Kakunoshin “Kaku” Ohta, a Honda factory driver, recently made his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut at the Daytona 24 Hours. Following this impressive performance, Ohta is set to drive for Era Motorsport in two upcoming LMP2 races, starting with the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring next month. This opportunity comes in addition to Ohta’s existing three-race schedule with Acura Meyer Shank Racing, which includes races at Watkins Glen and Indianapolis.
Ohta’s extensive experience in various racing categories, such as IMSA’s GTP class, Super Formula, SUPER GT GT500, and Super Taikyu, has positioned him as the perfect fit for Era Motorsport’s program. The team expressed their excitement for this collaboration, highlighting the mutual benefits for Ohta, Honda, and Era Motorsport. This partnership also marks a significant milestone for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Era Motorsport, creating a platform for young drivers like Ohta to gain valuable experience in North American sports car racing.
Reflecting on his new opportunity, Ohta shared his enthusiasm for racing with Era Motorsport at Sebring and Road America. Having tested with the team during the offseason, Ohta expressed confidence in their partnership, citing Era Motorsport’s track record of success in the LMP2 class. Era Motorsport founder Kyle Tilley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s pride in collaborating with Ohta and HRC on this project.
At Sebring and Road America, Ohta will join forces with Tobias Lütke and David Heinemeier Hansson. This week, Ohta is participating in the IMSA Sanctioned Test at Sebring, gearing up for the upcoming 12 Hours of Sebring. Notably, Ohta led laps during the Daytona 24 Hours in his debut race with the No.93 MSR Acura ARX-06, showcasing his skill and potential as a rising star in sports car racing.
As Ohta transitions to Era Motorsport, he will be replacing veteran Ryan Dalziel in the lineup, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to the team. Despite facing a suspension issue during the Daytona 24 Hours that affected the overall performance of the No.93 car, Ohta’s resilience and determination have not gone unnoticed, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
IndyCar Season Outlook
With the new IndyCar season set to kick off at St. Petersburg, the anticipation and excitement among fans and drivers are palpable. As teams gear up for the first practice session, including AJ Foyt Racing, the stage is set for a thrilling season of competition and camaraderie on the track. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights as the season unfolds.
Red Bull Reserve Role
Arvid Lindblad’s recent success in securing his FIA Super License has put him in contention for a reserve driver role with Red Bull and RB. Following his victory in the Formula Regional series, Lindblad’s talent and potential have caught the attention of top teams, signaling a promising future in the world of motorsport. Watch this space for more developments on Lindblad’s journey to the top.
In conclusion, Ohta’s transition to Era Motorsport marks a significant milestone in his racing career, showcasing his talent and versatility on the track. With a strong partnership between HRC and Era Motorsport, the stage is set for Ohta to make a lasting impact in North American sports car racing. Stay tuned for more thrilling races and memorable moments as Ohta embarks on this new chapter in his racing journey.
