Team Penske, a powerhouse in motorsports, unveiled exciting plans for the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, marking Acura’s return to prototype racing with a brand-new car and a stellar driver lineup. For fans eagerly anticipating the thrill of Daytona racing, this announcement signaled a significant entry into the world-renowned Daytona 24 Hours race, even if it wasn’t directly related to the NASCAR Daytona 500 program. The unveiling highlighted the cutting-edge Acura ARX-05 prototype and the drivers who would pilot it, setting the stage for a competitive season.
Star Drivers Join the Acura Team Penske Lineup
In a move that sent ripples of excitement through the racing community, Team Penske announced Juan Pablo Montoya and Dane Cameron as the first two full-time drivers for their 2018 IMSA program. Montoya, a legend in motorsports with victories across IndyCar, Formula 1, and sports car racing, brings unparalleled experience and a winning pedigree to the team. His previous triumphs include the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Daytona, showcasing his ability to excel in the most demanding races.
Dane Cameron, a reigning IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar series champion, adds further strength to the driver lineup. With a proven track record in prototype racing and multiple championship titles, Cameron is known for his speed and consistency. His experience with Action Express Racing in the prototype class makes him a valuable asset to the new Acura program. The combination of Montoya’s raw talent and Cameron’s championship-winning expertise creates a formidable duo ready to tackle the challenges of the IMSA season, culminating in the grueling Daytona 24 Hours.
The Cutting-Edge Acura ARX-05 Prototype
The heart of this exciting program is the Acura ARX-05, a state-of-the-art prototype race car designed to compete at the highest levels of sports car racing. Based on the ORECA 07 chassis, the ARX-05 features distinctive Acura bodywork and is powered by the race-proven Acura AR35TT twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine, derived from Acura’s production vehicles, underscores the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation.
The ARX-05, which stands for Acura Racing eXperimental, generation 5, represents the latest in Acura’s long line of successful endurance prototypes, dating back to 1991. Its unveiling at Monterey Car Week generated significant buzz, offering a glimpse into the future of Acura Motorsports and Team Penske’s ambitions in sports car racing, particularly at iconic events like the Daytona 24 Hours.
Team Penske and Acura: A Partnership for Success
Roger Penske, the founder and chairman of Team Penske, emphasized the strategic partnership with Acura Motorsports and Honda Performance Development (HPD). He highlighted the selection of drivers who not only possess exceptional racing skills but also embody the spirit of the Acura brand. The collaboration aims to develop a winning program from the outset, targeting race wins and championships while serving as strong ambassadors for Acura.
Montoya expressed his enthusiasm for joining Team Penske’s new sports car venture with Acura, highlighting his long-standing relationship with Roger Penske and his passion for sports car racing. Cameron echoed this sentiment, describing the opportunity to race for Team Penske as a dream come true and expressing excitement about contributing to the development of the ARX-05.
Daytona Debut and the Road Ahead
The Acura ARX-05 and the newly formed Team Penske program were set to make their competition debut at the 2018 season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona. This iconic endurance race represents a significant challenge and a prime opportunity for Acura and Team Penske to showcase their capabilities on a global stage. While the Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s premier event, the Daytona 24 Hours holds similar prestige in the world of sports car racing, and Acura’s entry with Team Penske signaled a serious intent to compete for victory.
The multi-year program, managed by Honda Performance Development, underscores Acura’s long-term commitment to sports car racing. With a rich history of success in endurance events, Acura, along with Team Penske, aims to add to their legacy with the ARX-05, starting with a strong showing at the Daytona 24 Hours and throughout the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. The racing world eagerly awaited the debut of this exciting partnership and the performance of the Acura ARX-05 on the track.
About Team Penske, Acura, and Honda Performance Development
Team Penske stands as one of the most successful teams in sports history, boasting over 460 major race wins and 29 National Championships across various racing disciplines. Their impressive record includes 16 Indianapolis 500 victories and overall wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, solidifying their status as a racing powerhouse.
Acura, as a leading luxury automotive brand, is known for its “Precision Crafted Performance” philosophy. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016, Acura offers a diverse lineup of luxury vehicles and is committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and design.
Honda Performance Development (HPD), founded in 1993, is the racing arm of Acura and Honda in North America. HPD has achieved remarkable success in IndyCar racing and boasts a strong history in endurance sports car racing, with numerous victories at prestigious events worldwide. Their expertise is crucial to the Acura ARX-05 program and the pursuit of success in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
