Yokohama Supports ‘Chip-Fat’ Dakar Entry

Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that it will support a bio-diesel powered Dakar Rally 2008 entry. But, unlike most motorsports vehicles, this car will be powered by bio-diesel fuel refined from used tempura (deep fry) oil. The project called the OSU Dakar Rally Project was launched in June last year mainly by Osaka Sangyo University to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection through motor sports. Ukyo Katayama, renowned racing driver and former Formula One driver, will pilot the vehicle. Yokohama Rubber will supply Geolander A/T-S tyres with Dakar Rally 2008 specifications. According to the company, this tyre offers improved durability and running performance improved through the use of a new material called “Orange Oil”. The car will be a Toyota Land Cruier 100.