Acura will exit factory participation in the IMSA GTP class at the end of 2024, shrinking the elite field to four manufacturers.
Acura’s Exit From the ARX‑06 Program
Honda’s luxury division announced that its factory-backed LMDh prototype, the Acura ARX‑06, will cease racing after the current IMSA season. The decision comes nine years after Acura re‑emerged on the prototype stage and ended a winning streak that included Daytona 24 Hours and Watkins Glen triumphs.
Filipe Albuquerque’s View on a Leaner Grid
Former Acura driver Filipe Albuquerque, who led the brand through four consecutive seasons, said he feels the championship remains robust even with a narrower manufacturer lineup.
“I don’t see this as a downfall,” Albuquerque told Motorsport.com. “Four manufacturers is still great. We need to agree that a grid of 10 or 11 manufacturers was never normal.” He added that while the 1990 season saw a temporary burst of grid depth, the last five years have consistently maintained multiple works entries.
Albuquerque also hinted that the field may expand again, citing potential future entries from McLaren, Genesis, and Ford as they contemplate GTP‑ready programs. He believes that “2027 could see seven manufacturers, which is more than ever.”
Impending New Entrants and the GTP Future
While IMSA’s grid has contracted, the surrounding ecosystem may experience growth. In the World Endurance Championship, eight manufacturers currently contest the Hypercar class; Porsche’s exit was offset by Genesis’s arrival. Ford and McLaren are reportedly developing LMDh prototypes that could target the next couple of seasons.
Albuquerque explained that the decision for new entrants to prioritize the WEC first stems from strategic marketing and timing. “If you work it better, there’s no clash between WEC and IMSA, and teams can share mechanics and engineers across both series,” he said. “That would broaden coverage of the significant American market for car sales.”
Comparative Landscape: IMSA vs. WEC
The WEC has maintained healthy grids with eight competitors, but IMSA’s fewer constructors performed less well in attracting new entries. Genesis plans a separate IMSA programme no earlier than 2028, while Ford and McLaren have yet to finalise schedules. When Lamborghini paused its SC63 program in 2025, Acura became the second major manufacturer to pause its GTP effort.
Albuquerque remained optimistic about endurance racing in North America. “I just came out of an interview with Michelin. It’s the same tyres and the same car as WEC. Racing a second programme doesn’t double the cost,” he noted. “After all, that’s what we’re doing here: selling cars to a great market.”
Looking Ahead
With Acura withdrawing, the GTP arena will see Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, and Aston Martin driving the competition. Albuquerque stressed the need for continued manufacturer involvement to keep the field dynamic, projecting a growing six‑plus manufacturer lineup by 2028. His outlook underscores that the sport’s vitality continues, not collapsed, as industry leaders gradually expand back into the arena.
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