PATASKALA, Ohio — Kakunoshin Ohta will join Acura Meyer Shank Racing and its full-season drivers, Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly, as well as endurance driver Alex Palou for the historic Rolex 24 at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway.
Ohta, a graduate of the Honda Formula Dream Project, will also join van der Zande and Yelloly in the No. 93 Acura ARX-06 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) Int’l and the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I am very happy that my challenge to race in IMSA has been officially decided,” Ohta said. “I will make sure that I 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.”
Last month, Ohta tested with Acura MSR at Daytona International Speedway, impressing in his first outing in an LMDh car. In between his commitments to Japan’s Super GT and Super Formula Championships, he prepared for the test by making two U.S. trips to use Honda Racing Corporation’s simulator in Indianapolis.
The 25-year-old Honda Factory driver started racing in the F-4 Japanese Championship in 2018, where he spent three full-time seasons. The last three years, Ohta has been doing triple duty in Japan by competing in Super Formula, Super GT and Super Taikyu, where he’s racked up 11 wins and 13 poles.
“We’re really excited to have Ohta with us for three races this year,” Mike Shank, co-owner of MSR said. “He did a really nice job at the test last month at Daytona and he fit in with the team very well. Now that we have both cars locked in, we’ll put our heads down and get to work at the Roar next month.”
In November, Acura MSR announced its 2025 IMSA Endurance Lineup. In addition to the aforementioned roster of the No. 93 car, full-time MSR drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun will be joined by Felix Rosenqvist and Scott Dixon in the No. 60 sister car.
