Honda is joining the likes of Ford and Chevrolet in the manufacturer ranks of the Daytona Prototype (DP) class of the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. The automaker has confirmed that its new  Honda Riley DP package, powered by a new twin-turbocharged version of its familiar 3.5-liter V-6, will be run by Starworks Motorsport at the Sebring 12 Hours this weekend.

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Key components shared between the racing version of the engine and the production unit include the block and heads, crankshaft, direct injection fuel system, valve train components, drive-by-wire throttle, alternator, sensors, and fasteners. The engine even utilizes a stock Honda oil filter.

The automaker isn’t exiting the LMP2 class though, with Extreme Speed Motorsports set to continue fielding a pair of Honda-powered prototypes in the LMP2 class, which features fellow manufacturers Nissan and Mazda. This combination results in an impressive five-manufacturer lineup vying for Prototype honors in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship this season.

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"Adding a Daytona Prototype effort alongside the proven HPD-Honda chassis and engine combination in LMP2 provides Honda with a strong and balanced attack in the inaugural TUDOR Championship," Honda Performance Development boss Steve Eriksen said in a statement.  "This is a great opportunity for HPD and our customer teams in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship."

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