Honda Racing Corp. has built a replica of the 1986 Acura Integra DA race car to honor the 40th anniversary of the Acura brand’s motorsports beginnings. This tribute model, constructed by HRC, combines authentic and custom features, such as the original steering wheel, a half cage to protect the vintage dashboard, and no built-in radio—just as the original lacked. The doors now include cutouts for handles and manual window cranks, while the interior secures with a red strap, replicating a true race car setup.
The modern version replaces the original front seats with OMP Racing RT FIA seats mounted on Pro Car Industries fixed bases, paired with OMP Endurance six-point harnesses. These design choices prioritize performance over passenger comfort. The DA Integra’s return isn’t merely sentimental; it commemorates a championship-winning period. Just one year after Acura’s 1986 launch, Comptech USA entered a new Integra in the IMSA Sedan Series, where driver Parker Johnstone claimed the 1987 drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles. The team added three more championships before shifting to an NSX-powered prototype in the early 1990s.
The Integra’s racing history extended beyond IMSA. Acura competed in the SCCA Touring Car class and later the SCCA World Challenge from 2001 to 2006 using the DC5 RSX. The modern Integra returned to competition in 2023 under the TC America series and secured its first race win in 2024 at Virginia International Raceway. For the 2026 season, Acura will field three Integra Type S race cars across two teams, now unified in the consolidated TC class.
Read Also: Tesla’s Roadster Thruster Plan Sparks Safety, Performance Debate
While the Integra won’t race in IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR, Acura remains active in endurance racing with the ARX-06 GTP prototype, campaigned by Meyer Shank Racing. The brand ended its NSX GT3 support in 2024, focusing exclusively on the ARX-06. Meanwhile, HRC supports Honda Civic Type R TCRs in TCR competition.
The anniversary tribute car will be displayed at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach from April 17 to 19, alongside the ARX-06 in action. Though the modern Integra won’t compete at the event, its display highlights Acura’s deep motorsports roots, a tradition dating back to its first victory in 1987. The recreation honors history while showing how the Integra’s competitive legacy has developed over the years.
