Honda wants you to race. Or at least follow its race cars.

This month, the automaker launched, “Inside the Indy Challenge,” a social-media marketing program showcasing IndyCar teams Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports. Through a series of online video vignettes, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look as  both groups compete in three distinctly different races: the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Sao Paulo Indy 300 and the Indianapolis 500. Drivers Simon Pagenaud and Tristan Vautier will be featured in the series.

Says Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of Automotive Operations for American Honda, Inc., “We knew that we were in a position to offer an interesting, first-hand perspective on the IndyCar Series and share what racing means to Honda. Through the ‘Inside the Indy Challenge,’ we are able to join the Honda racing conversation and interact with fans in a meaningful way through an engaging social media experience.”

Viewers can share the videos through the American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda Performance Development and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports social-media channels, programs and websites. Links can be found at the Inside the Indy Challenge page.

Written by Joel Arellano.

Backed by a record of success that saw the company supply engines for five consecutive driving champions—from 1987-1991—Honda will return to the world of Formula One racing for the 2015 season. Notably, it will do so in partnership with the same chassis developer behind prior title-winning efforts: McLaren.

“The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders,” admitted Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren. “But it’s a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success. Together we have a great legacy—and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.”

Honda will again provide engines for the team, hinting at the primary reason the company is eager to get back into the premier class of automobile racing. The series will soon mandate the use of new, technologically advanced powertrains, and the Japanese automaker does not want to miss out on any of the action.

“The new F1 regulations, with their significant environmental focus, will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1,” according to Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda. “We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to the Formula One Group, which has developed F1 into a high-value, top car-racing category supported by enthusiastic fans.”

2014 Honda Grom

The Forza™ is a mid-displacement machine that boasts some pretty high-tech credentials: a fuel-injected liquid-cooled 300-class engine with a single overhead camshaft and four-valve head with sophisticated roller rocker arms. That all adds up to a ride that’s big enough for extended rides for two, but versatile, practical and economical enough to keep transportation costs way down.

Features and Benefits

• Automatic Honda V-Matic transmission provides seamless acceleration along with twist-and-go simplicity.
• Liquid-cooled fuel-injected four-stroke 279cc single-cylinder engine features a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder with roller rocker arms for strong engine performance, excellent fuel efficiency and clean, efficient operation.
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) offers excellent throttle response over a wide range of riding conditions.
• Combined Braking System (CBS) with a 256mm front disc and 240mm rear disc provides excellent braking power for added confidence in a wide range of operating conditions.
• Optional Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS with CBS).
• 35mm front fork with 3.7 inches of suspension travel provides a comfortable and controlled ride.
• Double-sided aluminum swingarm and twin rear shocks with 3.9 inches of travel for a smooth, comfortable ride.
• Instrumentation includes speedometer, odometer/A&B tripmeters, clock, fuel, coolant temperature and oil level warning light.
• Under-seat storage compartment can hold two full-face helmets.
• Dual fairing pockets provide additional storage area.
• 12-volt power socket allows easy access to plug in accessories.
• Available in Pearl Red.
• Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Honda Genuine Accessories†

• Tall Windscreen, 35 Liter Rear Trunk, Rear Trunk Attachment Kit, Cycle Cover, One-Key System for Rear Trunk

† WARRANTY: Because we’re so confident in the quality of each of our Honda Genuine accessories, we’re pleased to offer one of the best warranties in the industry. One-year warranty begins on the day accessories are purchased by the customer.

2014 Honda Forza (ABS Model Shown)

Okay, admit it: When you first look at the sporty and compact Grom™ you just have to smile. And no matter how long you’ve been riding, you just want to throw a leg over this bike and twist the throttle. It’s an excellent fit for both new and experienced riders, but to Gen Y buyers in particular the Grom carries a bit of attitude while promising fun times: the compact frame size, low seat, inverted front fork and hydraulic disc brakes make this the real deal. The fuel-injected 125cc engine delivers lots of torque, the 4-speed manual transmission works just like any other full-sized bike, the maneuverability and handling make it a joy to ride, and there’s even room for a passenger. Factor in its efficient size with an affordable price, and there’s just no way you can pass up this chance to get out and ride. Because no matter who you are, the Grom will keep you smiling, ride after ride.

Features and Benefits

• Single-cylinder 125cc SOHC four-stroke engine packs a perfect blend of performance with impressive fuel efficiency plus accessible and fun all-around ability.
• The engine uses low-friction technology such as an offset cylinder and a roller rocker arm for the valve gear.
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) offers excellent throttle response over a wide range of riding conditions by continuously monitoring several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions.
• The four-speed gearbox is managed via a manual clutch and offers smooth and consistent gear changes.
• Compact chassis features a sturdy steel frame.
• Telescopic inverted 31mm front fork, like a full-size motorcycle, delivers 3.9 inches of well-controlled travel.
• Steel box-section rear swingarm and a sturdy single shock yield 4.1 inches of comfortable rear-wheel travel.
• Single front 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper and single rear 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper deliver strong stopping power.
• Compact 47.4-inch wheelbase and light curb weight of 225 pounds results in amazing agility to boost rider confidence.
• LCD digital dash includes speedometer, odometer/A&B tripmeters, clock and fuel gauge.
• Available in Pearl Red and Metallic Black.
• Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
**Miles per gallon values are calculated estimates of fuel consumed during laboratory exhaust emissions tests specified by the EPA, not during on-road riding. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride and maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, cargo and accessories, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
Meets current CARB and EPA off-road emissions standards.