Nearly two decades after being retired from racing, a 1997 Acura Integra Type R was reacquired by the Real Time Racing team and put back onto the track. This past week, Acura released a video about the car’s return.
That return took place this year at Road America, where the car finished fourth in a field of 60 cars, several of them racing in a faster class.
“Acura highlights the story of the restored Real Time Racing #42 Integra Type R returning to the track with Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame inductee Peter Cunningham behind the wheel,” the automaker said.
“The video showcases the Integra Type R’s original run in near-stock form; its dominant performance in the Speed Touring Car championship, and its return to racing glory.”
“It was our first race back out with the Acura Integra Type R, and it was like we never skipped a beat.” Cunningham is quoted in the news release.
The 1997 Integra Type R came with a B18C5 engine that featured a hand-ported head, thinner valves and unique valve springs, stronger connecting rods and other upgrades, including an 8,400-rpm redline.
Meanwhile, the car’s body was strengthened with extra welds, a strut bar and upgraded brakes and suspension components.
In the last couple of years, Integra Type R models have become sought after by car collectors. One recently sold at auction for $82,000.
“The factory car was so good out of the box that racing modifications for the track were limited to race-spec springs and shocks, mandatory safety equipment, such as a roll cage, and a stripped-out interior,” Acura added. “Even the transmission was unmodified from stock.”
Cunningham’s team took the car to 23 race victories and five driver’s championships from 1997-2002.
“I believe it’s still one of the best performing front-wheel drive cars ever built,” Cunningham said.
