2006 Civic Si Wins Its Class at the 2005 25 Hours of Thunderhill Endurance Race

Torrance, Calif. 12/05/2005 -- Competing in its first sanctioned motorsports event, the all-new 2006 Honda Civic Si placed first and second in class at the grueling "25 Hours of Thunderhill" endurance race at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California. Honda campaigned two identically prepared and nearly stock Civic Si racecars in the event, which ran from 11 a.m. PST December 3 to noon on December 4 and is the self-billed "most severe endurance race on the planet."

Driving the winning car were Kim Wolfkill of Road & Track magazine, and Honda associates Lee Niffenegger, Chad Gilsinger and Matthew Staal. Piloting the second place car were Tony Swan of Car and Driver magazine, and Honda associates Sage Marie, Rich Hays and John Sherk.

This year's race featured 58 cars, and the 2006 Civics placed fourth and sixth overall, completing 645 and 641 laps, respectively, on the 3.02-mile track. Finishing first overall with 665 laps was a Porsche 911 from Team Lost N Space Racing.

"These results certainly validate the performance credentials of the new Civic Si," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This effort is also an expression of the passion and racing spirit existing within the many Honda associates involved in designing, and building the Civic."

Engineers from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Ohio prepared the cars to National Auto Sport Association (NASA) U.S. Touring Car Championship specifications in an effort to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the Si's new chassis architecture and powertrain. While the basic engine, transmission, and brake system remained stock, the Civic Si's 2.0-liter engine was enhanced by a custom intake from AEM and exhaust components from DC Sports.

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup competition tires on lightweight Rays wheels, and custom H&R racing suspension modifications completed the handling package. Enhancing the car's aerodynamics were a carbon-fiber front splitter and adjustable rear spoiler.

"We entered the cars in the E1 class because it features production-based cars, and we wanted to showcase the Civic Si's true capabilities under the most extreme conditions," said Lee Niffenegger, team leader. "We knew the cars would be fast, so it was our goal to finish one and two, and we did just that."

Honda has now established a successful track record at the Thunderhill competition. Last year, a nearly stock Acura TL in race trim (built and driven by engineers from Honda R&D Americas) won its class and finished third overall.

The Civic Si serves as the performance halo for the line of all-new 2006 Civics, offering a 197-horsepower, DOHC 2.0-liter i-VTEC(TM) engine connected to a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential. The 2006 Civic was recently named Motor Trend Car of the Year, and the Civic Si went on sale at dealerships nationwide December 1.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=456455

If I was looking to buy a sport compact I wouldn't think twice about getting an 06 Si!

Impressive!



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-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

cool. I just got done reading my new Motor Trend with the "Car of the Year" segment in it, and I'm very impressed by the new Si. Like, if I wasn't poor I'd go buy one... OK, maybe I'd go buy a 98 Vette instead, but I still like them a lot.

meh..





Red 2005 Saturn Ion-3 Coupe

What other cars competed in its class?

even though i think the new civics are the best looking 1's they have made

it still wouldnt be high on my list of cars to by


nice job of the 1 & 2

RoNuS20 wrote:What other cars competed in its class?

themarin8r wrote:

RoNuS20 wrote:What other cars competed in its class?

NASA pro-racing......

Tribals wrote:If I was looking to buy a sport compact I wouldn't think twice about getting an 06 Si!

Substitute 'sport compact' for 'grocery getting econo-box', and I agree.






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JinxedZ THE LOVED ONE wrote:

Tribals wrote:If I was looking to buy a sport compact I wouldn't think twice about getting an 06 Si!

Substitute 'sport compact' for 'grocery getting econo-box', and I agree.

i can't figure out who's smart ass comments i like better, you or borstry

well either way, there funny lol

JinxedZ THE LOVED ONE wrote:

Tribals wrote:If I was looking to buy a sport compact I wouldn't think twice about getting an 06 Si!

Substitute 'sport compact' for 'grocery getting econo-box', and I agree.

LOL....If I was looking to buy a grocery getting econo-box I wouldn't think twice about getting an 06 Si! That better!?

what other cars competed in it's class?



sorry i just wanted to be the 100th person to ask.



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