Acura Targets Another Pikes Peak Front Wheel Drive Record with Dai Yoshihara in 2026
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Acura Returns to Pikes Peak with a New Record Mission
Acura is once again aiming to make history at the 2026 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The Japanese luxury performance brand will field veteran racer Dai Yoshihara in an Acura Integra Type S DE5 Time Attack 1 race car as it targets the long standing front wheel drive course record.
The company already holds the record, but now it wants to improve its own benchmark on one of the world’s toughest hill climb events.
Why the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Is So Challenging
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is regarded as one of the most demanding motorsport events anywhere in the world.
Drivers compete on a 12.42 mile uphill course that climbs to an altitude of 14,115 feet while navigating 156 corners. The combination of thin air, unpredictable weather, and high speed mountain roads leaves almost no room for mistakes.
Winning or setting a record here requires more than raw power. Precision driving, reliable engineering, and perfect conditions all play an equally important role.
Acura's Long History at Pikes Peak
Acura has been competing at Pikes Peak for nearly two decades and has built a strong reputation at the event.
Its current front wheel drive record was set in 2018 when Nick Robinson drove an Acura TLX to a time of 10 minutes 48.094 seconds. Despite several attempts by different competitors over the years, changing weather and track conditions have prevented anyone from breaking that benchmark.
Now, Acura is making another serious attempt to lower the record.
Dai Yoshihara Leads Acura's 2026 Record Attempt
Formula Drift champion and experienced hill climb racer Dai Yoshihara will represent Acura during the 2026 event.
The official record attempt is scheduled for June 21, 2026, where Yoshihara will compete in the Time Attack 1 category behind the wheel of the specially prepared Acura Integra Type S DE5.
His experience in both drifting and mountain racing makes him one of the strongest candidates for another successful Acura performance at Pikes Peak.
Acura Integra Type S DE5 Race Car Specifications
The race car is based on the production Acura Integra Type S but receives extensive upgrades for competition.
Key highlights include:
- Modified turbocharged 2.0 litre four cylinder engine
- More than 360 horsepower
- Sequential six speed transmission with paddle shifters
- New high flow intake system
- Upgraded charge pipe
- Additional intercooler for improved cooling at high altitude
- Yokohama Advan A005 performance tyres for maximum grip on paved sections
The high altitude at Pikes Peak reduces engine performance because of thinner air. Acura has specifically upgraded the intake and cooling systems to help the engine maintain stronger performance throughout the climb.
Acura MDX Type S Selected as Official Pace Car
Acura will also play another important role during the event.
The official pace car for the 2026 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be the Acura MDX Type S, ensuring the brand leads the field before competition begins.
This adds another chapter to Acura’s long standing involvement with one of America’s most iconic motorsport events.
Olympian Kaysha Love to Drive the Pace Car
Acura has combined its Olympic partnership with its motorsport program by selecting Team USA bobsled pilot Kaysha Love to drive the official Acura MDX Type S pace car.
Love is already familiar with high speed competition, having competed at the highest level in bobsled racing. While steering a performance SUV up a mountain is very different from racing down an ice track, handling speed and precision under pressure remains a shared skill.
It will certainly be an interesting crossover between Olympic sport and motorsport.
Quick Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb |
| Record Target | Front-wheel-drive course record |
| Current Record Holder | Nick Robinson |
| Record Time | 10:48.094 |
| Record Set | 2018 |
| Driver for 2026 Attempt | Dai Yoshihara |
| Race Car | Acura Integra Type S DE5 TA1 |
| Engine | Modified turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder |
| Power Output | More than 360 horsepower |
| Official Pace Car | Acura MDX Type S |
| Pace Car Driver | Olympian Kaysha Love |
Final Thoughts
Acura enters the 2026 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with both confidence and experience. The company already owns the front wheel drive record, but Dai Yoshihara and the upgraded Integra Type S DE5 will be aiming to raise the bar even higher.
At the same time, the selection of Olympic bobsled pilot Kaysha Love as the official pace car driver brings a unique connection between elite athletic performance and high performance engineering.
If weather conditions cooperate, the 2026 edition could deliver another memorable chapter in Acura’s long history at Pikes Peak.
Sources & References
1. Acura Newsroom (Official)
Official Acura press releases, product announcements, motorsports news, and technical information directly from Acura.
2. Honda News Media Center (Official)
Official Honda and Acura media resource featuring vehicle specifications, racing updates, and corporate announcements.
3. Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (Official)
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Official Website
Official website for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with race history, records, schedules, and competitor information.
4. Acura Official Website
Official Acura consumer website with model information, specifications, and performance vehicle details.
5. Honda Racing Corporation USA (Official)
Official source for Honda and Acura motorsports programs, race cars, and performance engineering developments.
6. Car and Driver
One of North America’s most respected automotive publications covering industry news, reviews, and motorsports.
7. Road & Track
Trusted automotive magazine focusing on performance cars, racing, and technical analysis.
8. National Auto Sport Association (NASA)
Official motorsports organization providing racing education, competition information, and technical resources.
9. SRO Motorsports America
Official source for touring car and GT racing championships in North America, including DE5 race car competition.
10. Yokohama Tire Motorsports
Official information on Yokohama racing tires, including products used in professional motorsports and hill climb events.
