ACURA HAVE TAKEN COVERS OFF THE ARX-05 IMSA PROTOTYPE

Acura ARX-05 DPi Race Car

Acura have today taken the covers off the new ARX-05 Daytona Prototype International (DPi) that Team Penske will campaign in the IMSA series next year.

Based on the very successful ORECA 07 chassis, the new ARX-05 prototype showcases Acura-specific bodywork and design features, including Acura’s signature Jewel Eye™ headlights, and utilizes the race-proven AR35TT twin-turbocharged engine, based on the production 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the Acura MDX, RDX, TLX and RLX models.

“We’ve won with the Acura Integra Type R, the RSX, the first-generation NSX and with the Le Mans prototypes. Most recently, we’ve won with the new Acura NSX GT3. The ARX-05 is our fifth-generation prototype, and we expect great things from our partnership with Team Penske.” said Art St. Cyr, President of HPD and Acura Motorsports.

Acura ARX-05 DPi Race Car

Team Penske have also confirmed their first two drivers for the new IMSA program, with former F1 and Indycar driver Juan Pablo Montoya headlining the driver line up.

“I have really enjoyed working with Roger and Team Penske over the last four years,” said Montoya.

“When Roger asked if I’d like to be part of starting this new sports car operation with Acura, it was an easy decision. I’ve always loved racing sports cars. It’s definitely a challenge and it’s going to be a lot of fun to develop a new car with Acura. I’m excited to start the testing of the ARX-05 next week. Team Penske started its winning tradition in sports cars and it’s going to be cool to be a part of a new chapter with the team.”

Two time ISMA champion Dane Cameron, who currently races with Action Express Racing,  was also recruited to team up with Montoya.

“Getting a chance to race for Team Penske is like a dream come true for a driver,” said Cameron.

“To see all of the effort and resources that Acura Motorsports is putting into this new program to develop and win with the ARX-05, it’s really impressive. I’m so excited for the opportunity to become part of the team and work with a guy who has done all the things Juan has done. It’s going to be an awesome experience to add my name to the list of drivers that have driven for Team Penske. I’m looking forward to a busy off season and coming out of the gates strong at Daytona.”

Acura ARX-05 DPi Race Car

Roger Penske was happy with the progress on the new Acura, as well as locking in a well credentialed driver line up.

“We worked together with our partners at Acura Motorsports and Honda Performance Development (HPD) to bring together drivers that we believe will help develop our program and compete for race wins right out of the gate while also serving as great ambassadors for their brands,” said Penske.

“Having Juan and Dane join our program brings together two drivers that have extensive sports car racing experience in the prototype class and have already won at the top levels of the sport. This represents a great beginning to our program for 2018.”

The Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype International (DPi) will make its race debut at the Daytona 24 Hour in January.

For more of the latest in international motorsport news, pick up the current issue Auto Action Magazine, on sale now. In the meantime make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates between issues.