SCORE Journal

SCORE-Journal-April-2021

SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing

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Yokohama Tire Off-Road Tires Designed From Competition Story by Stuart Bourdon Photos courtesy Yokohama Tire “We race off-road for two reasons. First, to win. Second, to learn and to demonstrate,” says Fardad Niknam, Sr. Director of Product Planning and Marketing for Yokohama Tire. The company has some history in SCORE racing, most notably with racers such as Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and others who have contributed to the company’s success in the desert. “Yokohama Tire has been involved with SCORE Off-Road racing for well over 30 years,” says Niknam. “The Super Digger line of tires is likely familiar to many as is Yokohama’s relationship with legends of the sport like Ivan Stewart and Roger Mears. Baja stands for durability and going the distance, and there is no place on earth where a product must survive dirt, rock, mud, and high-speed all at once for a long period. For years, we have used SCORE Baja racing as a test track to develop our line of light truck products where durability and longevity are top customer expectations.” Development Driven Yokohama’s Geolandar line, the Geolandar X-AT, and Geolandar M/T are two tires Niknam says are testaments to this testing process and improvement in the rugged terrain provided in Baja. “Both tires were tested in Baja during development. We partnered with classes like Pro Truck, and drivers like Cameron Steele. What we learned from Baja racing went into our leading Geolandar X-AT and Geolandar M/T tires.” More recently, Yokohama introduced its newest off-road tire, the Geolandar M/TR, to motorsports racers and recreational enthusiasts looking for a tire that could stand up to the punishing terrain they would encounter daily. “The Geolandar M/TR is a result of working with tier one racers throughout its five years of development,” says Niknam. “Drivers such as Cameron Steele, Tim Herbst, Troy Herbst, and Justin Lofton are a few of the legends who put their fingerprints on its development and helped us bring an exceptional tire to off-road racing.” Up to Speed Currently, Yokohama has re-engaged in the desert, and SCORE International Off-Road racing remains a primary focus for the company. “This began with a product renaissance a few years ago and a development commitment to deliver winning products to capable teams,” said Niknam. “In 2020, COVID-19 did not allow us to race a complete schedule, but we were still able to bring home a couple of trophies. For the 2021 SCORE racing season, veteran racers Justin Lofton and Apdaly Lopez chose to run with Yokohama Geolandars for the full 2021 SCORE International Off-Road Racing season.” Partnering with proven winners this year like Lofton and Lopez in SCORE Trophy Truck, and Wayne and Kristen Matlock in the SCORE Pro UTV classes, Yokohama Tire will be moving forward to expand its presence in all classes. “Yokohama is in a strong position to reclaim its winning ways,” says Niknam. “We are ready to win and be the new tire of choice. Our tires are consistently tested in the Baja environment to assure our customers will receive the tire they deserve, and we are currently in the process of new development in the light truck segment that will be announced soon.” SJ

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