Acura to develop LMDh prototype for 2023 IMSA WeatherTech season

Acura has confirmed it will enter the WeatherTech Championship with its own LMDh prototype in 2023.

It is the third manufacturer to commit to the programme after Audi and Porsche announced their intentions to develop a Le Mans Daytona prototype last year.

The new LMDh category will serve to replace the current DPi programme in the series though unlike Audi and Porsche, the short statement delivered by Acura made no mention of an entry into the World Endurance Championship alongside its IMSA programme.

“Acura Motorsports today confirmed it will continue to compete in the top category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2023 under the new Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) format.”

Acura secured last season’s IMSA team’s title with its Team Penske-affiliated ARX-05. It has taken nine race victories and championship sweep in 2019 since beginning its DPi programme back in 2018.

“All of us at IMSA are so excited about the response to the concept of LMDh and global convergence,” IMSA President John Doonan said of the announcement.

“Given the commitments already announced, and the number of auto manufacturers that continue to study LMDh as a marketing and technology platform, there is a tremendous amount of momentum for the future of our sport. Our loyal fans worldwide are in for a real treat.

“Acura has an outstanding record of success in prototype racing, which I experienced as a race fan from a young age and as a competitor in recent years. On behalf of IMSA, I am proud to continue working with Acura as we work collectively to continue building our sport.”

Acura will kick off its 2021 season with the 24 Hours of Daytona this weekend with Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing.