TGR StaffAt Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the future of Japanese motorsport may have quietly taken a decisive turn. Kakunoshin “Kaku” Ohta, already a standout in Japan’s fiercely competitive Super Formula series, slipped into the cockpit of a Honda-powered Meyer Shank Racing DW12 Indy car and turned 104 laps that hinted at a new chapter in his career and for Meyer Shank Racing’s growing international reach.
Kaku Ohta: From Super Formula to Stateside Success
At just 25, Kaku Ohta has emerged as one of Japan’s brightest racing exports. Competing for docomo Team Dandelion Racing, he currently sits third in the Super Formula championship standings, just eight points adrift of the title. With three wins this season, more than any other driver in the series—Ohta has combined precision with poise, showing the kind of adaptability that defines elite talent.
Super Formula, often described as the “fastest open-wheel series outside of Formula 1,” has long been a proving ground for future IndyCar stars. Reigning four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou and current Meyer Shank driver Felix Rosenqvist both cut their teeth there before making their marks in America. For Ohta, the path seems to be following a similar trajectory, bolstered by his recent experience racing in the United States with the Acura Meyer Shank Racing IMSA program.
“My first INDYCAR test was not only about learning the car, but also about understanding the track, the tires, and the setups, which made it an incredibly valuable experience. I’m truly grateful to Mike and Meyer Shank Racing for giving me this amazing opportunity. It was a challenging day, but I’m very satisfied with many aspects and at the same time confident that I can do even better the next time I get behind the wheel. It would be fantastic to compete in this series in the future, and I truly hope it will become a reality,” said Kakunoshin Ohta.
Making His Mark with Meyer Shank Racing
Ohta joined the Meyer Shank Racing #93 Acura ARX-06 program for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, marking his first full season of competition on American soil. Despite being a rookie in a hypercompetitive GTP class, he’s delivered results that command attention, including a fifth-place finish alongside teammates Nick Yelloly, Renger van der Zande, and Alex Palou.
During the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks, Kaku Ohta was the fastest among all Acura ARX-06 drivers, underscoring not only his raw speed but his ability to quickly adapt to a new series, new car, and new continent. His progress has not gone unnoticed inside the paddock, where Meyer Shank Racing’s leadership has a history of nurturing cross-series talent.
A Team Built on Crossovers
Meyer Shank Racing’s DNA is built around versatility. Over the years, the Ohio-based outfit has blurred the line between IMSA and IndyCar, developing a reputation for giving drivers the freedom to explore both disciplines. The roster reads like a who’s who of modern motorsport: Justin Wilson, Katherine Legge, Helio Castroneves, and Tom Blomqvist have all crossed between sports cars and open-wheel machines under the MSR banner.
Ohta’s test at Mid-Ohio is the latest example of that philosophy in action. As a Honda-supported driver, the synergy between his IMSA campaign and Meyer Shank’s IndyCar program makes his test not only a reward for strong performance but also a possible preview of things to come.
The Test at Mid-Ohio
Mid-Ohio is a track that demands finesse. Its elevation changes and technical corners reward smooth inputs and disciplined braking, traits that align perfectly with Ohta’s calculated driving style. Over the course of 104 laps, he worked closely with the team to dial in the DW12, gaining valuable seat time while providing engineers with data that could shape future crossover efforts.
While official lap times haven’t been released, the team reported a successful and productive outing. For Ohta, it wasn’t just a test, it was an opportunity to connect two worlds: the precision of Japanese Super Formula and the unrelenting pace of IndyCar.
Looking Ahead
Ohta’s focus now shifts back to Japan, where the Super Formula championship will conclude at Fuji Speedway on October 11-12. But after his strong showing in IMSA and this successful IndyCar test, few would be surprised to see him return to the United States in a more permanent capacity.
For Meyer Shank Racing, Ohta represents more than just another talented driver. He embodies the team’s international ambitions, Honda’s global motorsport strategy, and the growing bridge between American and Japanese racing culture.
Whether his next race in the United States comes in a prototype or an open-wheeler, one thing is clear: Kakunoshin Ohta’s story is just getting started—and Mid-Ohio may have been the prologue to something much bigger.
