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Super Formula Star Kaku Ohta Plans Bold IndyCar and IMSA Move in 2027
Highlights
- Kakunoshin Ohta leads Super Formula, eyes North American racing career.
- Ohta targets IndyCar and IMSA GTP drives for 2027 season.
- Strong ties with Honda Racing and Meyer Shank Racing aid transition.
- Contacted Dale Coyne Racing about an IndyCar seat for 2027.
- Completed 104 laps in Mid-Ohio IndyCar testing, October 2025.
- Considering mixed Japan-US schedule, balancing commitments and budgets.
Kakunoshin “Kaku” Ohta is positioning for a North American move in 2027, targeting IndyCar and IMSA’s GTP class while leading Japan’s Super Formula standings ahead of Suzuka’s finale.
The 27-year-old Honda factory driver frames the plan around alignment between Honda Racing Corporation in Japan and the United States, knowing manufacturer priorities will shape any program.
Seat availability and cost pressure make IndyCar entry difficult, yet Ohta retains it as the primary objective. He remains open to parallel sports car opportunities to accelerate his US acclimatization.
Ohta’s integration with Meyer Shank Racing since late 2024 has been instructive. He logged 104 laps in an IndyCar test at Mid-Ohio in October 2025 and scored a runner-up at The Glen in GTP.
He has sounded out opportunities, including contact with Dale Coyne Racing for a 2027 seat. Separate rumors suggest a potential Honda-backed IndyCar entry for 2028 that could broaden pathways.
Ohta completed 104 laps at Mid-Ohio with Meyer Shank Racing’s IndyCar test in October 2025.
With MSR’s Acura GTP effort concluded, Ohta is exploring IMSA GTP options, potentially including Heart of Racing’s Valkyrie program, while tracking the evolving IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship landscape for 2027.
The manufacturer picture is central. Ohta stresses Honda factory priorities across Super Formula and Super GT, weighing a mixed schedule to balance budgets, travel, and competitive mileage.
IndyCar remains Ohta’s primary target despite limited berths and high entry costs.
IndyCar’s commercial environment and sponsor alignment will influence available seats, a point underscored by moves like the recent Team Penske–Hitachi partnership extension.
IMSA’s GTP grid also remains fluid, with returning entrants such as TDS Racing’s IMSA return and early signals on 2027 GTP lineups creating timely opportunities for versatile drivers.
Ohta has contacted Dale Coyne Racing regarding an IndyCar opportunity for 2027.
Ohta’s near-term task is to convert strong domestic form into leverage abroad. A mixed Japan–US program would preserve Honda commitments while building track knowledge on American circuits.
If plans align, Ohta could feature across leading North American platforms next year, adding a high-upside Japanese talent to both IndyCar and IMSA’s competitive narratives.
Visual Summary
🏆 Leading Super Formula
🇺🇸 IndyCar
IMSA Ambitions
IMSA Ambitions
Kaku Ohta’s
Leap to America
Leap to America
104 IndyCar test laps 🛣️
Runner-up at Six Hours of The Glen
Runner-up at Six Hours of The Glen
What’s Next?
Ohta aims for a 2027 IndyCar seat; open to IMSA. Confirms talks with Dale Coyne Racing & Honda USA.
Rumors: Possible Honda-backed IndyCar entry (2028+).
Rumors: Possible Honda-backed IndyCar entry (2028+).
Cross-Continent Challenge
Balancing Honda’s 🇯🇵 commitments with the dream of North American racing.
Not just a move—a giant leap for Japan’s top talent.
Not just a move—a giant leap for Japan’s top talent.
If his American ambition comes true,
watch for Kaku Ohta to take center stage on both sides of the Pacific in 2027!
watch for Kaku Ohta to take center stage on both sides of the Pacific in 2027!
Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.
