Acura #93 Secures Second Place at Watkins Glen Endurance Race

The Acura Meyer Shank Racing #93 team achieved a second-place finish at the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen on June 29, 2026. This performance by drivers Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly, and Kaku Ohta aboard their Acura ARX-06 propelled the team into second place in the IMSA teams' championship standings. The strong Acura Watkins Glen result also marked Kaku Ohta's first career IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship podium.

Race Performance and Podium Finish

The #93 Acura ARX-06 started the endurance race in fourth position. Renger van der Zande quickly moved into third place at the start, maintaining a competitive pace through his opening stint. A strategic pit stop during a caution period allowed the team to advance to second place.

Kaku Ohta took over driving duties under caution, continuing in second place as the race resumed. The Japanese driver completed a double stint, securing second-place Michelin Endurance Cup points at the halfway mark and recording the team's fastest race lap at 1:35.327. Nick Yelloly then entered the car for the final segment, leading 16 laps before ultimately finishing in second position due to strategic considerations during the final pit stop.

Incidents and Challenges

The Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen was characterized by numerous interruptions, with nine caution periods occurring throughout the event. Nearly one-fifth of the field was forced to retire due to incidents, highlighting the demanding nature of the race at Watkins Glen International.

Among the teams affected was the sister #60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing ARX-06. Drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun had shown strong early pace, with Blomqvist running in second position. However, during a caution period, the #60 car was involved in an incident when another prototype collided with it from behind, forcing its early retirement from the race within the first hour.

Championship Implications and Next Steps

The second-place Acura Watkins Glen result significantly impacts the championship standings. The #93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing team now holds second place in the IMSA teams' championship, while drivers Nick Yelloly and Renger van der Zande have moved into third in the drivers' championship.

This strong finish helps maintain Acura's position in the manufacturers' championship battle. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP class will continue its endurance season with the SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix at Road America, scheduled for August 2nd.

For Acura and its racing partners, the second-place finish at Watkins Glen represents a valuable points haul and a boost in championship contention. The team will aim to carry this momentum forward to the upcoming endurance challenge at Road America.