Porsche LMDh factory director Urs Kuratle believes Acura’s departure from IMSA only hurts the sport and is concerned it may have kickstarted a similar move by other manufacturers.
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) announced nearly two weeks ago it will pause its factory effort in the top flight Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class – which it currently runs in partnership with Meyer Shank Racing – at the end of the 2026 season, as part of a more shifted focus to IndyCar.
Kuratle previously stated one of the factors for Porsche Motorsport to stay involved in IMSA is the ability to compete against major brands. And he shared how Acura’s decision affects the perception of that impact.
“No, I mean, it still stands that we like to compete against big brands,” Kuratle told Motorsport.com.
“The more, the better. Unfortunately, Acura decided to leave the championship. I think this is very bad for everybody. It’s always sad to see somebody leaving.
“Less competition is not what we are looking for, definitely. But it’s still the case that we are evaluating carefully all the time, permanently, we are evaluating what’s best for the brand and best for us to compete in which championships. This is the process we are still in.
“It’s sad to see Acura leaving, but it’s not changing anything in our thinking, in our way of doing things.”
Urs Kuratle, Head of LMDH Porsche Motorsport, Roger Penske, Team Penske
Photo by: Andreas Beil
Kuratle went on to also share his concern that Acura’s pause, which could become a permanent departure, could become a signal of things to come with other manufacturers.
“I am worried that it is a trend which is coming,” Kuratle said. “That is a trend that people are… I am asking the question, is it a trend that people are leaving already just to see because it’s too expensive? I hope it’s not a trend. But it worries me because every time people are leaving the championship it’s bad because of the competition.
“We touched on this one already. Yeah, it seems they are concentrating on other series, on other championships which is their decision to make.
“But I am really worried that there are less people here because it makes it less interesting for everyone.”
The partnership between Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske, which is aptly recognized as Porsche Penske Motorsport in sports car racing, currently runs through the end 2027. Although there was some thought the group could prematurely end its involvement in IMSA similar to what it did in the FIA World Endurance Championship, Kuratle stated the intention to see the agreement through its full length.
“We are all on contracts and we definitely hold all the contracts,” he said. “What’s beyond this is basically the same answer as before. We have to see what’s best for the brand. But we definitely stay and stick with whatever has been agreed beforehand.”
But that also doesn’t mean Porsche isn’t willing to continue beyond 2027, and instead could put a similar pause on the program and restart it with the much-anticipated 2030 technical regulations that could unify GTP and Hypercar programs.
“At the moment, everything is possible,” Kuratle said. “Every scenario you could think of is possible that we do it. It’s actually definitely way too early to talk about these things.
“We don’t know internally yet. Once again, it’s the same answer. We have to evaluate what’s best for the brand. As I said, everything is possible.”
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