Seeking to highlight the on-track potential of the new 2008 S2000 CR, Honda announced today that two S2000 CRs will race in the annual “25 Hours of Thunderhill” endurance race on December 1 and 2.

Billed as the “most severe endurance race on the planet,” the 25 Hours of Thunderhill will mark the first time the 2008 Honda S2000 CR will compete in a sanctioned motorsports event.

Cars in the race will be driven by two teams of four drivers comprised of Honda associates from its various North American operations, and two members of the automotive media.

Engineers from Honda R&D Americas built the cars to National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Performance Touring C (PTC) specs in an effort to demonstrate the on-track performance capability of the S2000 CR. The modifications were kept simple to show how easily track-day or amateur racing enthusiasts can convert their own CRs, and take them to the track. Each vehicle will be outfitted with a McMahen Autosports Roll Cage, BF Goodrich g-Force R1 DOT racing tires, custom single-outlet race exhaust by AEM, Goodridge stainless steel brake hoses and Cobalt Friction XR series racing brake pads.

Honda has already established a successful track record at the Thunderhill competition. In 2005, Honda associates campaigned two identically prepared 2006 Civic Si racecars which placed first and second in class and fourth and sixth overall in a field of 58 cars.

Building on the already great qualities of the S2000, the new Honda S2000 CR introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track-day events and to provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.