From Road & Track · Fred Smith · · 3m
Acura's IMSA GTP Program Ends After Four Years
Acura's racing program ended after four years of success, leaving teams with a win but no future in top-tier competition.
In brief
Acura's racing program ended after four years of success, leaving teams with a win but no future in top-tier competition. Acura's IMSA GTP program ended after four years, winning three major races but facing reliability issues and a penalty that cost the championship. Originally reported by Road & Track.
Acura's IMSA GTP Program
Acura's IMSA GTP program began four years ago with the ARX-06 car winning the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona.
Early Development Challenges
HRC US faced significant hurdles in developing the ARX-06, including software issues and suspension failures during initial tests.
First Race Success
The ARX-06 won the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona from pole, securing Acura's first win in the LMDh rule set.
Reliability Issues
The program faced reliability problems, with the ARX-06 experiencing gearbox oil leaks and other mechanical failures during races.
Penalty for Data Manipulation
MSR received a penalty for allegedly manipulating tire pressure data, losing 200 championship points and the title.
Program Pause Announcement
Acura's IMSA GTP program was placed on indefinite pause, effectively retiring the ARX-06 after four years of racing.
Meyer Shank Racing's Experience
Meyer Shank Racing won two championships with the GTD car but switched to the ARX-06 after the 2021 DPI contract change.
2024 Season Highlights
The ARX-06 won the 2024 12 Hours of Sebring and Detroit races, but the program was paused before the final season.
Long Beach Victory
The ARX-06 won at Long Beach just a day after the program pause was announced, providing a final boost to morale.
Team Reactions
Meyer Shank Racing's team leader expressed disappointment over the program's end, saying it was a 'big blow' to what they signed up for.
Future Plans
Acura plans to return to IMSA racing through its Civic Type R TCR cars in Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Program Pause Details
Acura's IMSA GTP program is now on indefinite pause, with teams ready to resume if Honda chooses to continue.
2025 and Beyond
Meyer Shank Racing plans to return to IMSA racing in 2025 with new drivers and a focus on the 2028 IndyCar season.
Final Season Challenges
The final season saw multiple incidents involving the ARX-06, including contact between teammates at Petit Le Mans.
Long Beach Victory Impact
The Long Beach win provided a final emotional boost to the team, with the winner's circle and Honda executives present.
Program's End
Acura's IMSA GTP program ended after four years, leaving teams with a win but no future in top-tier competition.
The big picture
Acura's IMSA GTP program ended after four years, winning three major races but facing reliability issues and a penalty that cost the championship.
