Factory Honda driver Kaku Ohta will make his long-awaited debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after securing a late deal to join Proton Competition’s LMP2 programme for next month’s endurance classic.
The Japanese star will race Proton’s #9 Oreca 07 Gibson alongside Jonas Ried and Harry King during the iconic French event on June 13-14. The entry forms part of an expanded collaboration between Proton Competition and Seven x Seven Racing, whose branding will feature prominently on the car’s striking fluorescent yellow Le Mans livery.
For Ohta, the opportunity marks another important milestone in a rapidly growing international sports car career that already includes appearances in IMSA competition and factory outings with Acura.
Seven x Seven Racing connection opens the door for Le Mans outing
Ohta revealed that the Le Mans opportunity materialised after discussions with Seven x Seven Racing owner and driver Hiroyuki Ogawa, better known in the paddock as ‘Bankcy’. The pair became acquainted while competing against each other in Japan’s Super Taikyu series last season before conversations intensified following the recent SUPER GT round at Fuji Speedway.
“I was contacted by ‘Bankcy’, the boss of Seven x Seven Racing,” Ohta said. “We knew each other from racing together in Super Taikyu, although we were not super close.
“We started discussing Le Mans after the Fuji SUPER GT round [in early May], but I still had to ask all my partners, particularly Honda, for their blessing. In the end, I am really happy that they said, ‘yes, you should try it’.”
The agreement required approval from Honda and Ohta’s wider group of partners, but the support ultimately arrived, allowing the 25-year-old to accept the prestigious invitation.
Previous LMP2 experience builds confidence
Although Le Mans will mark Ohta’s first appearance in the famous 24-hour race, he already possesses valuable experience in LMP2 machinery. Last year, he contested two IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship rounds with Era Motorsport while balancing his commitments with Acura Meyer Shank Racing in the GTP category. Those outings helped strengthen confidence within the Proton and Seven x Seven Racing camp regarding his adaptability and pace.
“I have done LMP2 races last year, so the team trusts my performance, and they are also aware of my performance in Super Taikyu as well,” Ohta explained. “I hope I can show a good performance at Le Mans, but first I’m just very grateful to have this relationship and I can’t wait to work with them.”
His growing reputation in endurance racing has complemented an already impressive career in Japan, where he continues competing in both SUPER GT and Super Formula.
2026 Le Mans opportunity could shape future Honda plans for Ohta
Beyond the excitement surrounding his Le Mans debut, Ohta also sees the race as a valuable opportunity to strengthen his long-term prospects within Honda’s international endurance racing ambitions.
The Japanese manufacturer will suspend its IMSA GTP programme at the end of the current season, bringing uncertainty to several factory driver futures. Nevertheless, Ohta hopes his Le Mans appearance can position him strongly should Honda eventually return to top-level prototype competition.
“I hope that taking on this challenge will help my future within the Honda program,” added Ohta. “It’s a shame they decided to end the IMSA GTP program at the end of this year, but I hope they will be back in the near future. When they come back, then potentially I will be one of the main candidates for the driver lineup. That’s another reason I really wanted to do it.”
Before heading to Le Mans, Ohta will still complete one final outing aboard the #93 Acura ARX-06 during June’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.
Fuji 24 Hours sacrifice highlights commitment
Securing the Le Mans opportunity has also forced Ohta to make a difficult compromise in his domestic racing schedule. The Le Mans test programme clashes with the Fuji 24 Hours, where he had originally planned to compete with Craft-Bamboo Racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. As a result, he will miss the Japanese endurance race to focus entirely on preparations in France.
“I will miss the Fuji 24 Hours, as I will stay in France from the very beginning of June, so I have to thank Craft-Bamboo Racing for their their understanding,” he said.
Important step on the international stage
Ohta’s late addition to the Proton Competition lineup adds another intriguing storyline to this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. With growing prototype experience and strong backing from Honda, the Japanese driver arrives eager to prove himself on endurance racing’s biggest stage.
Meanwhile, the strengthened partnership between Proton Competition and Seven x Seven Racing further highlights the increasing international collaboration shaping modern sports car racing.
For Ohta, however, the focus remains firmly on maximising a rare opportunity that could influence the next stage of his career.
