Honda Racing Takes a Bold Turn: Acura GTP Program to Pause as Focus Shifts to IndyCar Series!
In a stunning strategic move, Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) has announced it will pause its factory GTP program with the Acura ARX-06 after the 2026 season, redirecting its energies toward a revitalized commitment to the IndyCar Series. This ambitious pivot marks a significant shift in Acura's motorsport strategy, as the brand seeks to capitalize on the booming popularity of IndyCar racing.
Currently, Acura is making waves in the GTP class through a partnership with Meyer Shank Racing, fielding two electrifying ARX-06 entries in the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The primary #60 entry, manned by the dynamic duo of Colin Braun and Tom Blomqvist, is making headlines alongside the #93 entry, which has HRC US orchestrating race engineering and strategy—an innovative first for the manufacturer. Drivers Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly are at the helm of this groundbreaking entry.
David Salters, President of Honda Racing Corporation USA, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments achieved during this era of Acura prototype racing, which began with the introduction of the Acura ARX-05 back in 2018. “We are extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished during this era of Acura prototype racing which began back in 2018,” Salters stated. “We’ve scored 25 wins, 34 poles, and 10 championships during this time and look forward to finishing 2026 strong.” He went on to recognize the unwavering commitment of the talented teams at HRC US, Acura, Meyer Shank Racing, and Oreca, acknowledging their tireless efforts in navigating the fiercely competitive GTP landscape.
But what’s driving this ambitious pivot? Acura is strategically expanding its footprint in the IndyCar Series, with plans to showcase its branding on Meyer Shank Racing Honda-powered Indy cars at select races in 2026. Notably, Acura will make its historic debut at the Indianapolis 500, featuring on Marcus Armstrong’s #66 car during the 110th running of this iconic event. This marks a thrilling return to the spotlight for Acura, who last graced the IndyCar scene in 1994 with Comptech Racing.
As Honda prepares for an exciting future in IndyCar, the brand is eyeing high-profile opportunities and partnerships for the upcoming season and beyond. The Acura-branded #60 MSR machine, driven by Felix Rosenqvist, made a stunning appearance at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach—an event that celebrated its eighth year as title sponsor and the Acura brand’s 40th anniversary. Rosenqvist clinched the pole position and finished a remarkable second, further solidifying Acura's rising status in the motorsports arena.
The timing of Acura's expansion couldn't be better, as the NTT IndyCar Series experiences unprecedented growth, with record attendance and television ratings. The recent partnership with Fox has resulted in the most-watched Indianapolis 500 in 17 years, and the early 2026 races have generated the largest TV audiences since 2008. Hundy Liu, Acura Brand Marketing Manager, expressed enthusiasm for this new venture, saying, “We’re excited for the Acura brand expansion into the NTT IndyCar Series and we can’t wait to see our Acura livery take on the Indy 500.”
With the competitive landscape of IndyCar thriving, Acura is poised to leverage this momentum for greater brand awareness, especially as Honda-powered teams continue to dominate. Liu added, “The IndyCar series has shown incredible growth in the last year and a half, and we see it as a powerful opportunity to build awareness for our Acura brand.”
As Acura prepares to redefine its motorsports narrative, fans and competitors alike are left speculating about the potential thrills that await in the upcoming IndyCar seasons. The world will be watching closely as Acura takes bold strides into a new era of racing!