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Kakunoshin Ohta Set To Make His IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Debut In 2025
Kakunoshin Ohta, a Honda driver and graduate of the Honda Formula Dream Project (HFDP), is set to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's top GTP class in 2025. He will drive for Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian in their No. 93 car, participating in three events, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Ohta will be behind the wheel of the Acura ARX-06, an LMDh car developed by Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US). This vehicle represents Honda's motorsport efforts in the United States. His debut race will be at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, followed by Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen and the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
HRC US engineers will manage the Acura MSR No. 93 car from 2025, aiming to enhance technology and train engineers through racing. Ohta began his preparation for IMSA by training with HRC US's Driver-In-The-Loop Simulator in Indianapolis in October 2024. In November, he gained practical experience driving the Acura ARX-06 during an official IMSA test at Daytona International Speedway.
Ohta's journey began with a scholarship at Suzuka Circuit Racing School (now Honda Racing School Suzuka) in 2018. After graduating from HFDP, he started his racing career in Japan's Super Formula and SUPER GT GT500 class in 2023. His performance in these categories and at Daytona earned him a spot for the upcoming season.
Honda Racing Corporation supports young drivers aspiring to compete globally by positioning Japan's top categories as pathways to world-class competition. Koji Watanabe, President of HRC, stated: "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."
Takuma Sato, Executive Advisor at HRC, expressed excitement about Ohta's participation: "We are delighted that HRS graduate Ohta is taking on the challenge of IMSA." He highlighted that North American races like IMSA attract top competitors worldwide and hoped Ohta would inspire other young drivers.
Kakunoshin Ohta: A Promising Career
Born on June 16, 1999, in Kyoto City, Kakunoshin Ohta has achieved significant milestones throughout his career. In 2018, he won five JAF-F4 races and became Western Japan Champion and East-West Champion. By 2023, he had secured podiums in Super Formula Lights and SUPER GT GT500.
In 2024, Ohta raced with DOCOMO TEAM DANDELION RACING in Super Formula, achieving two consecutive victories contributing to his team's title win. He also competed with Astemo REAL RACING as Kodai Tsukakoshi's co-driver in SUPER GT GT500.
The Role of HRC US
HRC US has been pivotal since its founding as Honda Performance Development (HPD) in 1993. It merged with HRC Japan in January 2024 to bolster Honda's motorsports capabilities. HRC US leads high-performance racing programs across North America and will support Formula One power unit development starting in 2026.
The company focuses on designing powertrains, chassis, electronics, and performance parts while offering technical support to racers. It continues expanding its racing programs to make Honda products accessible across various racing styles.
"I am very happy that my debut in IMSA has been officially decided," said Kakunoshin Ohta about his upcoming participation. "I hope I will live up to everyone's expectations and continue to grow." His enthusiasm reflects Honda Racing Corporation’s commitment to nurturing talent for global competition.
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