Acura Aims to Break FWD Record at 2025 Pikes Peak with High-Performance Integra Type S DE5 Race Car.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is set to witness a high-stakes challenge this year, as Acura, in partnership with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), gears up to break the front-wheel-drive record with its Integra Type S DE5 race car. Driven by seasoned IMSA racer Katherine Legge, this attempt marks Acura’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries in one of the most demanding motorsport events globally.
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Aiming for the Record
Katherine Legge, known for her prowess in IndyCar and IMSA racing, will be piloting the Integra Type S DE5 in the Time Attack 1 (TA1) division. Her previous attempt in 2024 clocked in at 10:51.359, placing her within striking distance—just three seconds away—from the current front-wheel-drive record of 10:48.094, which was set in 2018 by Acura engineer and Pikes Peak veteran Nick Robinson in a 500-hp TLX sedan. With another year of experience under her belt, Legge and Acura are confident in their ability to shave off those crucial seconds.
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The Challenge of Pikes Peak
Often overshadowed by events like Le Mans or the Indianapolis 500, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is renowned for its extreme conditions. With nearly 5000 feet of elevation gain and hairpin turns lined by sheer drop-offs, drivers push their machines to the limit over a grueling 12.42-mile course. The final stretch ends at a breathtaking 14,115 feet above sea level, demanding peak performance from both car and driver.
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Acura’s Presence Beyond Racing
Acura is making an even bigger splash at Pikes Peak this year by also supplying the official pace car: the Integra Type S HRC Prototype. Introduced at Monterey Car Week in 2024, this prototype showcases upcoming HRC performance parts designed for enthusiasts looking to extract maximum performance from their vehicles. It will be driven by U.S. Olympic bronze-medalist speed skater Rusty Smith, a longtime Acura and Honda enthusiast.
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Event Details
The 103rd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb starts on Sunday, June 22. The first run begins at 7:30 a.m. MDT. Fans of Acura and motorsport will watch eagerly to see if Legge can set a new record. They also want to see if the Integra will earn a special place in racing history.
