Just as the No. 93 Acura ARX-06, driven by Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly, crossed the finish line in first place at last Saturday’s Acura Long Beach Grand Prix, speculation about Acura’s exit from IMSA intensified. Those rumors have now been confirmed.
On Wednesday afternoon, Acura announced it will “pause” its IMSA GTP program at the end of the current season. The company did not provide a reason for the decision or specify whether the program would resume in the future.
“We are extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished during this era of Acura prototype racing, which began in 2018 with the introduction of the Acura ARX-05,” said David Salters, President of Honda Racing Corporation USA. “We are committed to competing for the championship in IMSA’s GTP category through 2026 with the hybrid Acura ARX-06.”
“We’ve scored 25 wins, 34 poles, and 10 championships during this time and look forward to finishing 2026 strong. I want to recognize all the talented women and men of HRC US, Acura, Meyer Shank Racing, and Oreca who have worked tirelessly to get us to where we are in this highly competitive GTP field.” — David Salters
While Acura will step back from IMSA’s GTP class, it will expand its involvement in IndyCar. Starting in 2026, the automaker will adorn Meyer Shank Racing’s Honda-powered Indy cars, including Marcus Armstrong’s No. 66 entry at next month’s 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. The announcement did not detail plans for 2027 but mentioned exploring “other high-profile opportunities in IndyCar during the 2026 season and beyond.”
IndyCar Shift Leaves IMSA Fans Questioning the Future
Though IndyCar remains a competitive and exciting series, the move away from IMSA’s GTP class—where Acura had a factory-level effort—disappoints many fans. While customer teams may continue using existing hardware, the absence of a factory-backed program marks a significant shift.
Industry rumors suggest Porsche may also conclude its IMSA GTP effort with Penske at the end of the year, mirroring its recent announcement regarding its WEC program.
Related articles
Paralyzed Racer Robert Wickens’ Inspiring Return to Nürburgring in Hyundai Documentary
On the eve of the 2026 edition of the annual 24 Hours of the Nürburgring—or, as it is properly known, the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring—Hyundai is pres...
Honda Civic Type R to Receive New HRC Performance Parts, Including in the US
Honda Racing Corporation has shown off a new rear wing and front splitter. The HRC concept was also fitted with a lightweight Akrapovic exhaust. Honda...
Porsche Unveils Ultra-Rare Brown 911 GT3 RS with Custom Truffle Brown Interior
The GT3 RS includes brown-tinted carbon fiber on the hood and roof. Found throughout the cabin is Truffle Brown leather and orange accents. Porsche ha...
Essential Exhaust Fabrication Tips for Your Project Car: Build a Better System
There are many systems that make cars go, stop, and get us around reliably. Exhaust is not one of those. Engines don’t really require much exhaust to...
2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS with 25 Miles Sells for $710,000 Despite Non-Operational Issues
Someone is betting that they’ll be able to repair this 2018 911 GT2 RS. The car has only 25 miles on the odometer since leaving the factory. Comparabl...
Red Bull Racing and Crocs Unveil Limited-Edition F1-Themed Footwear Collection
That’s what a younger Jerry would’ve said. But now, I probably would be a bit embarrassed to walk around with little Red Bull Formula 1 cars on my fee...
Lamborghini Arena 2024: A Spectacular Celebration of Supercars, Community, and Racing at Imola
Phone-wielding fans filmed from the grandstands as hundreds of Lamborghini models roared down the Imola track’s main straight. They weren’t watching t...
Porsche Honors Its Front-Engined Coupes: 924, 944, 968 & 928 Exhibition Opens in Stuttgart
Porsche has put together an exhibition dedicated to its front-engined coupes in Stuttgart. Museum display highlights 1980s culture, motorsport history...