Acura's Reborn DA Integra Race Car Explained

Daily Car

·

30/03/2026

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What is this newly built Acura race car?

Acura's performance division, Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC), has constructed a tribute race car based on the 1980s DA-generation Integra. This is not a restoration of an old vehicle, but a brand-new build created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original car and its racing success. It replicates the machine that established Acura's performance credentials in American motorsports.

Why is this specific Integra model significant for Acura?

The DA Integra holds a critical place in Acura's history. In 1987, just one year after the Acura brand was launched, a race-prepared Integra entered the IMSA International Sedan Series. Driven by Parker Johnstone for the Comptech USA team, the car won both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships in its debut season. This immediate success cemented Acura's identity as a performance-focused brand from its inception.

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What are the technical details of this tribute car?

The build combines original components with modern racing technology. The chassis retains the original dashboard and manual window cranks, but the interior is stripped for competition. A custom half roll cage is installed for safety while allowing the original dash to fit. Modern safety equipment includes OMP racing seats with FIA certification and OMP six-point harnesses. The original door panels have been replaced with flat ABS sheets, and fabric pull straps are used to close the doors, a common feature in race cars.

How does this historic car relate to the new Acura Integra?

The tribute to the original DA race car highlights a continuous line of performance. The return of the Integra nameplate to the market enabled Acura to re-enter the car in modern motorsports. The current-generation Integra Type S now competes and has secured victories in the TC America racing series. This project connects the brand's foundational racing heritage with its current activities, reinforcing the performance DNA present in the Integra models sold today.

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