Super GT and Super Formula driver Kakunoshin Ohta will drive with Meyer Shank Racing Acura at the 24 Hours of Daytona on 25-26 January 2025.
The 25-year-old will embark on his IMSA SportsCar Championship debut with Meyer Shank Racing at Daytona.
He will compete in the #93 Acura ARX-06 in the GTP category with teammates Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly and Endurance Cup driver Alex Palou at Daytona, also partnering van der Zande and Yelloly at the Six Hours of the Glen and the Battle on the Bricks.
At the IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona, on 15-16 November, Ohta undertook his first laps behind the wheel.
“I am very happy that my challenge to race in IMSA has been officially decided,” he 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.”
Mike Shank, co-owner of Acura Meyer Shank Racing, added: “We’re really excited to have Ohta with us for three races this year.
“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.”
Ohta as a Honda Formula Dream graduate
He has been part of the Honda manufacturer since racing in the 2019 Japanese Formula 4 Championship.
The Honda Formula Dream Project consists of a group of young talents in the Japanese motorsport field, of which he was formerly part of.
Ohta, as a Honda factory driver, specifically prepared for his first IMSA-sanctioned test by making two trips to use Honda Racing Corporation’s (HRC) simulator in Indianapolis, USA.
Takuma Sato, executive advisor at HRC, said: “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 the creating such an environment.”
The Roar Before the 24 will host pre-event testing sessions on 19-21 January ahead of the main race meeting.
IMSA’s 2025 season-opener will mark the 63rd running of the Daytona 24 Hours.
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