Zero Emission Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle to Kick off Indy Japan 300

Business Wire, April 17, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS -- The IndyCar Series and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the new Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will serve as the official car of the Indy Japan 300 on Saturday, April 19 at Twin Ring Motegi in Tochigi, Japan.

The FCX Clarity will lead the IndyCar Series field at the start of the race, which takes place just three days prior to the worldwide celebration of Earth Day on April 22. The decision to feature the zero-emission fuel cell vehicle is part of the IndyCar Series leadership in the greening of motorsports. The IndyCar Series is the first and only major racing series in the world to run exclusively on a renewable fuel, using 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in all of its cars.

Scheduled for release in the U.S. this summer and in Japan in the fall, the FCX Clarity runs on hydrogen and emits no carbon dioxide or other environmentally harmful emissions. The Clarity emits only water and is considered to be on the cutting edge of environmentally responsible vehicle design.

"The FCX Clarity is just the latest example of why Honda continues to be such a great partner for the IndyCar Series," said Terry Angstadt, President of the Commercial Division for the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series. "They share many of our brand attributes, including innovation, technology and our effort to go green and be better stewards of our environment. We're honored to see Honda unveil this cutting edge vehicle at one of our races and look forward to working with them in the future to continue spreading the greening message to race fans and consumers worldwide."

The FCX Clarity is powered by the highly-compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel stack. Boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance made possible by the innovative layout of the fuel cell power plant, the FCX Clarity offers superior design and driving performance as well as environmental responsibility.

Among other duties, the FCX Clarity will act as a pace car at the start of the Indy Japan 300, and will be on display inside the Twin Ring Motegi paddock.

About IndyCar Series

The IndyCar Series is the premier open-wheel series in the United States, competing on a challenging combination of superspeedways, short ovals, scenic road courses and temporary street circuits. All 2008 IndyCar Series races will be available worldwide through a comprehensive, long-term broadcast agreement with ABC Sports/ESPN, including all races broadcast in High-Definition and a motorsports first 360-degree in-car camera. A leader in motorsports technology, the IndyCar Series is the first racing series to power its Honda engines on 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel. The IndyCar Series continues to the be the fastest, most competitive and innovative racing series, attracting a diverse lineup of drivers with participants from the United States, Japan, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. The stars of the IndyCar Series include 2005 Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series champion Dan Wheldon, 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan, two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves, 2005 Bombardier Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick and 2006 Bombardier Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti. Other standouts include Scott Dixon, Buddy Rice, Graham Rahal, Will Power and Justin Wilson. For more information on the IndyCar Series, please visit www.indycar.com.