Team Barracuda – BHA Set to Race with Honda Power

Topics:  Alex Tagliani, Honda, Indianapolis 500

Monica Hilton
Bryan Herta Autosport
May 10, 2012

Indianapolis, IN – With their sights set on consecutive victories at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Team Barracuda – BHA is proud to announce a new partnership with American Honda and its Honda Performance Development (HPD) subsidiary for the remainder of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season.

The team started the season under Lotus power, but accepted an offer from the British manufacturer to be released from the agreement. The renewed opportunity for a victory in the world’s greatest auto race comes at a perfect time for both Team Barracuda – BHA and star driver Alex Tagliani.

In 2011, the late Dan Wheldon took the checkered flag during the 100th Anniversary of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, giving Bryan Herta Autosport its first win in only two starts in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Just one year later, BHA has IndyCar veteran and last year’s Indianapolis 500 pole-sitter, Alex Tagliani, behind the wheel. Adding Honda power to this winning combination only enhances the team’s focus toward strength, stability and performance, both on and off the track.

“We are very proud to be joining our friends at Honda again and renewing our successful partnership from previous IndyCar programs,” said Steve Newey, co-owner of Bryan Herta Autosport. “Bryan and I were also fortunate to be part of the Acura LMP2 racing project that won the class in its very first race at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2007. Partnering with Honda makes us even more confident as we head into the month of May, and Team Barracuda – BHA is working hard to help Alex Tagliani put the No. 98 car in Victory Circle again.”

Steve Eriksen, vice president of HPD added, “We’re pleased to be able to renew our relationship with Bryan Herta and his team. Bryan has long been associated with Honda and HPD, and he served as our primary development driver during the last era of IndyCar manufacturer competition. His team’s victory in the 2011 Indianapolis 500 was the stuff of legend, and all of us at HPD and American Honda are delighted to have a hand in helping him defend that championship.”

Saturday is Opening Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, kicking off two weeks of track activity and fun-filled fan events. It all leads up to the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 12 p.m. ET.