HRC US Rules Out 2027 IMSA Customer Acuras, Explores Asian Le Mans Path
Salters blames rising “Evo” update costs, tying any return to unified 2030 rules without jokers.
Overview
- HRC US, which briefed media Friday at Laguna Seca, said there is “zero” chance a customer-run Acura ARX-06 will race in IMSA in 2027.
- David Salters also ruled out a privateer World Endurance Championship program for next year.
- The company is speaking with teams about an Asian Le Mans Series entry that would go ahead only if a customer fully funds it.
- Salters said frequent “Evo” jokers—factory performance upgrade allowances—have turned development into an arms race that can take about 25% of a program’s budget.
- HRC US remains in 2030 rules meetings and says a comeback would require converged regulations and the removal of Evo jokers to restore cost control.