The departure of David Salters from Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC USA) has left a significant mark on the team, a matter that Nick Yelloly, the team’s driver, considers very personal. At the moment Salters decided to leave BMW at the end of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, Yelloly did not hesitate to contact him directly to facilitate his transition to Acura.
The leadership change was formalized on September 12, when Salters passed his presidency to Kelvin Fu, who had previously held the position of vice president. Fu is already a well-known figure in the IMSA realm, with experience that promises continuity within the team.
Yelloly emphasizes the importance of direct communication with Salters throughout his career, noting that thanks to this trust-based relationship, the transition to Acura was smooth. ‘David is a fellow British compatriot, and that helped us connect well from the start,’ says the driver, who now finds himself in third place in the overall championship standings.
The Legacy of Salters
Salters has been a key figure for HRC USA over the last decade. He started as chief engineer at Honda Performance Development (HPD) in 2015 and quickly rose to the positions of technical director and president. During his tenure, HRC has achieved several notable titles, including three manufacturers’ championships in IndyCar and an impressive triple in 2022 in IMSA, which included team, driver, and manufacturer titles.
Moreover, Salters has been a pioneer in introducing electrification within the team, overseeing the development of the Acura ARX-06 LMDh and the hybrid engine for IndyCar. His vision has allowed HRC to expand into new business areas, including fashion and the preservation of vintage racing vehicles.
The Future Under Kelvin Fu
Kelvin Fu, who also has extensive experience in chassis design management and performance engineering, is considered by many to be a suitable successor for the role. ‘The transition will be smooth, and while we will miss David, I am confident that Kelvin will successfully carry on his legacy,’ adds Yelloly.
With Acura pausing its IMSA program at the end of the 2026 season, the British driver has already secured his future, signing to participate in Ford Racing’s Hypercar program at the FIA World Endurance Championship next year.
In conclusion, Yelloly emphasizes Salters’ personal legacy, not only for the statistics and titles but for the unconditional support and trust he brought to his team, enabling new talents to thrive and grow in the world of motorsport.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
