Yokohama HPT adds two motorsport dealers to UK network

The UK distributor for Yokohama tyres, Yokohama HPT, has announced the addition of two more motorsport dealers to its network, dealing in both circuit tyres and the latest addition to its rally range, the A053. The new tyre has been used to great effect already by Tristan Pye and is now available in Northern Ireland from TMG Distribution and in the Republic of Ireland, from Murray Motorsport.

Yokohama HPT’s head of Motorsport Mark Evans said: “I am delighted that Tristan is already demonstrating the abilities of the new gravel tyre. The tyre itself was developed throughout last year in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, which Yokohama is an official tyre partner to and we felt sure that it would work well in British rallying.

“I’m also very pleased to welcome TMG Distribution and Murray Motorsport to the official Yokohama HPT dealer network. Both are incredibly experienced and respected in the motorsport world and are perfect partners to service customers in Northern Ireland and the Republic.”

Long-time Yokohama runner Pye has enjoyed considerable success in the past with the brand and is already reaping the benefits of the new A053. His first event in 2011, the Malcolm Wilson Stages, saw him leading Group N on the event before going off the road and hitting a pile of logs by the side of the track. Such was his speed that he instantly dislodged the tyre from the wheel rim but the strength of the new gravel rally tyre meant than once it was re-inflated, it was used again, Yokohama says.

He followed this up by winning his following event, the Tour of Hamsterley rally outright. Commenting, Pye said: “I’ve found the new tyre to be very good. It seems to work across a much broader range of conditions than the previous version. For example, the old 195 tyre would start to overheat on longer stages but the A053 remains stable and delivers really good grip.

“It’s also much tougher than the previous tyre. After I crashed on the Malcolm Wilson Stages – too fast into the corner – I blew the tyre that I hit the log pile with up and it worked fine afterwards. I can’t fault this new tyre on anything – it’s really good.”

The new A053 can be ordered through the existing Yokohama HPT dealer network and now, its two new dealers covering north and southern Ireland.

In the Republic of Ireland, all motorsport tyres, including the new rally range, can be ordered through Murray Motorsport. Proprietor Eoin Murray is no stranger to the Yokohama brand; he races in the SEAT Super Copa in several locations, including Spain, where Yokohama slicks and wets are used as control tyres.

“We are very familiar with Yokohama tyres,” Murray said, “through my own racing as well as our involvement in rallycross. However, in the past, it has been difficult to get tyres in the south. Now, the full range of Yokohama motorsport tyres can be ordered through ourselves and we’re very excited about that. We tend to concentrate on premium brands which have good support and reputation. I am delighted to add Yokohama motorsport tyres to our range, as they are a quality product and people know that.”

While Murray Motorsport will cover the Republic of Ireland from its base in Dublin, Northern Ireland will be looked after by TMG Distribution, in County Tyrone. Once again, TMG is no stranger to Yokohama, having bought and used the Japanese brand since it arrived in the UK, almost 30 years ago. Commenting, TMG’s Derek Lipsett said: “We’ve been using Yokohama tyres for sprints and hillclimbs for years and they’re very good tyres. We get repeat orders from our customers, so that tells us a lot. If the new tyre is anywhere near as good as the previous A017, then we’re onto a winner.”