Acura ARX-06 GTP Program to Pause After Petit Le Mans

Acura's ARX-06 Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) racing program is set to conclude its current chapter following the 2026 Petit Le Mans. This challenging endurance race, held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, will mark the final competitive event for the ARX-06 before the program enters a temporary pause. The Petit Le Mans also serves as the highly anticipated season finale for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, adding extra significance to Acura's final outing.

The Final Race Effort

Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian is preparing to field two ARX-06 machines for the demanding 10-hour Petit Le Mans. Each of these high-performance cars will feature a three-driver lineup, bringing together a mix of experienced endurance racers and IndyCar talent. The #60 Acura ARX-06 will be piloted by Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, and the accomplished Scott Dixon, who is a two-time Petit Le Mans winner himself.

The sister #93 car will see full-season drivers Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly, who previously secured a victory at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach earlier this year, joined by reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou. Palou recently wrapped up his fifth Honda-powered NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, highlighting his exceptional skill. Adding a unique touch to the event, the #93 car will also feature a special "Thank You" livery, designed to commemorate Acura's decade of successful involvement in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

A Legacy at Road Atlanta

Acura and Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) boast a rich and successful history at the challenging Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, having accumulated an impressive 11 victories at the circuit over the years. This includes multiple triumphs during the 1990s-era IMSA series and American Le Mans Series events when operating under the former HPD banner. Acura's inaugural win at the track dates back to 1991, which initiated a remarkable three-year winning streak.

Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and HRC US have collectively secured three Petit Le Mans victories, demonstrating their prowess in endurance racing. Their first win came in 2016 aboard the Ligier JSP2 Honda, contributing to a 1-2 finish for Honda. MSR then achieved consecutive Petit Le Mans wins, first in 2022 with the Acura ARX-05, and again in 2023 with the hybrid-powered Acura ARX-06 GTP. The 2022 victory, driven by Tom Blomqvist, Oliver Jarvis, and Helio Castroneves, was particularly significant as it also secured a comprehensive sweep of the IMSA drivers', teams', and manufacturers' championships for Acura and MSR.

How to Watch the Event

For fans eager to follow the action, the 2026 Petit Le Mans will be broadcast live on NBC from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET on Saturday, October 3. Following this initial broadcast, comprehensive coverage will continue on NBCSN from 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM ET, ensuring viewers don't miss any of the critical moments. Additionally, flag-to-flag coverage of the entire race will be accessible on NBC Peacock for continuous streaming.

International viewers will have the option to stream the race live via IMSA's official YouTube channel. For those who prefer audio commentary, Radio Le Mans will provide live flag-to-flag coverage, which can be accessed through IMSA.com. Further updates, behind-the-scenes content, and video links will also be shared across Acura and HRC US social media platforms, including Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

The upcoming Petit Le Mans is poised to be a highly anticipated and significant event for Acura racing enthusiasts. It marks the temporary conclusion of the Acura ARX-06 GTP program, offering an opportunity to celebrate the team's substantial achievements and witness the final competitive outing for the ARX-06 car in its current form. This race will undoubtedly be a memorable moment in Acura's motorsports history.