Yokohama increases its grip on the V8 Utes

As another motorsport year begins, Yokohama has stepped up its support of the NZV8 Utes. Radial Imports, the exclusive importer of Yokohama tyres into New Zealand, has a long standing relationship with the utes, and this year its continuing the relationship.

For each round of the NZV8 Utes Racing Championship, Radial Imports NZ is donating a set of Yokohama Advan AO48 tyres to one lucky racer. These are not only the control dry-weather tyre for the V8 utes – these high performance, DOT-rated tyres are also fitted as standard equipment to sports cars like the Lotus Elise and Exige.

Radial Imports’ general manager Sam Robinson is a familiar face In the V8 Ute pits. Sam is not only the tyre supplier. When the racing’s over and the engines cool down, the Yokohama BBQ heats up as Sam feeds the drivers and crews. And while the drivers may like burning rubber, Sam avoids burning, preferring to serve his steaks medium rare.

As Sam says, “Radial Imports are proud to support the V8 ute racing category. Hosting the BBQ is a fantastic opportunity for us to meet the drivers and get feedback directly from where the rubber meets the road.”

Globally Yokohama is deeply committed to motorsport, believing that motorsports are the ultimate test of performance, innovation and durability. Motor racing places much greater stress on a tyre, so development for motorsport leads to better-performing, longer lasting tyres for the everyday driver. Yokohama’s support internationally includes events like the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America by Yokohama. The company is a premier partner of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America. In Europe the company supports the FIA World Touring Car Series, endurance racing at Le Mans and much more.

Some would say fitting a street legal tyre to an 1800kg Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon ute is possibly the most relevant form of motorsport to the everyday motorist. With the season already well underway, you can see Yokohama tyres in action on the V8 utes on 15 -17 March and again 18 – 19th May, both events at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Waikato. If you can’t make it to the circuit, the March event screens live 9.30 – 5pm Sunday on Sky Sport.