SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 13, 2025 – Kakunoshin Ohta, a rising star in the world of motorsports and a graduate of the Honda Formula Dream Project (HFDP), is set to make his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut in 2025. Ohta will be competing in the prestigious GTP class, driving the Acura ARX-06 for the Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian team.
Ohta Joins Forces with Acura Meyer Shank Racing
Ohta will be joining the No. 93 Acura ARX-06 team as the fourth driver, participating in three key races:
- Rolex 24 at Daytona: Marking Ohta's debut in the IMSA series.
- Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen: A challenging endurance race at Watkins Glen International.
- TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks: A thrilling event at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This strategic partnership reflects Acura's commitment to developing young talent and pushing the boundaries of racing technology. Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) will play a significant role in the team, providing engineering expertise and leveraging the experience to train engineers and advance motorsport technology.
From Honda Formula Dream Project to IMSA
Ohta's journey to IMSA has been marked by dedication and success.
- 2018: Earned a scholarship at the Suzuka Circuit Racing School (now Honda Racing School Suzuka).
- 2023: Graduated from the Honda Formula Dream Project and began competing in Japan's top racing categories, Super Formula and the SUPER GT GT500 class.
To prepare for the challenges of IMSA, Ohta has been immersed in an intensive training program:
- October 2024: Began training on the Driver-In-The-Loop Simulator at the HRC US facility in Indianapolis.
- November 2024: Gained valuable experience driving the Acura ARX-06 at the official IMSA test at Daytona International Speedway.
His impressive performance in both Japanese racing and the Daytona test solidified his selection for the 2025 IMSA season.
Honda's Commitment to Developing World-Class Drivers
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is dedicated to nurturing talented drivers and providing them with opportunities to compete on the world stage. Ohta's entry into IMSA is a testament to this commitment. By positioning Japanese racing series like Super Formula and SUPER GT as pathways to global competition, HRC continues to support young drivers in their pursuit of international success.
Quotes from Key Figures
- Kakunoshin Ohta: "I am very happy that my debut in IMSA has been officially decided. I hope I will live up to everyone's expectations and continue to grow, not only in terms of results, but also for further advancement. I am looking forward to teaming up with the world's top drivers and competing in the top category. I look forward to your support."
- Koji Watanabe (President, Honda Racing Corporation): "HRC's desire to see Japanese drivers compete on the world stage matched Ohta's strong desire to challenge the world, resulting in his entry into IMSA. We hope that Ohta will do his best as a representative of Japan. HRC will continue to support his challenge, and his abundant talent and passion to go global."
- Takuma Sato (Executive Advisor, Honda Racing Corporation): "We are delighted that HRS graduate Ohta is taking on the challenge of IMSA, as North American races such as IMSA and IndyCar are truly a global challenge, attracting top-class competitors from all over the world. Ohta's success in Super Formula and SUPER GT proves that he has the ability to compete on a global level. We sincerely hope that he will take advantage of this opportunity to make further progress. We also hope that his challenge will give hope to many young drivers and help pave the way for them to reach the world stage, and we would like to contribute to creating such an environment."
Kakunoshin Ohta: A Rising Star
- 1999: Born on June 16 in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
- 2018: Awarded a scholarship at the Honda Racing School Suzuka.
- 2018 - Present: Achieved consistent success in various racing series, including FIA-F4, Super Formula Lights, and SUPER GT.
About Honda Racing Corporation USA
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) has a long history of supporting Honda and Acura motorsports programs. Formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), HRC US is responsible for all high-performance racing activities in North America, including INDYCAR and IMSA. The company specializes in powertrain development, chassis design, electronics, and performance parts.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive brand known for its commitment to performance, innovation, and sophisticated design. The Acura lineup features a range of sport sedans and SUVs, including the Integra, TLX, RDX, MDX, and the all-electric ZDX.
About Acura in North American Motorsports
Acura has a strong presence in North American motorsports, with a legacy of success in IMSA competition. The brand has achieved numerous championships and victories, including multiple wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.