Japanese Driver Kaku Ohta Tests INDYCAR Car

Kakunoshin “Kaku” ohta was at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May to watch Takuma Sato lead 51 laps in this year’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. this inspired Japan’s rising star to work towards earning a spot in teh NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

“One day I really want to become an INDYCAR driver,” he said.

Ohta took a significant step toward that goal on October 1, testing with Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.He doesn’t know when he’ll get a chance in the series, but now he knows what driving the car feels like.

And it’s challenging, he said with a smile.

“I heard this car is very physical, especially the steering wheel – it’s really heavy,” he said. “I’ve been preparing for this… and I’m happy to say that my body is still working ultimately. So, I’m happy with that.”

Ohta, 26, is considered one of Japan’s best drivers and has wanted to test his skills against the world’s best. This is his first season racing in the U.S., and he made his North American debut with MSR in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, one of three endurance sports car races with the team.

Ohta also competed in the six-hour races at Watkins Glen International and Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the No.93 Acura ARX-06 alongside Renger van der Zande and nick Yelloly. He gained more experience racing with Indianapolis-based Era Motorsports in LMP2 at Sebring International Raceway and Road America.

Ohta is currently third in the Japanese Super Formula Championship standings with three race wins, two-thirds of the way through the season.This series is good readiness for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, where Alex Palou raced before getting an opportunity.