Acura Pauses ARX-06 LMDh Program After 2026 IMSA Season
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) has announced a temporary halt to its Acura ARX-06 LMDh program following the conclusion of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The news comes on the heels of a successful victory at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where Acura Meyer Shank Racing’s Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly secured a notable win.
Despite the enthusiasm generated by recent success, the press release did not specify the reasons for halting the GTP initiative. However, reports indicate that the program faces challenges due to a tough global automotive market and the cancellation of several electric vehicle projects by Honda.
David Salters, President of HRC US, emphasized the achievements within Acura’s prototype racing since 2018, stating, “We’ve scored 25 wins, 34 poles, and 10 championships during this time.” Salters reaffirmed the commitment to compete through 2026, highlighting that the Acura ARX-06 remains competitive in the hybrid GTP category.
Acura has participated in IMSA’s top prototype category since 2018, capturing three DPi class titles and the prestigious 2022 Daytona 24 Hours. The ARX-06 debuted in the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona with a formidable 1-2 finish for Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing, although the latter’s subsequent season was marred by a tire pressure controversy.
Following a competitive restructuring, Wayne Taylor Racing’s collaboration with Andretti Autosport led to a second-place finish in the 2023 GTP championship. After transitioning back to Cadillac, WTR achieved victories at both Sebring and Detroit in 2024. Meanwhile, Meyer Shank Racing retained its Acura presence, with notable wins later in the season.
Looking ahead, Honda’s Acura is the only LMDh manufacturer that has yet to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship, although speculation about future involvements persisted. Opportunities for privateer teams to operate the ARX-06 in the new Hypercar category of the Asian Le Mans Series remain viable. Moreover, Acura could potentially resume its GTP efforts in future regulatory cycles.
The motorsports community will be closely monitoring these developments as the 2026 season approaches, particularly regarding Acura’s strategic positioning and the implications for LMDh competition moving forward.
