SEBRING, FL, March 17, 2024 – In a breathtaking display of speed and strategy, Acura secured its first-ever overall victory at the historic Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, courtesy of a dramatic final-hour charge led by Louis Delétraz. Delétraz, alongside co-drivers Jordan Taylor and Colton Herta, propelled the #40 Acura ARX-06 prototype across the finish line, marking a significant milestone for the Acura brand with its second 12-Hour victory under the High-Performance Racing Corporation (HRC US) banner.
The triumphant trio began the race in third position but managed to lead for 18 critical laps, including a pivotal moment during the last four laps. A daring maneuver through GT traffic enabled them to overtake and clinch victory, showcasing the impeccable timing and skill of the team. Delétraz not only led the team to victory but also clocked the fastest lap in the IMSA GTP class, a testament to the speed and reliability of the Acura prototype.
This victory places Acura at the forefront of the early-season standings, tying for the lead in the IMSA GTP Manufacturers’ Championship. Delétraz, Taylor, and Herta now share the top spot in the drivers’ title chase, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Meanwhile, the sister #10 Acura ARX-06, manned by Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, and Brendon Hartley, showcased strong performance throughout the race, leading for 55 laps before a minor setback. Despite a brief issue that saw the car lose a lap, the team’s quick response ensured they finished fifth overall, further highlighting Acura’s competitive edge in endurance racing.
In the GTD class, the #66 Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22 faced adversity but displayed commendable performance until an unfortunate incident in the ninth hour. Contact with another car forced the Acura into the Turn 17 wall, prematurely ending their race but not before demonstrating the team’s potential and resilience.
The victorious #40 team, along with all of Acura’s participating crews, exemplified the spirit of endurance racing, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to achieve glory. The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring has once again proven to be a test of determination, strategy, and teamwork, with Acura emerging as a formidable force in the fiercely competitive IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
As the championship now shifts west to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 19-20, Acura’s historic win at Sebring has set a high bar for the season, promising more thrilling races and showcasing the prowess of HRC US in the global motorsport arena.
