Erik Berkman

Biography

  In January, Berkman took over as president of HPD for the retiring Robert Clarke. Clarke’s 15-year tenure at HPD, which began in 1993, saw the tiny racing shop grow into one of the world’s most dynamic and prolific motorsports entities. Under Clarke’s leadership, HPD guided Honda racing products to major auto racing championships, including the IndyCar Series and Championship Auto Racing Teams titles, as well as victories at the world’s largest auto race, the Indianapolis 500. In addition, the HPDled Acura American Le Mans Series sports-car program captured the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring in Acura’s debut in the tough road-racing series. Berkman, a 25-year veteran of Honda and one of Research and Development’s most experienced newmodel project leaders, brings a wealth of Honda knowledge and experience to HPD in 2008. “Erik brings to HPD strong project-management skills – something that HPD needs at this point in its development, when the company is starting to take on multiple projects at the same time: IndyCar engine, American Le Mans Series engine and ALMS chassis,” said Clarke. “Erik also is an engineer, whereas I’m an industrial designer and architect, and he brings a strong technical skill set to better manage HPD’s technical division.”  

Research Interest

  “Erik was identified back in ’98 as a strong candidate for my replacement by Tom Elliott, Mr. [Michihiro] Asaka and myself,” said Clarke. “Erik has the Honda experience, skills and personal traits we felt are necessary in a person to excel as my replacement. LPLs [large project leaders] serve a very important role. In [the] Honda world, the LPL has tremendous power, and in the Honda R&D system in North America, I would say Erik is the most experienced LPL we have.” Over the years, HPD’s operations have expanded from a small engine-rebuild and trackside-support operation, dependent upon Honda R&D Japan for technical support, to a self-sufficient motorsports R&D company of more than 125 associates. Currently, HPD’s activities include complete engine design and development, prototype- and production-engine manu-facturing, chassis R&D, material analysis, and race-team support, among numerous other functions.