Kaku Ohta

Player Information

Kakunoshin "Kaku" Ohta (太田格之進, Ōta Kakunoshin; born 16 June 1999) is a Japanese racing driver for Honda Motor Company who currently competes in Super GT for Astemo Real Racing and in Super Formula for docomo Team Dandelion Racing and the IMSA SportsCar Championship for Acura Meyer Shank Racing. Ohta made his single-seater racing debut in 2018 and has since developed a strong career with notable achievements in various racing series, showing remarkable talent and potential as a formidable competitor in motorsports.
Birthdate:
16 June 1999
Full Name:
Kakunoshin Ohta
Birthplace:
Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Nationality:
Japan
Gender:
Male
Career Started:
2018
Awards:
Super Taikyū - ST-Z (Win Year 2022)
Car Number:
17
Previous Teams:
Nakajima Racing (From 2023, To 2023)

Kakunoshin Ohta Bio

Kakunoshin Ohta is a Japanese professional racing driver born on June 16, 1999, in Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. He currently competes for Honda Motor Company in multiple top-tier racing series, including Super GT with Astemo Real Racing, Super Formula with docomo Team Dandelion Racing, and the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Acura Meyer Shank Racing. Since beginning his career in 2018, Ohta has demonstrated significant talent and growth across various motorsport disciplines.

Early Life and Background

Kakunoshin Ohta was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan. Details about his family background and early education are not publicly documented. He began his racing career in single-seater categories, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent in Japanese motorsports. His early exposure to competitive racing came through participation in the Japanese F4 Championship and other junior formula series.

Path to NASCAR

There is no verifiable information indicating that Kakunoshin Ohta has pursued a path toward NASCAR or related American stock car racing series. His career has primarily focused on formula and sports car racing within Japan and international endurance events.

Kakunoshin Ohta Career

Early Career (2018–2021)

Ohta made his single-seater debut in 2018, competing in a round of the Japanese F4 Championship with MYST. In 2019, he secured full-time participation in the Japanese F4 Championship backed by the Honda Formula Dream Project, achieving two wins and finishing sixth overall. That year, he also competed briefly in the French F4 Championship, earning a podium finish and consistent top-ten results. Despite losing manufacturer backing in 2020, Ohta returned to F4 and regained Honda support in 2021, concluding the season fifth in the standings.

Super Formula Lights Breakthrough (2022)

In 2022, Ohta advanced to Super Formula Lights with Toda Racing. He impressed by winning four races and securing twelve podiums, finishing second in the championship behind Kazuto Kotaka. This performance marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his readiness for higher competition levels.

Super GT and Super Formula Progression (2022–Present)

Ohta began his Super GT career in the GT300 class with Team UpGarage, earning two podiums and finishing eighth in the standings. In 2023, he was promoted to the GT500 class, initially racing for Modulo Nakajima Racing alongside Takuya Izawa. Later that year, he moved to Real Racing, partnering with Koudai Tsukakoshi. In Super Formula, Ohta joined docomo Team Dandelion Racing in 2023, where after a challenging start, he achieved his first podium and race victory in the season finale. He continued with the team in 2024, securing multiple strong finishes, including back-to-back wins at Suzuka, and ended the season fourth overall.

IMSA SportsCar Championship and Endurance Racing (2024–2025)

Ohta tested the Acura ARX-06 prototype in late 2024 and was announced to compete in three IMSA SportsCar Championship races in 2025 with Acura Meyer Shank Racing. His endurance racing schedule includes prestigious events such as the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, the Six Hours of the Glen, and the Battle of the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Driving Style and Strengths

Kakunoshin Ohta is known for his adaptability across different racing disciplines, excelling in both sprint and endurance formats. His qualifying pace improved notably in the latter part of the 2023 Super Formula season, demonstrating strong racecraft and strategic acumen. His partnership with experienced teammates and teams has further enhanced his performance consistency.

Notable Races and Milestones

Ohta’s first Super Formula victory in the 2023 season finale and consecutive wins at Suzuka in 2024 stand out as career milestones. His debut podium in Super GT and successful transition to the GT500 class also mark significant achievements in his racing portfolio.

Kakunoshin Ohta Career Wins

Throughout his career, Kakunoshin Ohta has accumulated multiple wins across junior formula and top-level Japanese racing series. His victories in Super Formula Lights, Japanese F4, and Super Formula highlight his progression and competitiveness in motorsports.

Super Formula Lights Highlights

Ohta secured four wins and twelve podiums during the 2022 Super Formula Lights season, finishing as the championship runner-up. This performance was pivotal in earning his promotion to the Super Formula Championship.

Super Formula Highlights

In Super Formula, Ohta claimed his first race win in the 2023 season finale and followed up with two victories at Suzuka in 2024. These results contributed to his fourth-place finish in the 2024 championship standings.

Super GT Highlights

Ohta earned his maiden Super GT podium in his debut season in the GT300 class and progressed to the GT500 class in 2023, competing with top teams and drivers in Japan’s premier sports car series.

Kakunoshin Ohta Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

There is no publicly available information regarding Kakunoshin Ohta’s family background or any racing lineage.

Personal Life

Details about Ohta’s personal life, including marital status and family, are not publicly disclosed.

2025 Season Performance

In 2025, Kakunoshin Ohta continues to compete in Super Formula with docomo Team Dandelion Racing and races in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Acura Meyer Shank Racing. His endurance racing program includes key events such as the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. Ohta’s ongoing development and experience in multiple series position him as a rising talent with potential for further success in international motorsports.