Kakunoshin Ohta: Rising Star in North American Motorsports
Kakunoshin Ohta, widely known as “Kaku,” is steadily making his mark in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, solidifying his reputation as a key prospect in Honda’s racing lineup. At just 26, he has transitioned from Japan’s competitive motorsport scene to North America, racing with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and securing his place among top-tier drivers.
Ohta made his IMSA debut at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona in the HRC-engineered No. 93 Acura ARX-06. His North American schedule also includes six-hour endurance races at Watkins Glen and Indianapolis, plus LMP2 races at Sebring and Road America with Era Motorsport. Despite initial challenges, including a suspension failure at Daytona, Ohta has impressed with lap leadership and competitive battles against seasoned drivers like Romain Grosjean and Frederik Vesti.
Reflecting on the competition, Ohta stated, “This series is so tough, and a lot of top drivers from all over the world come here… it’s so fun.” His experiences in IMSA have not only expanded his racing skills but also enriched his understanding of American fan culture, which he describes as more approachable compared to Japan.
The technical differences he is adapting to are significant. Ohta noted the GTP cars’ reliance on downforce rather than tires, contrasting them with the GT500 class he is accustomed to. He emphasized, “I’ve never done such sophisticated racing as GTP,” highlighting the scale and collaboration within teams in IMSA, which often involve nearly double the personnel compared to Japan’s GT500 series.
Ohta’s success is also evident in his ongoing Super Formula campaign, where he currently ranks third in the championship standings, aided by three wins this season. He attributes his prowess in Super Formula partially to his IMSA experiences, stating, “That kind of knowledge and experience has helped me a lot.”
Recently, Ohta was announced to participate in his first IndyCar test with MSR, furthering his ambitions of following in the footsteps of Takuma Sato, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly concerning Honda’s uncertain future in IndyCar post-2026 and the acquisition of sponsorships necessary for his racing aspirations.
As Ohta continues to develop as a driver, with no schedule conflicts between IMSA and Super Formula next season, he stands poised to capitalize on multiple racing opportunities while aiming for a Super Formula championship. His blend of talent, adaptability, and support from Honda positions him as a driver to watch in motorsports’ ever-evolving landscape. Expect to hear more from Kakunoshin Ohta as he pushes toward the forefront of competitive racing.
