters pioneered electrification initiatives, debuting the Acura ARX‑06 LMDh in 2023 and spearheading a new business division that covers apparel, performance parts and a heritage‑racing program linking collectors with vintage Honda and Acura race cars.
His tenure concluded as he transitioned to a technology start‑up outside motorsports, leaving a platform of growth for Fu to build upon.
Strategic Vision for the Next Chapter
Fu expressed gratitude for Salters’ mentorship, saying, “Dave challenged all of us to think bigger, move faster and never lose sight of the fact that we are competitors at heart.”
He emphasized HRC US’s renewed commitment to IndyCar, reaffirming the series’ growing prominence on the North American stage. Fu also highlighted the integration of hybrid technology and legacy racing initiatives as key growth vectors.
The overarching aim is to advance innovation while nurturing talent and technology that continue to define the future of motorsports.
On the Grid, the Road Ahead
With Fu’s experience in engineering excellence and HRC US’s track record of triumph, the organization is poised to sustain its IndyCar dominance and expand hybrid capabilities. The next chapter of Honda racing history begins as the engines roar to life on the grid.
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