Honda Civic Type R TCR Secures Victory at Mid-Ohio Race

The #93 MMG Honda Civic Type R TCR team claimed victory at the O'Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours of Mid-Ohio endurance race this past weekend. Drivers Dai Yoshihara, LP Montour, and Karl Wittmer overcame a mid-race penalty to secure the win with a decisive last-lap pass. This result significantly impacts Honda's position in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) TCR class manufacturers' championship.

Race Overview and MMG's Triumph

The four-hour endurance event saw intense competition at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The #93 MMG Honda Civic Type R TCR, despite facing a penalty that dropped them to the back of the TCR field, mounted a strong comeback. Karl Wittmer executed a critical last-lap maneuver, leading only the final lap of the race to cross the finish line first.

LP Montour noted the team's clean driving throughout the event, while Dai Yoshihara emphasized a patient strategy in his opening stint to preserve the car. Wittmer expressed his satisfaction with the win, particularly for Honda at their home track, highlighting the team's effort in challenging conditions. This marks the team's first four-hour race victory.

Other Honda Teams' Performances

Other Honda Civic Type R TCR entries also showed strong performances, though not all finished on the podium. The #5 KMW Motorsports with TMR Engineering Honda Civic Type R TCR, driven by Rocco Pasquarella and Tim Lewis, started from pole position after Pasquarella set a new TCR track record in qualifying. They led a race-high 75 laps before an alternator issue with 30 minutes remaining relegated them to an 11th-place finish.

The HART team, comprising Honda automotive employees, also competed in their home event. Drivers Chad Gilsinger, Tyler Chambers, and Cameron Lawrence cycled through the lead and were on track for a top-five finish. However, a cut tire late in the race impacted their result, and they ultimately finished seventh. The #72 Pegram Racing Civic, with drivers Riley Pegram, Larry Pegram, and IMSA GTD champion Mario Farnbacher, was unable to complete the race due to an air jack failure.

Championship Standings and Future Races

The victory at Mid-Ohio has propelled Honda into second place in the manufacturers' championship standings for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR class. This result highlights the competitive nature of the series and Honda's consistent presence at the front of the field, reinforcing the Honda Civic racing victory.

The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season continues with Honda returning to Watkins Glen International on June 27th for the LP Building Solutions 120 at The Glen. Honda previously secured a TCR victory at this track in 2025, setting the stage for another competitive outing.

The Mid-Ohio race proved to be a challenging yet rewarding event for Honda's racing efforts. The #93 MMG team's strategic victory, alongside the competitive showings of other Honda entries, highlights the brand's continued presence in motorsport and its pursuit of the IMPC TCR manufacturers' title.