Kaku Ohta, the 27‑year‑old Japanese speedster who tops the Super Formula standings, is moving to the front of IndyCar conversations after a successful IMSA outing and an impressive test with Meyer Shank Racing.
Ohta’s Super Formula triumph fuels IndyCar ambitions
Ohta leads the Super Formula title chase, a championship that has produced four‑time IndyCar champion Alex Palou and 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist. He says the speed he achieves in Japan must translate directly into the open‑wheel battles across the United States.
“If I become a Super Formula champion, that proves my performance for IndyCar,” Ohta told Motorsport.com. The driver stresses that Honda, his factory teammate, is aware of his aspirations to join the series.
Winter test and IMSA green‑light
Last year’s North American stint began with a 104‑lap test at Mid‑Ohio, after Ohta ran endurance rounds with the Acura Meyer Shank Racing team. The test set the foundation for his next opportunity: the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, where he shared the #93 Acura ARX‑06 alongside Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly.
It marked Ohta’s second IMSA start this season, the first being a fifth‑place finish at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Meyer Shank Racing’s lineup is in flux, as Felix Rosenqvist will depart after this season, opening a seat that Ohta believes he could fill.
Acura’s exit from IMSA: a turning point?
Acura will discontinue its GTP program in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at year‑end, a decision that struck Ohta as unfortunate. He expressed the mixture of respect for the brand’s choice and the personal impact it could have on his racing future.
“I’ll miss Daytona and the big races in IMSA that I really wanted to win,” Ohta said. “But I also have a big dream for IndyCar, and Honda knows that – we’re still working on it.”
Learning the North American tracks
Ohta acknowledges that he has missed many North American ovals and street circuits and that the primary challenge now is adaptation. He references the learning curve for the specific IndyCar chassis and the unfamiliar circuits.
“Many of the tracks in IndyCar I’ve never driven yet,” he said. “I’m still in the learning phase for the U.S. tracks and INDYCAR car, so I won’t get too radical yet but I’ll keep chasing the dream.”
Future plans without a clear timeline
While no specific date for a move has been set, Ohta remains eager to prove his readiness. He states that once he, the teams, and Honda feel he’s prepared, he will seize the opportunity.
“Every chance I have to chase, I have to chase,” Ohta said. “I’m still preparing. As soon as I feel ready, and the teams and Honda say so, I’ll definitely take a chance.”
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