Acura Integra Enters Pikes Peak For The First Time

Last year, we reported that Acura took a TLX Type S to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but this particular car didn't participate in competition. Rather, it wasused as a pace carwhile other Acuras (including another two TLX Type S sedans, one of which finished on the podium) took on the hill's stopwatch and a privateer entered an NSX. The NSX performed well, but its achievements wereultimately overshadowed by those of a Tesla Model S Plaidthat went up the hill quicker.

This year, Acura is returning with a vengeance, bringing with it five race cars, each of which will be driven and crewed by engineers from Acura's R&D division. In addition, Acura once again has the honor of providing the pace car, only this time, the limited-editionNSX Type Swill be used, with Renee Brinkerhoff behind the wheel.

Excitingly, the all-newAcura Integrawill be there too, making its motorsport debut on June 26 at the 100th outing of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The car will be driven by Pikes Peak rookie Paul Hubers in the Exhibition division and the Integra will be wrapped in a red, gray, and white livery that pays homage to Acura's first-ever race car, the first-generation Integra that won back-to-back IMSA Championships in 1987 and 1988.

This will be the brand's 12th consecutive year competing at the iconic course, and Acura will be looking to add to its impressive tally of 25 podiums, 12 first-place finishes, and multiple course records.