A little browsing on Honda’s Instagram shows us some posts of famous race car drivers and their Hondas. I mean, it’s easy to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if a racer drives one right? The logic is solid and the advertising seamless. But who drives what? IndyCar Racer Alexander Rossi Drives a 2020 Honda Passport.

Let’s learn a little more about Alexander Rossi and the Honda Passport. Then we can see how truly genius the idea behind this advertising really is. When it comes to pretty much every facet of the auto industry, Honda basically has it on lock. So it’s no surprise that it would employ such a useful marketing tactic.

Who is Alexander Rossi?

If you love IndyCar racing and you’re an avid fan, odds are you already know exactly who Alexander Rossi is. And, while it’s easy to hear about IndyCar racing without knowing every driver, Rossi is one of the more prominent figures of the current IndyCar circuit. In addition to driving his 2020 Honda Passport, he’s also the driver for the Honda-manufactured Andretti Autosport team.

According to Honda Racing News Alexander Rossi was the second-fastest racer in spring training this year. Rossi’s time was just 0.2296 seconds behind Will Power with Team Penske. This made Rossi the fastest Honda driver at the practice.

“Alexander Rossi led the way for Honda during a weather-interrupted NTT INDYCAR SERIES “Spring Training” test this week at the Circuit of the Americas, posting the second-fastest overall lap time on Wednesday afternoon to head the 13-driver Honda field.”

Honda Racing News | February 13, 2020 — AUSTIN, Texas

According to Racing News, Scott Dixon, Honda-backed driver from the Chip Ganassi Racing team, took the top spot at the June 6, 2020 season opener at Texas Motor Speedway. Rossi had to take a turn through penalty due to some unapproved adjustments. But we are pretty sure that’s not the last we’ll see of him during this historic delayed NTT IndyCar season.

The 2020 Honda Passport

Car and Driver calls the Honda Passport “one of the better midsize crossovers,” and it’s true. The 2020 Honda Passport has plenty of power, a long list of standard driver-assist features, and it starts around $33,000. Oh yeah––and Alexander Rossi drives one.

Surely if an IndyCar racer drives one it’s a great car, right? We see you, Honda. It’s a complete no-brainer of an advertising scheme and we aren’t mad about it.

The 2020 Passport offers plenty of passenger space as well as room for bulky cargo. It has a sporty rugged look that makes it seems capable. Alexander Rossi loves the bench seat in the back for how easy his dogs can jump in and out.

Honda IndyCar

Honda has seen much success over the years with its IndyCar racers. The official NTT IndyCar Series website reports that Honda Performance Development has manufactured an IndyCar since 1994. Also noted, is “Alexander Rossi’s victory at the historic 100th running in 2016.”

Rossi continues to be a fast addition to Honda Performance Development’s presence in the modern IndyCar racing industry. Though his first race this season didn’t go as planned, there is still hope for future wins. Until then, Alexander Rossi will be mentally manifesting future victory from behind the wheel of his Honda Passport.