Losing a wheel on the final lap is a catastrophe, but this racer didn't let it get them down.
Racing is an unforgiving sport. You're side to side with your rivals, giving it your all as you and your metal steed blast around a track for honors. It's a high-stakes game; one mistake or mechanical malady can put you out of the race. A detached wheel would force most people to give up, but one competitor in a race at the Circuit of the Americas wouldn't let that get them down.
On the final lap of the event, James Houghton's Acura TSX (a predecessor to the TLX) suffered a setback when the hub assembly broke, sending one of the rear wheels rolling away on the racetrack. Battered but not broken, the sports sedan limps toward the finish line but can't fend off its four-wheeled foes, with several racers passing by Houghton.
Michael Hilo in the red #224 Nissan 350Z can be seen passing the ailing Acura before the final corner, but the determined Houghton would not allow this to happen. With his only advantage being the inside line, the #41 Acura driver gives it his all and, miraculously, pips the 350Z to the post by mere inches.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Houghton finished the race in 13th position, which is impressive considering the field comprised 32 entries. We're guessing the Acura will need more than a few repairs, but we've got to admire its owner's grit and determination to finish the race strong.
Thankfully, the rogue wheel bounced off the track and out of harm's way. If it met with a fellow racer at high speed, this could have been a lot worse.
The TSX may be long gone, but the premium sports sedan is a great secondhand buy for enthusiasts on a budget. As we've seen, with a few mods and dedicated race paraphernalia, it can even outwit a purpose-built sports car like the 350Z.
Houghton shared images of his three-wheeled exploits on his Instagram page, commenting, “I don't recommend racing on [three] wheels, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do when you see the white flag.” Luckily for Houghton, the TSX is a front-wheel drive vehicle, which allowed it to put its power down and steer, despite missing a rear wheel.
This isn't the first time we've seen a wheel fall off a car in a motorsport setting. A few years ago, a 1,000-horsepower Toyota Celica dragster suffered a similar fate. Thankfully, the rear wheel didn't set itself free at high speeds, which would have been catastrophic.
Keyword: WATCH: Acura TSX Performs Incredible Pass At The Finish Line While Driving On Three Wheels